National Individual Consultant - Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to the principles of human rights and gender equality, striving to empower individuals and communities through education, health services, and advocacy. UNFPA's mission is guided by the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The organization emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in its operations, seeking staff who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results and fostering partnerships in a rapidly evolving development landscape.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide independent technical oversight, quality assurance, and engineering support for the renovation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Care Centers under the KURA NAWE Program. The consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the quality and compliance of completed renovation works and providing technical monitoring and quality assurance for ongoing renovation activities. This position is essential to ensure that all renovation works adhere to approved designs, technical specifications, contractual requirements, and relevant standards. The consultant will also be responsible for identifying and resolving technical issues, quality concerns, and implementation risks, thereby enhancing accountability and ensuring value for money in the renovation process. This role complements ongoing monitoring efforts by various stakeholders, including SFH and RTB, and aims to ensure that renovated facilities effectively support the intended functions of TVET Care Centers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: reviewing relevant technical and project documentation such as renovation designs, bills of quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, contracts, and progress reports; conducting technical assessments and site visits to TVET Care Centers involved in the KURA Nawe Program; assessing the suitability of identified facilities and proposed renovation approaches; providing technical advice and recommendations to support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance of renovation activities; conducting technical reviews and site inspections of renovation works to ensure compliance with approved designs and specifications; performing quality assurance inspections to evaluate workmanship, functionality, safety, accessibility, and overall suitability of renovated facilities; reviewing completed renovation works for compliance with project requirements; identifying and documenting defects, deficiencies, and non-compliance issues; recommending corrective actions where necessary; reviewing site records and technical reports; participating in technical meetings with UNFPA and other stakeholders; documenting findings through inspection notes and technical reports; and preparing comprehensive monitoring, inspection, and assessment reports that detail observations, findings, challenges, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong technical assessment and analytical skills, excellent report-writing and communication abilities, and the capacity to assess compliance between completed works and contractual requirements. The consultant should be able to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines. A high level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail is essential for this role. Additionally, candidates should exemplify integrity, demonstrate commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embrace cultural diversity, and adapt to change effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters) in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of renovation works and ensuring compliance with industry standards and practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have a proven track record of experience in technical oversight and quality assurance in construction or renovation projects. Experience in assessing compliance with technical specifications and contractual requirements is essential. The consultant should also have experience in conducting site inspections and technical assessments, as well as familiarity with the specific requirements of renovation works in educational or community facilities.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is critical for reporting and collaboration with stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of French is desirable, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of partners and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the renovation project timelines. UNFPA is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, ensuring a fair and equitable hiring process.