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.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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

For every child, hope

UNICEF Ukraine

How can you make a difference?

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.

Purpose for the job: The Construction Officer reports to the Operations Officer and is responsible for providing technical support to construction activities of the field office. The technical support on construction projects includes planning, support to procurement, as well as monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Programme/ Operations in defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Preparation of construction annual workplan
2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts
3. Preparation of design and technical documents
4. Support to procurement process
5. Monitoring of construction projects

1. Preparation of construction annual workplan

• Help develop 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.
• Assist in preparing and collection of information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.

2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programme and coordination with Government counterparts

• Provide technical support in matter of construction project management to Programme/Operations sections; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to 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.
• Attend 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 prepare reports on projects’ progress.

3. Preparation of design and technical documents

• Draft 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.
• Provide assistance in checking 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 initiating works.

4. Support to procurement process

• Assist Supply section in preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Updated on regular basis the shortlist of potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market.
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders’ conference and present the technical components of the tender; draft answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders’ conference and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendation; if needed, provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Monitoring of construction projects

• Participate in 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.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc.; compile and archive project documents, minutes, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• 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 assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; draft the final completion report with the lessons learned.

Impact of results

The ability of the Construction Officer to provide support to the Chief of Field Office, successfully plan and monitor construction activities for UNICEF Programme/Operations, and directly impact on programmatic goals and results for children. This in turn contributes to maintaining/ enhancing the credibility of UNICEF 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…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• A university degree is required in in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.
• Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

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 construction 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;
• Good knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry;
• Good understanding of construction 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.

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

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. 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.

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. For this position, eligible and suitable women are encouraged to apply.

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.

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.

Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

This position is based in Kharkiv 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.