Consultant for Construction Administrative Support

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission 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 professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, emphasizing a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The position involves hiring two consultants based in Makelle (Tigray) and Semera (Afar) to provide technical and administrative support for ongoing UNICEF-EU Health projects, JICA funded projects, and GPE-STEP construction activities in Tigray and Afar Regions. The consultants will also extend their support to activities in the Somali Region and other construction-related tasks as assigned by the Construction Manager. The role requires effective coordination and supervision of construction and rehabilitation works, ensuring compliance with quality and time standards, and facilitating communication among stakeholders involved in these projects. The consultants will be responsible for preparing detailed work plans, conducting site visits, and submitting reports on project progress and quality assurance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultants will be tasked with day-to-day coordination and supervision of all UNICEF construction and rehabilitation works within their assigned areas. They will coordinate activities among stakeholders involved in the construction of EU funded health facilities and JICA funded schools. The role includes reviewing assessment and design submissions from engineering contractors, soliciting construction contractors, facilitating site progress meetings, and ensuring that all construction activities adhere to agreed terms regarding time and quality. They will also prepare detailed work plans, conduct site visits, and submit reports on project progress, quality assurance, and compliance with technical specifications. Specific deliverables include facilitating coordination meetings, reviewing action plans, participating in technical evaluations, conducting kick-off meetings, and ensuring the synchronization of construction dashboards with procurement systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (BSc) in Construction Engineering or related fields. A degree in Accounting, Administration, Management, or related fields is considered an asset. The position requires at least two years of relevant work experience in construction management and supervision, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Experience in supervising construction and rehabilitation of education and health facilities in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, negotiating, communication, and advocacy skills, along with proficiency in report writing and operational knowledge of AutoCAD.

Educational Background:
A university degree (BSc) in Construction Engineering or a related field is required for this position. Additional qualifications in Accounting, Administration, Management, or related fields are considered beneficial and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in construction management and supervision, particularly within humanitarian contexts. Experience in supervising construction and rehabilitation projects in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions of Ethiopia is highly desirable and will be viewed favorably during the selection process.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset and may be beneficial for effective communication within the communities served by UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
The position is contract-based, with specific deliverables and deadlines outlined for various phases of the construction projects. Candidates must submit applications with a fee rate, as those without will not be considered. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and persons with disabilities. The organization adheres to strict policies regarding the protection of children and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and vaccination requirements.