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For every child, the right to opportunities 

UNICEF Venezuela’s CO is currently in need of a Supply and Construction Officer (NOB) that is responsible for providing technical support to construction activities of the country office. Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Supply and Logistic Specialist, the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring all construction activities in the Country Office (school infrastructures, health center, etc.) and providing technical support on managing construction and rehabilitation activities.  The technical support on construction projects includes planning, support to procurement, as well as monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Programme/Operations in defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children.

In addition, the Supply and Construction officer provides technical and operational support in elements of the supply chains of construction work. The supply chain operations include, but are not limited to, planning, procurement, contracting, supports management collaboration with programmes in defining supply interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children, and provides technical and advisory support to governments, national systems and partners on supply chain management.

How can you make a difference? 

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS

Preparation of construction annual workplan

• Support in the developing of the annual work plan for the construction activities; support in determining priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitoring 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.

2- Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations in construction operations

• Provide technical support in matter of construction project management to Programme/Operations sections; 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.
• Attend 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 and prepare reports on projects' progress.

3-Preparation of construction tendering documents

• Draft 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.
• Provide assistance in checking technical documents related to construction (design drawings, technical specification and bill of quantities); verify whether they are clear, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements.
• Elaborate RFPs for construction projects and RFQs or ITBs for minor rehabilitations.
• Elaborate RFPs for LTAs and prequalification of vendors.
• Elaborate technical and commercial evaluation formats.

4-Support with the procurement process

•  Assist Supply section in preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Updated on regular basis the shortlist of potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market.
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; draft answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders' conference and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendations; if needed, provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5-LTA and contract monitoring

• Supervise all construction contracts and construction related LTAs
• Create dashboards for monitoring expiry dates and funds utilization
• Constantly review LTA strategy and close communication with vendor and programme to guarantee a close commercial relationship

6- Vendor sourcing and diversification strategy

• Create a vendor sourcing strategy that guarantees having construction companies in each state.
• Have a complete knowledge of the construction market and diversify the portfolio of construction projects.
• Create a database of construction companies and service engineering companies in the country.

7- Monitoring construction projects

• Participate in 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; 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 easy assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide assistance on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc., compile and archive project documents, minutes, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• 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 assistance on contract close-out in VISION; draft the final completion report with the lessons learned.

8- Coordination of construction strategy with implementing partners

• Coordinate the construction strategy with implementing partners in accordance with UNICEF Guidelines and procedures related to construction.

IMPACTS OF RESULTS

The ability of the Supply & Construction Officer to provide support to the Supply and Logistic Specialist to, successfully plan and monitor construction activities for UNICEF programme/ Operations, and directly impact on programmatic goals and results for children. This in turn contributes to maintaining/ enhancing the credibility of UNICEF as an effective and responsible manager of funds entrusted to the organization and to furthering UNICEF image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable programme results for children.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A university degree is required in business administration, management, supply chain management, economics, civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or other relevant area.
• Work Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project monitoring, site supervision, procurement processes, project managing, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Emergency experience is an advantage.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in Spanish.  Proficient level of English is required, fluent is desirable.
• Working Experience with any agency of the United Nations system is an asset.
• Management of donor‑funded engineering services contracts in emergency and humanitarian response contexts.
• Involvement in the implementation of large‑scale water and sanitation construction projects
• Work related to health programmes, including immunization activities and hospital waste management systems.

SKILLS

• Good analytical and negotiating skills.
• 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 in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Fast learner, adapts and responds to change, tolerates ambiguity.
• Ability to contribute to formulation of strategies and policies.
• Good knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry.
• Good understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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 reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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 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/

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.