Senior Programme Associate (Construction)

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Position Title: Senior Programme Associate (Construction)
Location: Managua
Country: Nicaragua
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of children. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential. The organization focuses on various areas including education, health, nutrition, and protection, aiming to create a better world for children and their families. With a workforce of thousands of employees, UNICEF collaborates with governments, civil society, and other partners to implement programs that address the most pressing challenges faced by children worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Associate (Construction) plays a crucial role in providing technical support for construction activities that are implemented by local partners and financed by the UNICEF country office. This position involves coordinating and planning construction projects, supporting procurement processes, monitoring construction works on-site, and evaluating project outcomes. The incumbent will work closely with UNICEF's Programme and Operations teams to ensure that construction interventions align with programmatic needs and contribute to achieving positive results for children. The role requires a strong understanding of construction project management, including the ability to assess programmatic needs, develop work plans, and monitor progress to ensure compliance with standards and timelines. The Senior Programme Associate will also be responsible for ensuring that construction projects adhere to UNICEF's norms and standards, including child-friendliness and accessibility, while considering local environmental factors and available materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the preparation, implementation, follow-up, and evaluation of local partner and local provider's construction annual work plan, including determining priorities and performance measurements.
• Collaborate with UNICEF Programmes and Operations, coordinating with government counterparts to provide technical support in construction project management.
• Review and clear design and technical documents for approval by UNICEF, ensuring compliance with programmatic and construction needs.
• Assist in the procurement process undertaken by UNICEF, including preparing requests and supporting local partners in organizing bidders' conferences.
• Monitor and evaluate construction projects, conducting regular site visits and technical meetings to ensure compliance with norms and standards.
• Certify payments and compile supporting documents, providing assistance to UNICEF Operations on contract management and project documentation.
• Prepare periodic and final reports for UNICEF, donors, and local partners, ensuring transparency and accountability in project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance, or other directly related technical fields. Candidates should possess strong analytical and negotiating skills, with the ability to manage resources effectively. Experience in development and humanitarian work is advantageous, as is experience in emergency situations. The role demands the ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships. A good understanding of the construction industry, including project cycles and procurement principles, is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to quality assurance, engineering, construction, or architecture. A university degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or a related field is considered an asset.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, with a focus on project monitoring, site supervision, and quality assurance. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of construction project management and the ability to navigate complex project cycles, from needs assessment to evaluation of outcomes. Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is beneficial, particularly in emergency situations.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, along with working knowledge of English. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve collaboration with colleagues across multiple locations, necessitating flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization offers various benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards of conduct is mandatory. The role may also require medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements.