School Construction Engineer

Volunteering Communications & PR Teaching & Training Engineering

Overview

Provide technical support and oversee preschool construction projects in Timor-Leste.

You have:

• Proven experience in project coordination and management, preferably in School, WASH and similar construction-related projects.
• Ability to provide technical support during all phases of construction projects.
• Experience with procurement processes in construction projects.
• Understanding of quality assurance standards in construction.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Since 2015, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, UNICEF has been supporting community-based preschools (CBPS) in the municipalities of Ermera and Viqueque. These preschools are located in remote communities and target some of the most vulnerable children in Timor-Leste. UNICEF has partnered with the Alola Foundation as its implementing partner to manage the CBPS initiatives in both municipalities. The overall aim of these alternative community-based preschools is to improve early learning and development outcomes among children aged 3–5 by expanding access to quality early childhood education, particularly in remote and rural areas.

As outlined in the National Education Strategic Plan (NESP) 2011–2030, the Ministry of Education committed to the following goals for preschool education: • By 2015, at least half of all children aged 3–5 would be enrolled in and receiving quality preschool education. • By 2030, parents and caregivers in all 442 sucos across the country would have access to good-quality kindergarten facilities located within a reasonable distance from their homes. However, by 2024, only 32 per cent of eligible children were enrolled in preschool education, indicating a significant gap in access. In response, the Ministry of Education revised its preschool education goals in the Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2020–2024, setting the following objectives: • By 2024, at least half of all children aged 3–5 will have opportunities to receive quality preschool education near their homes before entering basic education. • By 2030, parents and caregivers throughout the country will have access to good-quality preschool education within a reasonable distance, and at least 80 per cent of children aged 3–5 will have the opportunity to receive quality preschool education before entering basic education. The preschool gross enrolment rate increased from 10 per cent in 2015 to 32 per cent in 2024, representing significant progress toward national targets. However, the current pace of enrolment growth remains insufficient to achieve the 60% target by 2028 if the current trend continues. With funding support from KOICA, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF have agreed to expand access to preschool education through the establishment and improvement of 34 preschools in the municipalities of Baucau and Bobonaro. The project includes the rehabilitation and establishment of new preschools, comprising 14 central and filial preschools, 5 public preschool renovations, and the setup of 15 new community-based preschools.

The School Construction Engineer will be serving for 12 months and will provide technical support, project management, technical monitoring and coordination for the construction and rehabilitation of preschools supported by UNICEF in the municipalities of Baucau and Bobonaro. The main task of the post is to monitor, provide oversight and coordinate all stakeholders to ensure quality of the constructions based on the standard designs with bill of quantities (BoQs) and working closely with Ministry of Education and the construction company until the conclusion of the construction. The construction will be undertaken by a company that is selected through an open bidding process.

  The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 

• Provide technical support during all phases of the project, including site assessment, development of the scope of works and other technical documents. • Support to the procurement process, monitoring of the works from initiation to closure. • Support to contract management of the construction contract and overall project management and coordination. • Collaborate with UNICEF Programme and coordinate with Government counterparts by monitoring the construction projects and ensuring quality assurance of the project.

Core Values

Care Respect Integrity Trust Accountability

Core competencies

Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness Works Collaboratively with others Builds and Maintains Partnerships Innovates and Embraces Change Thinks and Acts Strategically Drive to achieve impactful results Manages ambiguity and complexity

Skills and experience required in project coordination and management, preferably in School, WASH and other similar construction related projects.

• Security situation Timor-Leste has made progress in terms of security since gaining independence in 2002. Its Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) that works 24/7 hours. Staff also receive security alert message shared through United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS).

• Access and air travel Timor-Leste has one international airport President Nicolau Lobato and two domestic airports in Oecusse and Covalima. There is also Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) that can be used to travel between some municipalities (Dili-Atauro-Dili, Dili-Covalima-Dili). There are also international flights to Timor-Leste that primarily connected to nearby countries in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore to and from Dili capital. Few airlines operate in Dili are Citilink, Sriwijaya and AirTimor during the weekdays and weekend.

• Climate Timor-Leste is an island country and has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity. It has two seasons – Wet Season typically occurs from November to April with its annual rainfall with heavy rains and thunderstorm, while Dry Season usually takes place from May to October. During this time, rainfall is significantly reduced, and the weather is generally drier.

• Cultural awareness such as dress code / alcohol use Timor-Leste has a rich and diverse cultures that influenced by Portuguese, Indonesian, and indigenous traditions. Respect for local customs, ceremonies, and rituals is crucial. It is common to greet people with a handshake, and it is polite to inquire about one's well-being and family. Elders are often greeted with particular respect, such as calling by Maun (Brother) and Mana (Sister) followed by their first names.

• Availability of food/water/electricity Locally produced food items, including fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, and fish are available in local markets and grocery stores at affordable prices. However, in more remote and rural areas, access to a diverse range of food items may be limited. Access to treated and piped water are available in urban areas. You can also buy drinking water from grocery stores at affordable prices. Access to electricity in Timor-Leste, particularly in Urban areas is significantly improved and many urban households and business are connected to the electricity grid. However, in some instance there can be a power off for longer than 2 hours between days.

• Medical facilities UN staff can access to the following contact number for medical purpose: Institution/clinics Timor-Leste National Ambulance • Phone: +670 3311044 • Toll-Free: 110/119 Stamford Medical Clinic • Emergency: +670 77721111 • Business Hours: +670 3310 141 UN Examining Physicians (UNEP): - Dr. Grecyl L. Espinas: Stamford Medical Clinic - Emergency: +670 77721111 - Business Hours: +670 3310 141

• Dr. Meileisy Ramirez: Stamford Medical Clinic

  • Emergency: +670 77721111
  • Business Hours: +670 3310 141

• Dr. Gamaliel Vento Franco: Stamford Medical Clinic

  • Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine:
    • Emergency: +670 77721111
    • Business Hours: +670 3310 141 Dili Medical Centre:
• Dili Medical Centre:
  • Phone: +670 7742 8888 Guido Valadares National Hospital:
• Phone: +670 331 1008

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unv.org