Current vacancies

Title: Construction Specialist, P-3, Islamabad, Pakistan (Onsite)
Level: P-3 
Reports to: Chief Supply & Logistics
Duration: 3 months
Section: Supply & Logistics Section
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.

Background

Working in partnership with the Government of Pakistan at every level from the local to the provincial and federal, alongside committed donors, NGOs, CSOs and private organizations, we celebrate important achievements, while recognizing that there is a long way to go before we can achieve the dream of a world fit for children. For more information, visit the UNICEF Pakistan Country Office website: https://www.unicef.org/pakistan/

Purpose 

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Chief Supply & Logistics, the incumbent will be responsible for managing and monitoring all construction activities in the Country Office (School infrastructures, Health Centers, etc.) and providing technical support to UNICEF Programmes/Operations on construction and rehabilitation activities.  

Duration
This stretch assignment will be for a period of three (3) months.

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS

1. Preparation of construction annual workplan

• Develop the annual work plan for the construction activities; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.
• Manage the Construction unit human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to project’s needs.
• Supervise and coach unit staff; conduct weekly unit meetings; ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. In collaboration with the Construction Unit in Supply Division and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized in order to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.

2.  Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts

• Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme/ Operations sections and Government counterparts; contribute with Programme sections in developing child-friendly community infrastructure development program proposals; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to include them in their AWP.
• Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modalityIn collaboration with the Government counterparts, develop and produce innovative cost-effective construction designs using local construction materials; compile and update list of best practices in construction and building design.
• Attend steering and technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects' progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects' progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; draft relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.
• Provide assistance in projects related to prefabricated structures and other cost-effective models for emergencies including but not limited to schools i.e Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) & Transitional School Structures (TSS)Work closely with programme/operations sections to effectively manage donor commitments, time and funding constraints, government interactions and other sensitivities related to construction projects

3. Preparation of design and technical documents

• Prepare the scope of construction works based on Programme/ Operations requirements, budget and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
• Apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; verify if compliance with green building standards is required in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Check technical documents related to construction (design drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities); verify whether they are clear, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; undertake the actions required to endorse these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works.

4. Support to procurement process

• Provide support to Supply section with preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Conduct surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; prepare answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders' conference and site visits; conduct the evaluation of technical proposals received and prepare the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Monitoring of construction projects

• Conduct the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; follow up progress for each activity per milestones and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; verify quality and precautions on health and safety standards on ground.
• Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easily assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project; apply multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance; use documented hold and inspection points, where applicable.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Participate in the partial, substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report with the lessons learned for submission to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• An advanced university degree (master’s or above) or equivalent is required in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant technical area.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Technical knowledge and experience in projects related to solarization.
• Fluency in English is required. 

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.
• Experience of implementing construction projects for UN or development sector is an advantage.
• Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

Eligibility

• The staff member must have an existing Fixed-Term, Continuing or Permanent appointment with UNICEF that is valid through the end of the stretch assignment.

• The staff member must have the agreement from their supervisor to go on stretch assignment for the full duration of the assignment

Funding arrangement
The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 2 weeks, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.

How to apply:

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

Application package:

1.    Updated Profile/CV

2.    Two most recent PERs

3.    Supervisor & Management approval

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.