Construction Specialist, NOC, Abuja #123141 & Lagos #123203- TA (364 days)

Contract

This is a NO-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-3 contracts.

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.

For every child, a champion

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, nutrition, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the P4 Construction Manager (Supply Section), the incumbent coordinate UNICEF’s various construction contracts, verify works, certify payments, and liaise with all stakeholders to ensure all functional project/program requirements are met. S/he will be accountable for effective planning, contract management, technical documentation, quality assurance and project monitoring of UNICEF’s construction works, in support of operations and program objectives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Below is a summary of key functions and accountabilities.

1. 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 and Operations, and coordination with Government counterparts

3. Preparation of design and technical documents, with knowledge of emergency contexts and emergency response procedures

4. Support to procurement process including contracting bid evaluations

5. Monitoring of construction projects including site visits, contract management and reporting

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

Education:

• Advanced degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area. A first level university degree with additional two-years of relevant work experience may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) 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.

• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.

• Working proficiency in Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)

• Emergency experience an advantage, especially in the Northeast Zone of Nigeria, and a willingness to travel to such locations.

• Experience working with the UN systems in similar function is highly desirable.

• Proficiency with software tools, such as Autocad, GIS, is a plus. Skills:

• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure;

• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment;

• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form;

• The ability to allocate appropriate time and resources for successful achievement of goals, and foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning;

• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes;

• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry;

• Strong understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes;

• Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects.

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: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

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.

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:

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.

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

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.