Construction Engineer

Organizational Context

UNICEF has been dedicated to promoting children's rights globally for 70 years, operating in 190 countries. Its mission is to ensure children's survival, protection, and development through support for health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence. UNICEF champions an equity strategy, focusing on the most disadvantaged children and families to ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential, contributing to sustained national growth and stability.

Job Purpose

The Construction Engineer will support the Construction Specialist in monitoring all construction activities within the Country Office, including health centers, schools, and youth infrastructures. This role involves providing technical expertise in managing construction and rehabilitation projects, ensuring adherence to UNICEF norms and standards, and contributing to the successful planning and execution of construction works. The incumbent's efforts will directly impact programmatic goals for children, enhance UNICEF's credibility in fund management, and bolster its image as an organization delivering cost-effective and sustainable results.

Responsibilities

The Construction Engineer will prepare the annual construction work plan by gathering necessary information on regular activities, ongoing projects, and future pipelines. Responsibilities include collaborating with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and government counterparts by providing technical support in construction project management, assisting in proposal development, planning, and terms of reference preparation. The role involves attending technical meetings, preparing progress reports, and resolving technical obstacles. Additionally, the engineer will draft construction scopes, ensure compliance with UNICEF child-friendly and accessibility standards, and verify technical documents. Support will be provided to the procurement process, including preparing tender documents, evaluating technical proposals, and updating the list of potential construction companies. Crucially, the engineer will monitor construction projects through site visits, technical meetings, and progress tracking, ensuring quality, health, and safety standards are met. This includes certifying payments, managing contracts, and participating in project reception and final reporting, documenting lessons learned.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of professional experience in project monitoring, site supervision, and quality assurance is required. Experience with education, WASH, health, or nutrition programs, and working in developing countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, is highly desirable. Familiarity with construction project cycles, innovative materials, and UN system operations is beneficial. Proficiency in MS Office and strong analytical, reporting, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Skills

Key competencies include self-awareness, ethical awareness, collaboration, communication, partnership building, strategic thinking, driving for results, and managing ambiguity. Functional competencies involve applying technical expertise, following procedures, analyzing, planning, organizing, and coping with pressure. Technical skills in engineering and construction, architecture, and settlements are required. Values such as care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability are expected.

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