UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Health

How can you make a difference? 

Key Expected Results: 

1. Management of construction projects

• Develop the annual work plan for the Construction projects; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the Construction projects human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to project’s needs.
• Supervise and coach unit staff; conduct weekly unit meetings; ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. In collaboration with the Construction Unit in Supply Division, 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

• Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme sections.
• Establish close collaboration with Programme sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference.
• In collaboration with the Government counterparts, 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 action and coordination related to project implementation and monitoring.
• Keep Programme sections informed of projects' progress and 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 program requirements and site assessment; define deliverables and payment modality.
• Advocate and support the application of UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, greening, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials.
• Ensure technical documents (design drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities) are clear, complete and compliant to programmatic requirements; ensure endorsement of these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Ensure all permits required for construction activities are obtained prior initiating works.

4. Support to procurement process

• Liaise and coordinate with Supply section to prepare 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; establish local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).
• Prepare the terms of reference and other tender documents for selecting construction companies and supervising firms; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; answer technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Conduct the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Monitoring of construction projects

• Organize the start of construction works in coordination with the construction company and the engineering firm.
• Ensure overall follow-up to construction activities by undertaking regular site visits, conducting regular technical meetings, monitoring progress and ensuring work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline.
• Ensure effective monitoring and supervision tools are developed and implemented, to enable monitoring and analysis of contract performance easily undertaken and ensure that contractors and engineering consultancy companies are working in compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Certify payments and variations; monitor construction expenditures and submit financial status reports on construction activities.
• Provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc.
• Organize and participate in the partial, substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects.
• Ensure contract close-out in VISION along with completed Contract Performance Evaluation; Prepare and submit the final completion report and lessons learned to the Construction Unit (SD).
• Establish a sound internal monitoring system and coordination among the offices involved to ensure project responsibility and accountability.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education & Professional Certification:  

Advanced university degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, Architecture or other relevant technical area with a valid relevant professional certification.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience at international levels in the relevant field of civil engineering, leading construction of Capital Budgetary Engineering Projects (including UN Premises, Infrastructure Projects), including preparation of construction technical documentation;
• Experience in design & implementation Physical Security projects in fluid and fragile environments in relation to the United Nations Directives & Requirements, including Physical Security, Blast Assessment, Design and Protection works.
• Experience in working in complex environments and large infrastructure and/or civil works, particularly in the field of construction technical project documentation development as well as construction supervision;
• Experience in community mobilization/ community monitoring sites, coupled with the ability to address and manage all aspects of monitoring of a construction (legal aspects of positioning, procurement, law and knowledge of construction contracts, construction information technologies, and follow-up).
• Experience in managing and supervising medium to large-scale construction works in the public sector;
• Experience in International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) contracts packages including White, Green, Red and Yellow Books.
• Knowledge of procurement, tendering and contracting processes and requirements;
• Excellent and proven experience in dealing with contractors and local partners;
• Working experience within the area of preparation, implementation and monitoring of technical/(re)construction projects; methodological and calculation skills;
• Experience in technical design of high rise structure is an asset;
• Knowledge of the UN rules, procedures and regulations would be an asset.
• Working experience in UN or other international development organization is an asset.
• Background/familiarity with emergency.                                                                                                                       
• Computer skills on AutoCAD, GIS software, MS Project, Xcel and MS Word required
• Familiarity with other design, cost estimate and project management programs is a plus
• Engineering Projects Health, Safety & Environmental knowledge and experience

• Language Requirements: Fluency in English. Knowledge of the 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

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.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

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.

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

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.

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

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.