Construction Specialist P-3 TA (364 days)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established to advocate for children's rights and ensure their well-being, operates in over 190 countries and territories. The organization is dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them realize their potential from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF is committed to providing diverse professional and personal development opportunities for its staff, fostering a culture of inclusivity and passion for its mission. The organization values diversity and aims to reflect the communities it serves, offering attractive compensation and benefits to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Construction Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Field Office in Bunia and the technical guidance of the Construction Manager based in Kinshasa. This role is pivotal in planning, coordinating, implementing, and monitoring the infrastructure component of the Girls' Learning and Empowerment Project (PAAF) in Ituri. The specialist will ensure the delivery of quality school infrastructures, adhering to UNICEF's technical standards, timelines, budgets, and environmental, social, and fiduciary requirements set by the World Bank. Effective coordination with government authorities, partners, and various UNICEF sections is essential. The position requires a proactive approach to project management, ensuring that all aspects of construction meet the necessary quality and compliance standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Construction Specialist include:

• Planning and coordinating construction projects in collaboration with UNICEF programs and operations, ensuring alignment with government counterparts.
• Preparing and reviewing technical and design documents to ensure they meet project specifications.
• Supporting the procurement process, including drafting terms of reference and specifications for construction contracts.
• Managing and monitoring project implementation, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Conducting site visits to oversee construction progress and quality assurance.
• Liaising with stakeholders, including government officials and community representatives, to facilitate project acceptance and sustainability.
• Ensuring compliance with UNICEF's environmental and social safeguards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Reporting on project status and challenges to senior management and making recommendations for improvements.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for this position include:

• A Master's degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in project management, site supervision, quality assurance, or other technical areas directly related to construction.
• Experience in building schools and basic infrastructure in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work, with a focus on sustainable construction practices.
• Knowledge of UNICEF procedures and systems, particularly in project design and monitoring.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or a relevant field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of construction and project management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in project management, site supervision, and quality assurance in construction. Experience in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, is highly desirable. Familiarity with humanitarian contexts and emergency response is an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is required. Proficiency in another official UN language or a local language is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment for 364 days. The UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from qualified women and individuals from underrepresented groups. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding any behavior incompatible with the values and objectives of the UN and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and compliance with current or future vaccination requirements is mandatory. The UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.