Construction Specialist – P3  

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.

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

For every child, an engineer

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does ? in programmes, 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 favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life ? in its social, political,

economic, civic and cultural dimensions ? her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens ? addressing inequity ? will not only give all children the opportunity to fulfill 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.

UNICEF in Cote d’Ivoire works with the Government and Development Partners to ensure that every child in the country is healthy, well nourished, educated, has access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, is safe from neglect, abuse and exploitation and free from poverty, therefore having the best start in life and a fair chance to reach her or his full potential and benefit from the country’s transition from a lower middle-income to an upper middle-income country. Children have the right to live in a more equitable society, where their voices are heard, and needs met as a matter of priority in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How can you make a difference? 

The Construction Specialist reports to the Deputy Representative Programs, P5 and is responsible for the supervision of the construction activities in the Country Office. The management of construction projects includes planning, support to procurement, as well as monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Programmes and Operations in defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children and provides technical and advisory support to Government and partners on construction project management. For the duration of the assignment, the incumbent will mainly focus on completing ongoing constructions and rehabilitations, as well as finding solutions to challenges faces with some construction companies. Additionally, she/he will contribute to the design and implementation of new innovative construction initiatives.

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

• Preparation of construction annual workplan
  • Contribute to the development of the annual work plan for the construction activities; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
  • Prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.
  • Coordination of 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 and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized in order to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.
• Collaboration with UNICEF Programme/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts
  • Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme/ Operations sections and Government counterparts; contribute with Programme sections to formulating child-friendly community infrastructure development program proposals; provide information to Programme on construction related activities and include them in their AWP.
  • Provide assistance to Programme/Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
  • 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 actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
  • Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects’ progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; draft relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.
• Preparation of design and technical documents
• Prepare the scope of construction works based on Programme/Operations requirements, budget and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
• Apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; verify if compliance with green building standards is required in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Check 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; undertake the actions required to endorse these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior to initiating work
• Support to procurement process
• Provide technical support to Supply section with preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Support Supply section in the process of identifying potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision)
• Monitoring of construction projects
• Conduct the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; follow up progress for each activity per milestones and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; verify quality and precautions on health and safety standards on ground.
• Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easily assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project; apply multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance; use documented hold and inspection points, where applicable.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Participate in the partial, substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report and lessons learned for submission to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.

Type of constructions and rehabilitations by programme component

Health & HIV: In 2025, Health & HIV Section will support the rehabilitation of a Health center in Kalaha (Health district of Dikodougou) and establishment of 3 KMC Unit in the North (area TBC).

Nutrition:

• Multi-function Containerized units for women groups or cooperatives to improve child diet diversity (Pilot phase with 3 units for S1 2025, extension TBC depending on funding/interest and needs).
• Warehouse in recycled plastic for women groups or cooperatives to improve child diet diversity (1 warehouse TBC, extension TBC depending on funding/interest and needs)
• Community-based nutrition and early child development platforms in recycled plastic TBC

WASH

• Construction of 20 small water systems powered with solar energy.
• Construction of flush toilets and ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets separated for girls, boys and teachers in 36 primary schools.
• Construction of water tanks (plastic water towers) for water storage as back-up in 5 health centers and hospitals.

Education: 38 classrooms are planned to be constructed in innovative material such as recycled plastic bricks and 22 classrooms in traditional material.

Adolescents & Youth:

• Rehabilitation of 1 civic and citizenship training centers and 2 socio-educational institutions
• Construction of 3 SSSU-SAJ (2 under construction and 1 to be built.)

The scope and quantity of construction in support of each programmatic component will be adjusted throughout the year.

Minimum requirements:

Education: An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) is required in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or other relevant area.

Work Experience:  A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in construction project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related construction technical fields is required. Understanding of development and humanitarian work. Emergency experience is an advantage.

Language Proficiency: Fluency in French and working knowledge of English is required.

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
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on construction projects
• Ability to work strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions and make conclusions and recommendations to resolve them
• 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 programme, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects.

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 

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

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 tendersglobal.net 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. 

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.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

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.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you’re preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at [email protected], and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.