Overview
The Construction Specialist reports to the Project Manager in the Health Section 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and verification of technical designs, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and technical specifications for construction.
- Assess the structural suitability and integrity of proposed designs.
- Prepare the scope of construction works.
- Ensure all designs comply with national infrastructure regulations and government standards.
- Provide support to the Supply section in preparing Local Purchase Authorization (LPA) requests and CRC submissions.
- Prepare tender documents for construction works and engineering services.
- Conduct market surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms.
- Contribute to the development of the annual work plan for construction activities.
- Provide technical guidance and support on construction project execution, monitoring, and management to the PMT, as well as to Government counterparts.
- Support Programme section in the preparation of construction project proposals, planning, and drafting of relevant terms of reference.
- Collaborate with Government counterparts to develop innovative, cost-effective construction designs using local materials.
Required Experience
- 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.
- 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.
Qualifications
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.
