Construction Officer

Organizational Context

UNICEF is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of every child. In the Pacific, UNICEF operates across 14 island countries, including Kiribati, which faces significant development challenges due to its fragile context, geographic isolation, and vulnerability to climate change. Safe sanitation is a critical priority, with ongoing large-scale household toilet construction aimed at achieving full coverage by 2026. This role supports these vital WASH initiatives.

Job Purpose

The Construction Officer will provide essential quality assurance and on-site supervision for WASH construction works in Kiribati, ensuring compliance with national standards and government requirements. This role is crucial due to the geographic spread of construction sites, which makes regular field monitoring by existing staff challenging. The officer will collaborate with government and community counterparts to develop innovative, cost-effective, and climate-resilient construction designs, contributing directly to improving public health and child well-being through enhanced sanitation infrastructure.

Responsibilities

The Construction Officer will support construction project supervision and management, collaborating with UNICEF, government, and local counterparts. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance for project proposals and planning, developing climate-resilient construction designs using local materials, and maintaining a repository of best practices. The role involves participating in technical meetings, conducting site visits, and ensuring quality assurance and progress reporting. The officer will prepare scopes of work, review technical documentation for compliance with standards, and secure necessary permits. Additionally, they will monitor construction activities, verify work quality and safety, manage contract implementation, certify payments, and participate in project handover and close-out processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in project management, site supervision, and quality assurance is required. Experience in development and humanitarian programming, particularly in WASH-related construction projects and within fragile or isolated island contexts, is essential. Familiarity with climate-resilient building standards and the specific context of the Pacific and Kiribati is highly desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, and teamwork, with a strong ability to work effectively in diverse and challenging environments. Essential skills involve excellent communication, planning, and organizational abilities, with a focus on problem-solving and meeting deadlines. Technical expertise in construction engineering, site supervision, quality assurance, and contract management is crucial. The role also requires adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to liaise effectively with various stakeholders.

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