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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

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For every child, dedication

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the 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/.

For every child, a champion

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the 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/.

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision of the Climate Change and WASH Manager (P4) and in collaboration with Health, Education, Supply and Procurement sections, the Construction Specialist will be responsible to lead and coordinate the construction aspects of the CRIBS project, and support the development, implementation and monitoring of the CRIBS project across Nigeria. S/he will be responsible for the below-mentioned tasks and outputs to enable evidence-based analysis and decision-making.

Key functions/accountabilities:

Design and implementation of climate resilient interventions under the CRIBS project

• Support the Field Offices in planning and implementation of CRIBS project interventions.
• Provide managerial leadership of the construction component of the CRIBS project.
• Prepare documentation for project planning, reviews and analytical statements on progress and constraints of CRIBS project.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of CRIBS project planning and implementation and delivery of the CRIBS project results.
• Provide technical guidance and input to CRIBS project team on climate resilient interventions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss emerging issues in relation to the CRIBS project.

Coordination with Construction Engineers in Abuja and Field Offices

• Establish a mechanism for weekly updates of CRIBS progress from FOs and Construction Engineers.
•  Follow up with FO teams and Construction team to ensure timely delivery of planned interventions.
• Collect and compile construction related issues and update the management for needed action.
• Coordinate with project teams and wider UNICEF teams and organize progress review meetings.

CRIBS project monitoring

• Develop tools for project monitoring (e.g. project Gantt charts and progress tracking sheets) for CRIBS project in consultation with the project teams.
• Track progress of CRIBS project and prepare progress briefs for sharing with the national government authorities and FCDO on a bi-weekly basis and as per need.
• Prepare progress updates and analytical documents and share those in weekly/monthly meetings with UNICEF management, FCDO and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure a comprehensive and up to date status report on CRIBS project based on close monitoring of project implementation.

Technical assistance to the Field Offices and Construction Engineers

• Work collaboratively with FOs and Construction Engineers and provide guidance on the CRIBS project approach and deliverables.
• Undertake field visits to support and guide FOs and Construction Engineers engaged in the CRIBS project.
• Guide and support the development and implementation of climate resilient interventions.
• Strengthen UNICEF internal capacity and ability to collaborate with partners on climate change adaptation and climate resilient interventions.
• Support development and implementation of capacity development / training sessions for engineers and contractors.
• Prepare climate, energy and environment donor programme and multiple UN Agency proposals and investment cases.

Support climate risk and vulnerability analysis

• Support climate risk and vulnerability analysis by reviewing the assessment findings and the types of interventions designed to address those risks.
• Participate in processes to review/develop the climate risk and vulnerability analysis for PHCs and schools.
• Contribute to using the climate risk and vulnerability analysis in developing concept notes.
• Contribute to synergistic cross-sectoral programming in WASH, Health, Nutrition, and Education sectors, to ensure that climate resilience is better mainstreamed.
• Participate in strategic discussions to influence national policies and strategies on climate change.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Manage the documentation of emerging lessons from the CRIBS project.
• Contribute to the design of training sessions and modules for engineers and contractors and facilitate training sessions.
• Influence climate and energy programming at FOs based on CRIBS project lessons.
• Engage with wider stakeholders (e.g. FCDO, government, consultants and experts engaged by FCDO) based on needs and provide inputs.
• Prepare learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices to support climate programming in country.
• Support communication and advocacy work based on CRIBS project.

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

Education:     

• An advanced University Degree in Civil Engineering and experience on climate resilient infrastructures, social and economic development, international cooperation or another relevant technical field is required.

Experience:   

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national/international level in construction management, programme/project development in developing countries and familiarity with climate change adaptation, environment and socioeconomic development.
• Familiar with children's rights and gender in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Knowledge of gender equality principles and gender sensitive programming.
• Previous experience within UNICEF is an asset. Demonstrated experience in applying results-based management required.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, advocacy and presentational skills an asset. Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious & effective working relationship both within and outside an organization.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required.

Language Requirements:   

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

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

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. (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people) for supervisory role

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

Remarks:

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

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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 reason.

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