JOB DESCRIPTION

UNICEF Nigeria Field Office in Maiduguri, Nigeria is seeking a passionate and dynamic person to work in the role of Child Protection Manager and invites applications from highly motivated and committed persons who want to contribute to results for children. If you are that person, we encourage you to apply and become part of a highly motivated and committed team.

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, support

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children”s rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families.  UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally – click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/

Background

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?

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the P4 Operations Manager, the Construction Officer will be responsible for monitoring all construction activities in the Country Office (School infrastructures, Health Center, etc.) and providing technical support on managing construction and rehabilitation activities.

PURPOSE FOR THE JOB

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS

Summary of key functions/accountabilities

1. –   Support the preparation of the annual construction workplan.
2. –   Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts.
3. –   Preparation of design and technical documents.
4. –   Support the procurement process.

1. –   Support the preparation of construction annual workplan

• Support, prepare and collect the information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.

1. –   Collaboration with UNICEF Programs/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts

• Provide technical support in matters 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.
• 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 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.

IMPACTS OF RESULTS

The ability of the Construction Officer to provide support to the supervisor, to successfully plan and monitor construction activities for UNICEF programs/ 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’s image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable programme results for children.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Advert_TOR NO2 Construction Officer Maiduguri Nigeria VP .pdf

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.

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.
• Emergency experience an advantage.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Desirables:

SKILLS

• Good analytical skills 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 the construction industry.
• Good understanding of construction project cycles, from program needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes.
• Good knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programs, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction project.

Temporary Assignment:

UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to  Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to internal staff only).

The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

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…

For every Child, the incumbent demonstrates UNICEF”s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

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)

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

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.

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. For this position, eligible and suitable 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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements