Construction Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development to its staff. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that helps staff thrive and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. In Nigeria, UNICEF operates in a complex humanitarian and development setting, partnering with the government, civil society, children, and families to fulfill and protect children's rights.

Job Overview:
The Construction Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) project in Nigeria. This project aims to assess climate risks and vulnerabilities of primary healthcare facilities and primary schools, and to implement interventions to enhance their resilience. The consultant will guide the construction planning, implementation, and risk management of climate-resilient interventions in targeted local government areas across six states in Nigeria. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring quality assurance in the preparation of technical designs and bill of quantities, monitoring construction projects, and providing support to the CRIBS team leader. The role requires a proactive approach to accelerate project implementation through effective tracking and timely actions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake various activities, including but not limited to: supporting construction project planning, conducting surveys, preparing designs and bill of quantities, and developing a construction progress tracking tool. They will ensure quality assurance in the preparation of technical designs and compliance by providing checklists for engineers and reviewing sample documents. The consultant will monitor construction projects, manage construction risks, and recommend necessary actions to the CRIBS team leader. They will also supervise construction activities, provide implementation support, and ensure that quality standards are met throughout the project lifecycle. Deliverables include an inception report, quality assurance documentation, an online tracking tool, weekly monitoring reports, and construction supervision outputs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Development Studies, Economics, Public Health, Community Health, Public Administration, Engineering, Environment, Climate Change, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in construction management, particularly in climate-resilient infrastructure development in rural contexts, is required. Relevant work experience may substitute for a higher degree. Prior experience with UN agencies is advantageous. Strong analytical and writing skills in English are essential, and candidates may be asked to provide samples of previous work. Communication skills in Hausa are considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Development Studies, Economics, Public Health, Community Health, Public Administration, Engineering, Environment, or Climate Change is required. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of construction management and climate resilience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in construction management, with a focus on developing climate-resilient infrastructures in rural settings. This level of experience is necessary to effectively manage the complexities of the CRIBS project and to ensure successful implementation of interventions in the targeted states.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Communication skills in Hausa language are considered an added advantage, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and individuals engaged under this contract will not be considered staff members under the United Nations and UNICEF's policies. The selected candidate will be responsible for their tax liabilities and must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine, unless they are working remotely and not expected to interact directly with UNICEF's operations or communities.