UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up! 

For every child, the right to an advocate

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families.  UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/

Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link

Background:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in all aspects of the organisation’s work—whether in programmes, advocacy, or operations. The equity strategy, which focuses on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into concrete action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and fulfil their potential, free from discrimination, bias, or favouritism. Wherever a child’s chance in life is unequal—socially, politically, economically, civically, or culturally—their rights are compromised. Evidence increasingly demonstrates that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged members—not only enhances opportunities for all children to reach their potential but also contributes to sustained growth and stability within countries. This underscores why a focus on equity is essential. It accelerates progress towards the realisation of all children’s human rights, the universal mandate of UNICEF as articulated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while simultaneously supporting the equitable development of nations

How can you make a difference? 

Purpose of the Assignment:

The Construction Specialist reports to the Project Manager in Health Section in line with the Country Office (CO) organisational structure and is responsible for coordinating construction activities. Key responsibilities include planning, supporting procurement processes, preparing technical documentation, ensuring quality assurance, and monitoring construction works on-site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Health and Supply/Operations teams to define construction interventions that meet programme objectives and deliver tangible results for children, while providing technical guidance and advisory support to Government counterparts and partners on construction project management.

Major Responsibilities;

Below is a summary of key functions and accountabilities:

1. Construction Design Development and Technical Compliance

• Lead the development and verification of technical designs, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and technical specifications for construction, incorporating engineering and safety risk assessments during the design phase, as well as ensuring clarity, completeness, and alignment with programme and construction requirements, eco-efficiency, and accessibility standards.
• Assess the structural suitability and integrity of proposed designs through the use of appropriate engineering software for structural analysis and simulation (e.g. load, stress, and stability analysis), ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and safety requirements.
• Prepare the scope of construction works in accordance with Programme and Operations requirements, available budget, and site constraints; define technical milestones and deliverables and payment modalities for construction.
• Ensure all designs comply with national infrastructure regulations and government standards, considering local climate, natural disaster risks, and child safety requirements; reference applicable international building standards for any elements not addressed by local regulations. Ensure compliance with UNICEF technical standards and requirements, including those established by the Programme Division (PD), DFAM, and other relevant UNICEF norms.

2. Procurement and Contract Support

• Provide support to the Supply section in preparing Local Purchase Authorization (LPA) requests and CRC submissions, including preparation and submission of all supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Prepare tender documents for construction works and engineering services, participate in technical evaluations, bidders’ conferences, and assessment visits of shortlisted companies, present the technical aspects of the tender, and respond to technical queries raised by bidders throughout the procurement process.
• Conduct market surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms and prepare the terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) for engineering services, including design and site supervision.

3. Preparation of construction Annual Work Plan (AWP)

• Contribute to the development of the annual work plan for the construction activities of the assigned project, including determining priorities, setting targets and performance indicators, and monitoring progress to ensure results are achieved on schedule and meet performance standards.
• Prepare and compile information required for the annual work plan, covering regular activities, ongoing projects, and initiatives in the pipeline.

4.Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes and Coordination with Government Counterparts

• Provide technical guidance and support on construction project execution, monitoring, and management to the PMT, as well as to Government counterparts; contribute to the development of child-friendly community infrastructure proposals and provide construction-related information to ensure inclusion in the Programme’s AWP.
• Support Programme section in the preparation of construction project proposals, planning, and drafting of relevant terms of reference. Analyse project contexts and recommend appropriate implementation and procurement modalities.
• Collaborate with Government counterparts to develop innovative, cost-effective construction designs using local materials, and maintain an updated repository of best practices in construction and building design.
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If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: TOR for Recruitment of Construction Specialist_P3, Abuja Nigeria.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related technical field is required. A specialization in Structural Engineering is highly desirable. A first-level university degree with additional two-year of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in construction project management and operation, with demonstrated expertise in structural design, analysis, and supervision of infrastructure projects.

Proven experience in the preparation and review of structural designs, calculations, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and technical specifications.

Strong knowledge of structural engineering principles, building codes, and standards, including the ability to ensure structural safety, integrity, and resilience in varying environmental and risk contexts.

Demonstrated experience in procurement processes, including preparation of tender documents and evaluation of technical and financial proposals.

Experience in construction supervision, quality assurance and quality control, and contract management, particularly for structurally complex projects.

Familiarity with construction in emergency, fragile, or resource-constrained environments is highly desirable.

Experience working with government counterparts, development partners, or international organizations is an asset.

Proficiency in engineering and design software (e.g. AutoCAD, structural analysis tools) and standard office applications is required.

Comprehensive understanding of the full construction project lifecycle, from needs assessment and design through procurement, contract management, supervision, and project close-out.

Solid knowledge of public procurement processes, contract administration, and the financial and legal aspects of construction project delivery.

Familiarity with UNICEF programmes, standards, and procedures, including ethics, risk management, and compliance requirements in construction project.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (1)

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)

(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)

(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.

All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with 

UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.