UNICEF Niger
Terms of reference
International Consultant Construction Engineer
Background and justification
UNICEF Niger involvement in construction projects, either directly or via PCA, is increasing. In 2015, in addition to many smaller construction projects, the Supply unit is overseeing or will oversee:
- The construction of a cold chain warehouse
- The construction of 25 classrooms
- The construction of 5 rural colleges
- The rehabilitation of an integrated health center
- The Niamey office extension
In order to minimize the risks, there is a need to increase the in-house capacity for monitoring each of the 4 stages of implementation.
Objectives
The incumbent will be a member of the Supply Unit. He/she will be responsible to:
(1) Support the implementation of national policies, guidelines and activities addressing UNICEF’s construction projects
(2) Provide progress reports identifying constraints and proposed measures to address them;
(3) Provide technical support to partners, particularly to local construction and institutional focal points
(4) Undertake site visits to monitor and evaluate implementation; prepare progress reports.
Roles and responsibilities of the Construction Engineer
Under the supervision of the Supply & Procurement Manager, he/she will:
Provide technical support to ensure the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information for an effective implementation, management and technical supervision of UNICEF Construction Program at the solid professional quality level. This includes: formulation of needs; survey of existing sites; feasibility studies; prepare architectural, structural and service drawings; prepare bill of quantities and engineer estimate; prepare tendering documents; evaluate bids; obtain necessary authorizations from concerned governmental bodies; provide a monthly cash flow for payment.
Supervise the work of implementing partners, construction contractors, design firms and technical controllers until final work completion and defect liability period. Scrutinize invoices and advise on payment.
Develop, review and follow the work process and procedures in order to guarantee the respect of the architectural and structural design, the choices of construction materials, the supervision of the field work and the procedures of quality control.
Prepare progress reports on field monitoring of activities, identifying field-site specific constraints encountered in implementation and propose measures to address these constraints; prepare request for Local Procurement Authorization with Supply Division Construction Unit in Copenhagen.
Work Condition
The position is based in Niamey, Niger with frequent travel to the regions, districts and areas of responsibility.
Monitoring mechanism
The Construction Engineer will be supervised (e) by the Supply & Procurement Manager
Duration
The contract period is 11 months, starting April 1, 2015.
Education
University degree in Civil Engineering or Building Construction or related field.
Work experience
Minimum 5 years progressively responsible professional work experience at national or international levels in public infrastructure construction program, reconstruction and logistics planning, management, monitoring and evaluation or in a related field.
Language Proficiency
Fluency in French; controlling English is an asset.
Competency profile
Specific Technical Knowledge Required:
• Current knowledge of the latest developments in the construction field
• Leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage programmes, as well as to impart
knowledge and teach skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and
effective working relationships both within and outside the organization
• Willingness to travel and work under difficult conditions
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including internet navigation and various office
applications as AutoCAD, Archicad, Microsoft Project and others.
Deliverable / outputs
The expected outputs are: completed construction works with the best quality available locally within timeframe and cost estimate
Fees:to be negotiated with the consultant based on the complexity of the terms of reference and qualification and experience of the consultant.
Travel: economy class and lump sum amount in lieu of DSA depending of the duration of the assignment.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit their applications comprising a copy of their cover letter, updated CV and P11 form (on http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_apply.html) and copies of highest diplomas/degrees on or before 23 March 2015to the followingto e-mail address:nigrecruit@unicef.org.
Please indicate your ability and availability to undertake the terms of reference above.