Construction Officer (WASH), NOB, Fixed Term, Kabul, Afghanistan

Job no: 560843
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: Kabul
Level: NO-2
Location: Afghanistan
Categories: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

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.

The purpose for the job: The Construction Officer reports to the WASH Manager by CO as per the Country Office (CO) set-up and is responsible for providing technical support to construction activities of the country office. The technical support on WASH construction projects especially in schools and healthcare facilities includes planning, support to procurement, as well as quality assurance, and monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Programme/ Operations/Construction Unit in defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Preparation of construction annual work plan

• Help 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.
• Assist in preparing and collecting information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects, and others in the pipeline.

2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programme and coordination with Government counterparts

• Provide technical support in matters of construction project management to Programme/Operations sections; 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.
• Attend 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 prepare reports on projects’ progress.

3. Preparation of design and technical documents

• Draft 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.
• Provide assistance in checking 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 to initiating works.

4. Support to the procurement process

• Assist the Supply section in the preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Updated on a regular basis the shortlist of potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market.
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders’ conferences and present the technical components of the tender; draft answers to technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support the Supply section in organizing bidders’ conferences and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendations; if needed, provide support to the Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Quality Assurance, monitoring of construction projects

• Participate in the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm, and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide close monitoring of 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 the ground.
• Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easy assessment of work quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant tables for each construction activity.
• Provide assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc.; compile and archive project documents, minutes, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• 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 assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; draft the final completion report with the lessons learned.

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

• A university degree is required in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or other relevant area.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance, and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to including everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
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.

Remarks:

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

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

Advertised: 04 May 2023 Afghanistan Standard Time
Deadline: 21 May 2023 Afghanistan Standard Time

Apply Now