Construction Manager

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Description

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• Develop the annual work plan for the Construction unit; 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 unit 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.

• Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme sections and Operations.
• Participate in the planning of construction activities and establish close collaboration with Programme sections through involvement in construction project proposals, and preparation of relevant terms of reference and advise adequate strategies of implementation in line with safeguarding UNICEF’s interests.
• 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.

• 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 and governmental entities as appropriate.
• Ensure all permits required for construction activities are obtained prior initiating works.

• 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; participate and lead exercises aiming at developing a pool of pre-qualified construction companies to increase cost effectiveness in the solicitation processes; contribute to the establishment of 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 including reviewing the accuracy of arithmetic calculations of the financial proposals.

• 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.
• Co-manage construction contracts and 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).

• An advanced university degree is required in in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area, or relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in conjunction with a valid relevant professional certification is required. A first level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant technical field (as identified above), in conjunction with additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be taken in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• 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.  Emergency experience an advantage.
• Fluency in French and English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

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