Technical Engineer Consultant

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 ensuring that children everywhere have access to education, health care, and protection from harm. The organization is known for its dedication to improving the lives of children and families, and it operates in a diverse range of environments, adapting its strategies to meet the unique challenges faced in different regions. UNICEF employs a large workforce, including professionals from various fields, and fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth, offering opportunities for professional and personal development. The organization is passionate about its mission and strives to create a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of children and communities around the world.

Job Overview:
UNICEF Moldova is seeking a national engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Engineer to support improvements to accessibility in eight model schools under the European Union-funded programme 'Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All', jointly implemented by UNICEF and UNDP. The consultancy aims to contribute to creating more inclusive, accessible, and resilient learning environments by ensuring the timely, efficient, and quality implementation of construction and refurbishment works. The consultant will work closely with the UNICEF Moldova Construction Specialist and collaborate with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, design firms, supervision engineers, and contractors. This role is crucial in enhancing the educational infrastructure to meet the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities, thereby promoting equal opportunities in education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Engineer Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting procurement processes by preparing and reviewing technical tender documentation, assessing contractors’ technical and financial proposals, and responding to bidders’ technical queries. The consultant will monitor construction progress through regular site visits, identify implementation challenges, and follow up on corrective actions to ensure compliance with approved designs, technical standards, safety requirements, and project schedules. Additionally, the consultant will support quality assurance of construction works, materials, and workmanship, ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements, eco-efficient solutions, and disaster risk reduction measures. Monitoring environmental, social, health, and safety aspects of the works will also be part of the responsibilities, along with documenting findings, deficiencies, and required corrective actions. The consultant will prepare progress reports, maintain project records, and compile the consolidated completion and close-out package, including lessons learned and recommendations. Site visits will cover schools in various locations, including Ocnița, Orhei, Drochia, Briceni, Florești, Bălți, Criuleni, and Dondușeni.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree at Bachelor’s level in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, water infrastructure, environment and climate, or another relevant area. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience at the national and/or international levels in technical project assessment, design, monitoring, and site supervision, as well as quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields. Previous experience in designing and supervising construction/refurbishment projects is essential, covering at least one project. Candidates should also demonstrate practical experience in supervising and guiding teams of technical staff and managing and monitoring the effective use of resources. Strong analytical and communication skills are required to succeed in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree at Bachelor’s level in a relevant field such as civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, water infrastructure, environment and climate, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of the projects and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in technical project assessment, design, monitoring, and site supervision, as well as quality assurance in construction projects. Candidates should have experience at both national and international levels, demonstrating their ability to work in diverse environments and manage complex projects effectively. Previous experience in designing and supervising construction/refurbishment projects is also necessary, ensuring that candidates are well-versed in the practicalities of construction management.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Romanian is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates with advanced command of written and spoken English and Russian will be preferred, as these language skills will facilitate communication with various stakeholders and enhance collaboration on international projects. Knowledge of multiple languages is considered a valuable asset in this role.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is for a duration of eight months and is focused on improving accessibility in educational settings. The role is considered a national consultancy, and candidates are expected to be based in Moldova. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. The organization offers a wide range of benefits to its staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF is committed to safeguarding children and has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference, safeguarding, and background verification checks.