Consultant for Refurbishment and Renovation Works

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in July 2010, UN Women was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. It merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality. UN Women operates globally, advocating for women's rights and ensuring that commitments on gender equality translate into action. The organization works closely with Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote gender equality and women's empowerment across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will provide expert support and technical services in refurbishing and renovating facilities for female personnel within the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The primary objective of this consultancy is to assist the UN Women Sierra Leone team in enhancing the participation and leadership opportunities of women in the RSLAF. This involves improving the facilities at the Peacekeeping Training Centre (PMTC) to build capacity and institutional readiness for female officers during deployment. The Consultant will be responsible for evaluating technical offers, coordinating renovation works, and monitoring the progress of the project, which aims to encourage greater engagement of female RSLAF officers in peacekeeping training programs, thereby contributing to gender inclusivity and operational effectiveness within the RSLAF.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be tasked with inspecting and evaluating locations to determine the physical and technical conditions of the premises, recommending necessary improvements. They will review detailed technical specifications and Bills of Quantities (BoQ) for refurbishment projects, follow up with contractors and national engineers overseeing civil works, and participate in technical evaluations of bids. The Consultant will supervise the implementation of upgrades, conduct site visits, and support the development of project feasibility studies. They will also provide timely reports to the UN Women Project Manager and undertake any other related tasks as assigned. Specific duties include supervising the refurbishment of female billets, upgrading lecture hall facilities, and improving other relevant infrastructure used by female personnel during peacekeeping training.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in civil engineering and/or architecture, along with technical-professional certification in supervising civil constructions and developing Bills of Quantities. Strong knowledge of supervising and managing rehabilitation and construction works is essential, as well as demonstrated ability to interact effectively with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security sector institutions. Proven networking skills and the ability to provide oversight during construction/upgrade processes are required. Strong writing and communication skills, familiarity with the UN system, and knowledge of the Sierra Leone policy environment, especially regarding security sector institutions, are also necessary qualifications.

Educational Background:
A degree in civil engineering and/or architecture is required, along with technical-professional certification related to civil construction supervision. This educational background ensures that the Consultant has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to oversee the refurbishment and renovation works effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of work experience in supervising construction projects, including general reconstruction works and water and sanitation projects. Experience within community development programs focusing on socially responsive solutions, such as accessible and gender-friendly spaces, is advantageous. Additionally, work experience with UN Agencies or international organizations is considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for coordinating with various stakeholders and reporting on project progress. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timeline, which spans several months for the refurbishment and renovation works. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on delivering specific milestones within the established time frame. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, and candidates from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment, and selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.