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For every child, water

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations.

The UNICEF Pacific Multi Country office covers 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) with programme on Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Education, Social protection and WASH. 14 Pacific Islands countries and territories comprises Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Some programmes and countries have substantial components on construction supplies and contracts while others have emergent or more targeted supports to infrastructure repair/rehabilitation, solarization, climate resilient infrastructure, etc.

How can you make a difference?

The Construction Specialist reports to the Deputy Representative programme with daily operational oversight from Chief of WASH and Chief of Education programme. The construction specialist is responsible for the technical leadership on infrastructure and construction areas of work, and coordination of the construction activities of Pacific Multi country offices. The management of construction projects includes planning, support to procurement, as well as monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Programme/ Operations on preparation of construction work plan, preparation of design and technical document, support to procurement process, monitoring and reporting on construction projects. The incumbent is expected to have or build familiarity with the broader context for social service infrastructure work, including relevant modalities, partners, standards and practices in the Pacific.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities: 

1. Preparation of construction annual workplan;

• Contribute in the development of the annual work plan for the construction activities; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.
• Coordination of Construction human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to project’s needs.
• Supervise construction staff; conduct weekly unit meetings; ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. In collaboration with the Construction Unit in Supply Division and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized in order to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.

2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programme and coordination with Government counterparts, implementing partners and contractors;

• Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme/ Operations sections and Government counterparts/implementing partners; contribute with Programme sections in developing child-friendly community infrastructure development program proposals; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to include them in their AWP.
• Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
• In collaboration with the Government counterparts/implementing, develop and produce innovative cost-effective construction designs using local construction materials; compile and update list of best practices in construction and building design.
• Attend steering and technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects' progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects' progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; draft relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.

3. Preparation of design and technical documents;

• Prepare the scope of construction works based on Programme/ Operations requirements, budget and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
• Apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; verify if compliance with green building standards is required in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Check technical documents related to construction (design drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities); verify whether they are clear, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; undertake the actions required to endorse these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works.
• Provide guidance/recommendations on climate resilient infrastructure to ensure programme sustainability and support programmatic decision-making and implementation in line with local conditions and UNICEF policy and procedures.

4. Support to procurement process;

• Provide technical support to Supply section with preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Conduct surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; prepare answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders' conference and site visits; conduct the evaluation of technical proposals received and prepare the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Monitoring of construction projects;

• Conduct the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide close monitoring and supervision of works on construction activities by undertaking/coordinating regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; follow up progress for each activity per milestones and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; verify quality and precautions on health and safety standards on ground.
• Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easily assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project; apply multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance; use documented hold and inspection points, where applicable.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Participate in the partial, substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report and lessons learned for submission to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.
• Operation and Maintenance support and training as required.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

• An advanced university degree is required in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area, or relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in conjunction with a valid relevant professional certification is required.
• A first level university degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant technical field (as identified above), in conjunction with additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be taken in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required.
• Experience of managing multiple construction projects in remote and low capacity setting
• Work experience in Pacific/Small Island Developing states with unique operating environment/ maritime logistics is desirable.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work. 
• Emergency experience an advantage.

Skills

• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure;
• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment;
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources;
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on construction projects;
• Ability to work strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions;
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders; 
• Ability to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions and make conclusions and recommendations to resolve them; 
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes;
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry;
• Strong understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes;
• Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programme, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects.
• Strong knowledge on climate resilient infrastructure and standards including innovations to support programming

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People, and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are...

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Remarks:

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

With regard to higher educational qualifications, UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/”

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment without compensation if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained or necessary inoculation requirements are not met within a reasonable period for any reasons.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, are encouraged to apply to become a part of the organization.

Internal and external candidates are invited to apply. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.