UNICEF recruitment: Construction Officer

Construction Officer (NOB), Temporary Appointment – Nigeria (364 days)
Duty Stations: Lagos (#130992), Bauchi (#131007), Sokoto (#130946), Kaduna (#130915), Port Harcourt (#131008)
Job Number: 577224
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Duty Station Level: NO-2
Location: Nigeria
Category: Supply Management

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About UNICEF

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and regions, focusing on safeguarding children’s rights, improving their well-being, and empowering them to achieve their potential from early childhood to adolescence.

Our commitment is rooted in passion, dedication, and pride in our mission. Advocating for children’s rights is more than a profession; it’s a calling.

UNICEF fosters professional growth by providing diverse career opportunities and a supportive work culture. Employees benefit from competitive compensation, development programs, and a workplace that emphasizes personal and professional success.

For Every Child, a Commitment.

Organizational Context

UNICEF’s primary goal is to ensure every child’s rights are upheld everywhere, across all programs, advocacy efforts, and operations. With a focus on equity, UNICEF prioritizes the most marginalized and underserved communities, translating its commitment to children’s rights into action.

Equity ensures all children have an equal opportunity to survive, thrive, and achieve their full potential, free from discrimination or bias. Addressing inequality not only fulfills children’s rights but also contributes to long-term societal stability and economic growth. This mission aligns with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and underscores UNICEF’s commitment to inclusive development.

Role Summary

Under the supervision of the P3 level officer, the Construction Officer will oversee and monitor construction activities across the country office, including school infrastructure and health centers. The incumbent will also provide technical support to ensure effective management of construction and rehabilitation projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support Annual Construction Workplans

• Collect and prepare data for the annual workplan on ongoing, planned, and potential projects.

2. Collaboration and Coordination

• Provide technical advice on construction project management to Programme and Operations sections.
• Share updates on project activities with Programme teams for inclusion in their annual workplans.
• Participate in technical discussions, prepare project presentations, and follow up on implementation.

3. Design and Technical Documentation

• Define the scope of construction works based on needs, budgets, and site conditions.
• Ensure all designs comply with UNICEF’s standards for child-friendliness, accessibility, safety, and sustainability.
• Review technical documents, including drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities, for clarity and accuracy.
• Obtain required permits before commencing construction activities.

4. Support Procurement Processes

• Assist the Supply section in preparing necessary documentation for construction activities.
• Maintain an updated list of local construction companies and engineering firms.
• Draft tender documents and address technical queries during the bidding process.
• Participate in site visits, technical evaluations, and contractor selection processes.

5. Project Monitoring and Oversight

• Attend project kick-off meetings with contractors, engineers, and government representatives.
• Conduct regular site visits, monitor progress, and ensure adherence to technical standards and safety protocols.
• Use monitoring tools to track project progress, quality, and contractor performance.
• Verify payment documents, monitor expenditures, and manage project-related records.

6. Inspection and Completion

• Participate in partial, substantial, and final inspections of completed works.
• Ensure defects are corrected during the Defects Liability Period (DLP) and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepare final reports and document lessons learned for future projects.

Eligibility Requirements

Education:

• A university degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of relevant experience in project monitoring, site supervision, and quality assurance in construction.
• Knowledge of development and humanitarian work; experience in emergency settings is an advantage.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of an additional UN language or the local language of the duty station is an asset.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage resources effectively and oversee professional teams.
• Familiarity with the construction project lifecycle, from planning to execution and evaluation.
• Knowledge of the latest trends in the construction industry, including eco-friendly practices.
• Understanding of UNICEF programs and principles related to public procurement, financial management, and construction ethics.

Core Values and Competencies

UNICEF’s values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS)—guide all aspects of our work.

Key competencies include:

1. Building and maintaining partnerships.
2. Self-awareness and ethical behavior.
3. Driving results for impact.
4. Embracing innovation and change.
5. Managing complexity and ambiguity.
6. Strategic thinking.
7. Teamwork and collaboration.

Learn more about our competency framework.

Diversity and Inclusion

UNICEF is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of the children we serve. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, or other personal characteristics.

Flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities are some of the measures we offer to promote a diverse workforce.

Child Safeguarding and Conduct Standards

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. All candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF’s child safeguarding policies.

Additional Information

• Government employees must resign from their positions before joining UNICEF.
• Appointments are subject to medical clearance and compliance with host country visa and vaccination requirements.
• UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.

Apply Now and Make a Difference for Every Child.

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