Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

This consultancy assignment is in regard to the provision of engineering services in the context of establishment of UN Women office in Malawi in a prominent low-density Area 10 in Lilongwe, Malawi. UN Women Malawi Country Office shall occupy a house building (Area 10/5) off Chayamba Road with total gross area of approximately 3000 sqm. The space will be used for offices and common activities (conference room, parking, etc.). Currently the concerned space has a dilapidated house and does not have a perimeter wall.

The objective of this assignment is to supervise the renovation of the house, providing technical guidance, quality control, and ensuring that the work is completed in compliance with the agreed designs, quality standards, timelines, and budgets.

The consultant will be reporting to the Country Representative, and will be supported by Operations Manager, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Engineering consultant is expected to offer quality work as follows:

Pre-construction Phase:

• Review and assess the renovation design documents, including architectural and structural plans, to ensure their feasibility.
• Recommend any modifications to improve safety, functionality, or cost-efficiency.
• Assist in the preparation of tender documents and evaluate the contractor’s technical proposals.
• Ensure all necessary permits and environmental clearances are in place.

Construction Phase:

• Provide continuous supervision of construction activities to ensure that the renovation works are executed in accordance with the design specifications and quality standards.
• Coordinate between the contractor and the client to resolve any design or construction issues that may arise.
• Inspect materials and workmanship to confirm compliance with the contract documents.
• Conduct regular site meetings with the client and contractor to review progress and address challenges.
• Prepare and submit weekly/monthly progress reports detailing work completed, project risks, deviations from the plan, and any corrective measures taken.

Post-construction Phase:

• Supervise the final inspections and testing to confirm that all work is completed satisfactorily.
• Prepare a defects list and ensure that any defects are addressed during the defects liability period.
• Oversee the handover of the building to the client, ensuring all relevant documentation is provided (as-built drawings, warranties, operation and maintenance manuals).

• Provide guidance on long-term maintenance of the renovated building.

Deliverables

• Inception report within two weeks of contract start, outlining an initial assessment, work plan, and methodology.
• Monthly progress reports detailing work done, project risks, mitigation strategies, and any necessary corrective actions.
• Final report on project completion, including a summary of works carried out, final inspections, and handover.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:

https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process#_Values

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong IT skills
• Strong project management skills
• Strong report writing skills
• Strong knowledge of local regulations regarding office renovation
• Strong expertise in engineering or architecture related to office renovation

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in architecture, civil engineering or a related field is required
• A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in supervising construction and renovation projects, including experience in office building projects.
• Strong understanding of building codes, standards, and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate construction activities, resolve technical issues, and maintain project timelines.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Professional registration or certification with a recognized engineering body.
• Experience working with UN agencies is a strong asset
• Excellent grasp in developing bids, identifying technically and financially sound vendors
• Work experience in a multi-cultural environment is preferred

How to Apply

All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc.

UN Women may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of the experience, such as reports, presentations, office renovation project samples, floor layouts.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (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).