Construction engineer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Despite its vast physical size and limitless natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 188 countries in the 2015 human development report. Child poverty is widespread, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to reach areas. According to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years old experience at least two major child rights deprivations. Despite sustained growth in recent years, the size of DRC’s economy remains far too small to provide enough government revenue to meet the basic needs of the population, children. Since 2016, political instability, the persistence of conflicts in Eastern DRC and a sharp fall in global commodity prices have been aggravating factors. DRC is one of the over 190 countries and territories around the world where UNICEF works to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease, and discrimination place in a child’s path.

This UNV assignment comes in reinforcement of the Design and construction unit which has been established to support the ongoing effort of UNICEF DRC in improving access to basic infrastructures (education, health, etc.) to Congolese children. As such, the incumbent will work closely with internal and external stakeholders (local authorities, technical services, local communities, NGOs, etc.)

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Construction Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Construction Engineer will:

• Provide close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring visits with relevant stakeholders. • Follow up progress for each construction activity per milestones / undertake review of site supervision weekly reports, shared by the engineering firms, to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; and update accordingly the project progress tracking matrix. • Participate in the review of 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. • Draft relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc. • Follow up on the payment of partners' invoices (contractors, engineering firms, consultants) • Maintain updated DCU project dashboard / undertake the update of DCU monitoring and supervision tools / ensure that all relevant project documents are properly archived.
• Participate in the preparation of tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference; organize site visits; and present the technical components of the tender; prepare answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering. • Participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and prepare the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals. • Attend steering and technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects' progress • Collect and document best practices and lessons learned.

• Professionalism: • Integrity: • Teamwork and respect for diversity: • Commitment to continuous learning: • Planning and organizing: • Communication: • Flexibility: • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

work experience with a master’s degree at the national and/or international level in construction project/Programme management or/and procurement for works and services (or a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience with a bachelor’s degree). Working experience with the UN or other international development organization is an asset. construction project formulation, planning, supervision, and management skills. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.), engineering and design software (AutoCAD/Civil 3D, Robot, etc.) and site planning design tools (GPS). • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is an added advantage. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The DRC, particularly in the East, continues to experience violence perpetrated by more than 100 armed groups active in the region, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and assorted Mai Mai militias. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has operated in the region since 1999 and is the largest and most expensive UN peacekeeping mission in the world.

The security situation in Kinshasa is relatively calm. The security related threats staff may face in Kinshasa are mainly from crime and civil unrest. Criminality is prevalent in Kinshasa, including Gombe commune in the city centre. Criminality activities include street and house robbery, vehicle-related crimes such as break-ins and carjacking. UN personnel are not specifically targeted, but criminals focus attacks on those perceived to have money and valuables. Identified crime actors are street children locally called “Shegués”, organized gangs and unemployed youth called “Kulunas”, and sometimes uncontrolled elements of the national security forces. Of special concern are armed robberies committed by criminals posing as policemen who target foreigners walking alone. These criminals present what looks like a legitimate ID card of the security forces, get the victim inside a vehicle, and rob them of valuables before letting them go.

DRC is a unique country, and it provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.