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In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with government, civil society, children, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/.

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

UNICEF is about to implement a one-year project, denominated “Support to 200 PHCs, for which an adequate number of 8 consultant engineers are requested in the field, to back the staff of the field offices. The locations which this project will be implemented are Enugu, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Sokoto, Lagos (Covering River) and Maiduguri.

UNICEF has been working with other partners to support the State Primary Health Care Development Agencies (SPHCDAs) and the State Ministries of Health (SMOH) in the actualization of the vision of the Federal Government towards revitalizing primary healthcare and improving the quality of integrated PHC services. It will happen through support to the implementation of the ward minimum health care package in at least one Primary Health Care (PHC) center per ward. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has defined a set of minimum standards that must be met in order to ensure effective and efficient service delivery at the health care facility level. Adherence to a set of minimum standards for Primary Health Care (PHC) system is fundamental to the effective functioning of any health facility and is an essential element for the delivery of quality health care.
In line with the above, UNICEF will work with the 28 state governments to provide technical oversight in the renovation work to be carried out and implement a quality assurance mechanism, supervise the renovation works while ensuring timely delivery of facility upgrade.

Scope of work:

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the FO Construction Engineer and the P3 Construction Specialist and in collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts, the National Consultant will provide project planning and scheduling engineers services, monitoring of construction works, technical construction support, certification of payments, quality supervision, control of safety and rehabilitation activities. The assignment includes site visit, coordination of inspection, meetings, preparation of payment, reporting and responsible for the construction progress and supervision of the construction materials and site handover.

Activities and tasks

The consultant will be tasked with the following activities:
Technical Guidance, project planning and scheduling
• Provide specialized construction expertise in areas such as structural integrity, materials selection, and construction best practices.
• Develop the project 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.
• Manage the Construction unit human and financial resources; (composed of the engineering services contractors and the construction company) ensuring timely deployment of staff and responsiveness.
• Supervise the construction works, conduct weekly unit meetings; ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities between the consultancy companies;
• In collaboration with the Construction Unit in Supply Division and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized to continuously build capacity of the team on UNICEF Construction procedures.

Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts
• Provide technical assistance to FO and Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyse the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
• 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;
• Review the scope of construction works in view of the UNICEF construction 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 regulatory requirements, programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; undertake the actions required to endorse these technical documents by relevant authorities.
• Follow up with the relevant project stakeholders and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works.

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 on construction activities by undertaking 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 easily ensure 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. Quality Control, Compliance and Regulatory Oversight. Ensure that construction quality aligns with project specifications, industry standards, regulations codes, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
• Cost Control and Budgeting. Offer advice on budget management, cost controls, and value engineering opportunities. Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Conduct the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking 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 easily ensure 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. Quality Control, Compliance and Regulatory Oversight. Ensure that construction quality aligns with project specifications, industry standards, regulations codes, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
• Cost Control and Budgeting. Offer advice on budget management, cost controls, and value engineering opportunities. Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.

Outputs and deliverables
• Consultancy workplan – detailed workplan for the assignment and construction project workplan with clear timelines risk management- identification of potential risks and risk mitigation measures.
• Weekly and Monthly Progress Report for all the locations in the relevant state.
• Certification of work done before each payment, to be later submitted to the UNICEF Construction Unit.

Monthly Progress Report framework: update on construction progress supported with photos, key milestones achieved, quality of executed works and compliance with contractual technical documents, risks and challenges, cost control measures, and any potential variation to the project plan. Any issues and incidents related to safety & security needs to be reported immediately to UNICEF Construction Unit.

Final Consultancy Report framework: comprehensive final report detailing the outcomes of the consultancy, final cost, lessons learned, and recommendations for future work to be delivered by Dec 2025 or one week after completing the work.
Schedule of activities:
Estimated time of consultancy and deadline for submission of end product: 11.5 Months.
Working relationships
The consultant will report to the UNICEF TA engineer at FO level and to UNICEF P3 Construction Specialist, and Construction Manager UNICEF at HQ.

Deliverable
1. Consultancy workplan, entailing the following: monthly and annual work plan, setting up of monitoring plan in the AoR (Area of Responsibility), tentative list of the locations to be assessed).

2. Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: summary of the locations inspected; stage of the works in each location of the AoR; highlight of risks and opportunities; relevant discussion with the concerned UNICEF field engineer; remedial actions proposed, if any: any other ad hoc request coming from the UNICEF field engineers or the UNICEF Construction Specialist in Abuja.

3. 2nd Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

4. 3rd Monthly Progress Report entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

5. 4th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

6. 5th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

7. 6th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

8. 7th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

9. 8th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

10. 9th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

11. 10th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

12. 11th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

13. 12th Monthly Progress Report, entailing the following: same as above given the recurring nature of the assignment.

14. Final consultancy report, entailing the following: summary of the works implemented in the AoR, list of the achievements and challenges occurred in the course of the appointment; adopted and proposed remedial actions, when needed.

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. ARCON or COREN registration certification/membership.

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 in procurement and supply processes is an asset. Good user of Autocad or equivalent system.
Qualification/Specialized Knowledge and experience:
In-depth knowledge of buildings and engineering, renovation and constructions projects, excellent knowledge of project cost control activities, structural design and computer-aided design and drafting programs, proven ability to supervise contractors, consultants and control contracts, excellent reporting skills, demonstrates professional competency and mastery of subject matter.
Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
Flexibility & Teamwork:
Shows flexibility in moving between project locations, altering schedule to the benefit of the work progress, works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the project goals, is willing to learn from others, places team agenda before personal agenda, supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team short-comings, demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
Official Travel involved:
Flexibility to travel between project locations including between project activities states.
All official travel must be based on an approved Travel Authorization, Security Clearance and in a MOSS compliant vehicle.
All travels must be in accordance with the monthly travel plan agreed and pre-approved by Supervisor.

Language Requirements:
Fluency in English Language. Knowledge of language of duty station would be an added advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.
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.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible for ensuring that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.
Please submit your all-inclusive financial and technical proposal along with the application. Application without these will not be entertained.