Construction Manager

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 emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive without discrimination. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that fosters personal and professional development for its staff, offering diverse opportunities and an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Construction Manager will support the management and coordination of the Construction Unit within UNICEF's Country Office. This role involves overseeing a portfolio of construction activities, including school infrastructures and health centers, while providing technical guidance to UNICEF programs and operations. The incumbent will be responsible for developing annual work plans, coordinating with government counterparts, preparing design and technical documents, supporting procurement processes, and monitoring construction projects to ensure compliance with UNICEF standards and timelines. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve project goals effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the preparation of the construction annual work plan by developing priorities, targets, and performance measurements, and monitoring progress to ensure results are achieved according to schedule.
• Collaborate with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordinate with government counterparts to provide technical support and solutions for construction project management.
• Prepare design and technical documents that meet programmatic and construction needs while ensuring compliance with UNICEF norms and standards.
• Support the procurement process by ensuring clarity and completeness of tender documents and organizing bidders' conferences.
• Monitor construction projects through regular site visits and technical meetings, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards and quality assurance protocols.
• Manage contract administration, including amendments and variations, and ensure proper documentation and archiving of all project-related information.
• Coordinate the final reception of works and ensure all defects are corrected before project closure.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with a valid professional certification may be accepted.
• A first-level university degree in a relevant technical field, combined with two years of relevant work experience, may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in project management, site supervision, and quality assurance at national and/or international levels is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work is essential, with emergency experience considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or a related area. A first-level university degree in conjunction with a valid professional certification is also acceptable. Additionally, a first-level university degree with two years of relevant work experience may substitute for an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in project management, site supervision, and quality assurance, preferably at both national and international levels. Candidates should have a solid understanding of development and humanitarian work, with emergency experience being advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages eligible female candidates to apply. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.