Organization Mission

For 70 years, United Nations International Children”s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children”s survival, protection and development. The world”s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments

Context

The fundamental mission of United Nations International Children”s Emergency Fund (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.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Construction Specialist P3, the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring all construction activities in the Country Office (Health Centers, Schools, nutrition, youth infrastructures, etc.) and providing technical support on managing construction and rehabilitation activities. Key functions or accountabilities are listed as follows:

1. Preparation of construction annual workplan
o Prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.

2. Collaboration with United Nations International Children”s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts
o 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 Annual Work Plan.
o Provide assistance to Programme / Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference.
o Attend technical cooperation meetings; prepare PowerPoint (PPT) presentations on projects” progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
o 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
o Draft the scope of construction works based on Programme / Operations requirements, budget and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
o 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 Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) Field Support Unit.
o 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.
o 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
o Assist Supply section in preparation of Local Procurement Authorization (LPA) requests and Convention on the Rights of the Child OR Contract Review Committee (CRC) submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
o Update on regular basis the shortlist of potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market.
o 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.
o Support Supply section in organizing bidders” conference and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendations; if needed, provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Monitoring of construction projects
o Participate in the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
o 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.
o Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easy assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project.
o Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
o 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.
o 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.
o Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in Virtual Integrated System of Information (VISION); draft the final completion report with the lessons learned.

The ability of the Construction Engineer to provide support to the Construction Specialist, successfully plan and monitor construction activities for UNICEF programme / Operations, directly impacts 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.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least three (3) years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required; experience with Education, WASH, Health or Nutrition programmes is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Skills in monitoring and managing technical projects in the context of construction is required;
• Professional experience in developing countries, particularly the Côte d’Ivoire is required;
• Experience in construction including innovative materials such as plastic or earth proving an ability to adapt and master the challenges related to innovations is highly desired;
• Fast learner, adapts and responds to change, tolerates ambiguity;
• 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;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF Construction, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Core Competencies

Core competencies:
 Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
 Works Collaboratively with others (1)
 Communication (1)
 Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
 Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
 Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
 Drives to achieve impactful results (1)
 Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
Functional Competencies:
 Applying Technical Expertise (1)
 Following Instructions and Procedures (1)
 Analyzing (1)
 Planning and Organizing (2)
 Coping with setback and pressure (I)
Values:
 Care
 Respect
 Integrity
 Trust
 Accountability
 Sustainability

Living Conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Abidjan with frequent travel within the country. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents – except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly