Construction Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
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. Established with a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF is committed to providing support and services that enhance the well-being of children and their families. The organization is known for its dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, offering opportunities for professional and personal development, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package. UNICEF's work is driven by a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and communities around the world, and it operates in various sectors including education, health, and emergency response, ensuring that children have access to essential services and support.

Job Overview:
The Construction Specialist will report to the Construction Manager and will be responsible for managing and supervising construction works at the field office level under national oversight. This role involves coordinating field teams and contractors, ensuring systematic monitoring and reporting of construction activities. The specialist will review and validate technical documentation, work progress, payment requests, variation orders, and claims, ensuring compliance with contract provisions and physical progress. The position also supports national engineering procurement processes, including technical and financial screening and due diligence of bidders and contracted parties, with a focus on capacity, cash flow, and risk exposure. The Construction Specialist will ensure that all projects comply with UNICEF global standards, policies, and procedures, delivering quality, efficiency, sustainability, and value for money. Additionally, the role requires collaboration with UNICEF Programme/Operations to define construction interventions that meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions and accountabilities of the Construction Specialist include:

• Preparation of the construction annual workplan, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic objectives.
• Collaborating with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordinating with Government counterparts to facilitate effective project implementation.
• Preparing design and technical documents that meet the required standards and specifications.
• Supporting the procurement process by providing technical input and ensuring compliance with procurement guidelines.
• Monitoring construction projects to ensure adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Conducting regular site visits to assess progress and address any issues that may arise during construction.
• Ensuring that all construction interventions integrate UNICEF's cross-cutting priorities, including disability inclusion, climate change adaptation, and environmental and social safeguards.
• Preparing regular summary reports on project progress, challenges, risks, and compliance to support evidence-based decision-making and effective programme management.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, construction management, or related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in a relevant area combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Candidates should have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience at the national and/or international levels in project management, site supervision, quality assurance, and/or other directly related technical fields. A strong understanding of development and humanitarian work is also required, along with demonstrated expertise in quality assurance, public procurement, risk management, building standards, technical documentation, and construction project management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, construction management, or any other related fields. A Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in a relevant area combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience at the national and/or international levels in project management, site supervision, quality assurance, and/or other directly related technical fields. Candidates should have a solid understanding of development and humanitarian work, as well as experience in integrating cross-cutting priorities such as disability inclusion, climate change adaptation, and environmental and social safeguards into project design and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset. Additionally, emergency experience is advantageous, and professional experience with a United Nations agency, international NGO, or other humanitarian/development organization is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to UNICEF's policies and procedures, including medical clearance and compliance with inoculation requirements. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all appointments are subject to the verification of academic credentials and employment history. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment process.