Under the direct supervision and guidance of the WASH Specialist (P3) and the overall management of the WASH Manager (P4) in Dnipro Field Office (DFO) of UNICEF Country Office in Ukraine (UCO), the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the management and monitoring WASH activities at provincial level (oblasts) delegated to her/him, to technically, operationally and financially support the rehabilitation, reconstruction and improvement of management of water and sanitation infrastructures in water utilities (vodokanals) and municipalities within DFO Area of Responsibility (AOR), together with the provision technical support to targeted vodokanals for institutional strengthening and capacity building.
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For every child, hope
UNICEF Ukraine
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 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 — not only will 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.
How can you make a difference?
Purpose of the job
Under the direct supervision and guidance of the WASH Specialist (P3) and the overall management of the WASH Manager (P4) in Dnipro Field Office (DFO) of UNICEF Country Office in Ukraine (UCO), the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the management and monitoring WASH activities at provincial level (oblasts) delegated to her/him, to technically, operationally and financially support the rehabilitation, reconstruction and improvement of management of water and sanitation infrastructures in water utilities (vodokanals) and municipalities within DFO Area of Responsibility (AOR), together with the provision technical support to targeted vodokanals for institutional strengthening and capacity building.
KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS
Summary of key functions/accountabilities
- Contribute to the preparation of the WASH annual workplans (AWP) under the Enabling Environment, Supply and Services, and Demand related activities.
- Collaboration with the overall UCO DFO WASH Unit, particularly with its WASH Specialist, promoting efficient and effective internal coordination, and with Government counterparts.
- Support to the preparation of design and technical documents for WASH infrastructures development
- Support to procurement process for WASH infrastructures development.
- Contribution to monitoring of WASH infrastructures construction/investment project portfolios.
1. Contribute to the preparation of the WASH annual workplans (AWP) under the Enabling Environment, Supply and Services, and Demand related activities
- Support the development of the annual work plan for the WASH activities through vodokanals and other implementing partners (IP) for the provinces (oblasts) under her/his responsibility, determining priorities/targets and performance measurements, and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule, quality and performance standards.
- Provide information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects, and others in the pipeline.
2. Collaboration with the overall UCO DFO WASH Unit, particularly with its WASH Specialist, promoting efficient and effective internal coordination, and with Government counterparts
- Contribute to UCO DFO WASH Program Unit in developing WASH infrastructures development program/project proposals within her/his geographic AOR. This includes contributing to WASH infrastructures project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference, analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modalities, among others.
- In collaboration with Government counterparts, and vodokanals and other IPs in particular, promote, contribute to the development of innovative cost-effective WASH infrastructure designs within her/his geographic AOR, using to the extent possible local WASH infrastructure capabilities, equipment and materials, compiling and updating list of best practices in construction and building design.
- Attend and steer technical WASH cooperation meetings on behalf of the WASH Specialist when required, including the different WASH Cluster Coordination mechanisms and platforms in place. Prepare PPT presentations on projects’ proposal and progress, undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation, monitoring and quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) activities.
- Provide UCO DFO WASH Specialist with regular information/updates on projects’ progress under her/his geographic AOR, undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical and operational obstacles, and draft relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.
3. Support to the preparation of design and technical documents for WASH infrastructures development
- Prepare the scope of WASH construction works and investment plans (including Terms of Reference (TOR), drafting of contracts, Project Management plans, etc.) within his/her geographic AOR, based on UCO DFO WASH AWP requirements, and budget and site limitations, defining technical and financial cooperation frameworks with counterparts, specific deliverables, monitoring strategies and tools (including QC/QA), and contracting and payment modalities.
- Apply UNICEF norms and standards to all WASH infrastructure projects under her/his geographic AOR, taking into consideration the local context, national policies, regulations, norms and guidance, and available resources.
- Verify and validate technical documents related to WASH infrastructures (technical memories, design drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities and budgets) under her/his geographic AOR, verifying/certifying that they are clear, complete, and compliant with WASH infrastructures programmatic needs, including eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements.
- Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works under her/his geographic AOR.
4. Support to procurement process for WASH infrastructures development
- Provide support to UCO DFO WASH Unit, and to UCO WASH and Supply sections, through the WASH Specialist, in the preparation of Local Procurement Authorizations (LPA) requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to WASH infrastructures activities within her/his geographic AOR.
- Support the undertaking of surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market within her/his geographic AOR. Prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements (LTA) for engineering services (design and site supervision), among others.
- Support the preparation of tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders’ conference and present the technical components of the tender; prepare answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
- Support Supply section in organizing bidders’ conference and site visits; conduct the evaluation of technical proposals received and prepare the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.
5. Contribution to monitoring of WASH infrastructures construction/investment project portfolios
- Facilitate kick-off meetings of WASH infrastructure construction/investment works with selected construction companies, engineering firms and relevant government counterparts, to align roles and responsibilities, terms and conditions, and expected results from all stakeholders, under standard Project Management principles and practices within her/his geographic AOR.
- Support the close monitoring and QC/QA on WASH infrastructures construction/investment 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 as per milestones agreed in the respective workplans, and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and agreed timelines, verifying quality and precautions on health and safety standards on the ground within her/his geographic AOR.
- Ensure, within her/his geographic AOR, the use of effective monitoring and supervision tools (i.e.: PM²/PMI/PRINCE2 principles, standards, methodologies, and tools), to ensure timely and appropriate assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of suppliers and/or service providers, such as engineering firms and construction companies, during the entire duration of the project, applying multi-layered approach to construction supervision and QC/QA, using documented hold and inspection points, where applicable.
- Facilitate the certification of payments/variations and compile supporting documents as per UNICEF Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates, and prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity within her/his geographic AOR.
- Provide support to UCO DFO WASH Specialist on cooperation frameworks and contracts management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for cooperation frameworks and contracts management are available, complete, up to date and properly archived.
- Participate in the partial, substantial, and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the Defects Liability Period (DLP) and prepare and issue relevant certificates within her/his geographic AOR.
- Support the preparation of Contract Performance Evaluation, provide support to UCO DFO WASH Specialist on cooperation framework and contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report with the lessons learned, best practices and recommendations, as necessary.
Impact of results
The ability of the WASH Officer to provide support to the UCO DFO WASH Program and WASH Specialist, to successfully plan, manage and oversee the effective and efficient management of WASH infrastructures construction/investment activities within her/his geographic AOR, and directly impact on programmatic goals and results for children. This in turn contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility of UNICEF in Ukraine as an effective and responsible manager of funds entrusted to the organization and to furthering UNICEF image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable programme results for children.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education
- A university degree is required in civil, hydraulic/sanitary and/or construction engineering is required.
- Certification in Project Management (i.e.: PM²/PMI/PRINCE2) from an accredited institution will be considered an advantage.
Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in WASH infrastructures project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
- Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
- Emergency experience an advantage.
Languages
- Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station will be considered as an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
Core competencies
- Builds and maintains partnerships (I)
- Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (I)
- Drives to achieve impactful results (I)
- Innovates and embraces change (I)
- Thinks and acts strategically (I)
- Manages ambiguity and complexity (I)
- Works collaboratively with others (I)
Functional Competencies
- Analyzing (I)
- Applying technical expertise (I)
- Planning and Organizing (II)
- Coping with set-back and pressure (I)
- Following Instructions and Procedures (I)
SKILLS
- Good analytical skill and negotiating skills;
- Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources;
- Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on WASH infrastructure projects;
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization;
- Fast learner, adapts and responds to change, tolerates ambiguity;
- Ability to contribute to formulation of strategies and policies;
- Ability to develop and nurture partnerships with public institutions, responding pro-actively to requests for technical assistance and support;
- Good knowledge of latest developments and technology in WASH infrastructure industry;
- Good understanding of WASH infrastructure project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes;
- Good knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction project.
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.
Remarks:
UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable women are encouraged to apply.
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). 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 cancelled.
All selected candidates will 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.
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.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
This position is based in Dnipro and the incumbent will be expected be work on-site. However, depending on the security conditions and advisory, s/he will be required to relocate within Ukraine.