Construction Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to health emergencies, providing technical assistance, and setting global health standards.

Job Overview:
The Construction Officer is a pivotal role within the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), responsible for overseeing and managing construction and rehabilitation projects at incident sites. This position requires a strong understanding of civil engineering standards and WHO protocols to ensure that all construction activities, including Field Hospitals, Field Treatment Centers, and WASH facilities, are executed efficiently and in compliance with local regulations. The officer will assess existing facilities, participate in project design, and develop blueprints while ensuring cost control and adherence to WHO standards. The role also involves direct project implementation, procurement of construction services, and coordination with local authorities to facilitate construction activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Construction Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Assessing and evaluating existing facilities to identify construction or rehabilitation needs.
• Participating in project design and development to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Developing blueprints for construction projects, including Field Hospitals and WASH facilities.
• Defining and designing construction projects, including resource allocation for labor, equipment, and materials.
• Supporting technical calls for tenders and managing procurement processes.
• Identifying locally available construction materials and planning the use of machinery.
• Negotiating agreements and permits with local authorities.
• Supervising construction progress and ensuring compliance with WHO and Ministry of Health protocols.
• Monitoring budget expenditures and reporting to the OSL Team Leader. 1
• Ensuring safety standards are met for all construction workers. 1
• Coordinating recruitment, training, and evaluation of construction staff. 1
• Performing any other related duties as required by the functional supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree in technical engineering, architecture, construction, or a related field. Additionally, humanitarian training or construction certification is desirable. Essential qualifications include a strong understanding of civil engineering standards and WHO protocols, as well as experience in emergency humanitarian operations.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first university degree in technical engineering, architecture, construction, or a related technical field. A background in humanitarian training or construction certification is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in emergency humanitarian operations, both at national and international levels. Experience managing emergency health, WASH, and logistics-operations" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">logistics operations is essential. Desirable experience includes working with WHO, the UN system, or recognized humanitarian organizations in the context of health emergency responses.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English, French, or Portuguese is essential for this position. Proficiency in any of these languages will facilitate effective communication and coordination in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be based on-site in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, and is expected to travel as necessary. The contract duration is expected to be two months, with remuneration set at Band B level (P3 level), ranging from USD 7,000 to USD 8,480 per month, excluding travel costs. Living expenses will be provided for internationally recruited consultants. The hiring manager for this position is Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo.