UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

UNICEF Malawi Country Programme supports the Government of Malawi to meet its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil children's rights in line with international conventions and standards. The vision is that "all girls and boys in Malawi especially the most disadvantaged and deprived, realize their rights".

Context:

UNICEF has a mandate to safeguard the rights of all children, everywhere. This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF Malawi programming initiative on reducing maternal and neonatal mortality funded by China. One of the key components of the current project is to renovate delivery room and newborn corners/small and sick newborn ward in 20 health care facilities (17 primary health care facilities and 3 hospitals).

Task Description:

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Health & HIV, the UN Volunteer Construction Specialist will:

Summary of Key Duties:

Regularly update the work plan for construction activities

Coordinate procurement processes for required construction works and services

Support procurement processes for construction works and services

Manage construction projects and associated contracts with vendors

Perform any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor

Regularly updating the construction work plan:

Consolidate required infrastructure interventions for the Health Section, Operations, and other programme sections

Determine/revise performance indicators and monitor the progress of implementation to ensure results are achieved according to schedules and performance standards

Update the work plan regularly to incorporate emerging construction activities and schedules of ongoing projects

Collaboration with the Health Section, Operations, other Programme Sections, and Government Counterparts:

Provide technical advice in the planning of construction projects in conformance with UNICEF Supply Division guidelines and international best practices

Provide technical inputs in the development of project proposals and terms of reference that include construction components

Collaborate with Government counterparts in developing and documenting innovative, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective construction designs

Participate in relevant multi-stakeholder technical working groups and represent UNICEF Malawi in reporting on infrastructure support provided by the office

Preparation of technical documents for construction:

Prepare the scope of construction works and services based on requirements, budgets, and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modalities

Review construction technical documents (drawings, technical specifications, and bills of quantities); verify if the documents are clear, complete, and compliant with programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency, and accessibility requirements

Follow up with the appointed third-party quality assurance firms and government entities for obtaining all required development permits

Support for procurement processes for construction works and services:

Provide technical support to the Supply Unit in the preparation of Local Procurement Authorization (LPA) requests and Contracts Review Committee (CRC) submissions

Develop terms of reference required for pre-qualifying or requesting proposals from eligible service providers

Support the Supply Unit in consolidating required documents for the establishment of local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services

Prepare tender documents related to construction works and engineering services

Support the Supply Unit in conducting the Bidders' Conference (Pre-bid Meeting), presenting technical components of the tender, and providing answers to technical questions

Organize and coordinate site visits when required

Lead the evaluation of technical proposals and support the Supply Unit in analyzing financial proposals

Support the Supply Unit in preparing cases for presentation to the Contract Review Committee (CRC)

Management of construction projects:

Provide close monitoring of construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings

Follow up on the progress of construction through the review of weekly progress reports submitted by the third-party quality assurance firm

Ensure adherence of construction works and engineering services to established norms, standards, and timelines

Verify compliance with quality requirements and health and safety standards

Establish effective supervision tools to enable the identification of challenges affecting quality, time schedules, and cost

Review payments and proposed work variations; monitor and manage expenditure on construction projects

Participate in the partial, substantial, and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the Defects Liability Period (DLP)

Ensure the development and filing of As-Built Drawings and share them with relevant Government counterparts

Conduct Contract Performance Evaluation

Provide support to the Supply Unit on contract close-out in VISION, preparing the final completion report and lessons learned

Qualifications and Experience:

Required education level: Master's degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, construction management, and any other related fields OR a Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in a relevant area combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience

Relevant experience: 7 years

Languages: English, Level: Fluent (Required)

Competencies and Values:

Professionalism

Integrity

Teamwork and respect for diversity

Commitment to continuous learning

Planning and organizing

Communication

Flexibility

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

Skills and Experience:

At least 5 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in project management, site supervision, quality assurance, and/or other directly related technical fields is required

Registration with the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) is a mandatory requirement

Experience in integrating cross-cutting priorities such as disability inclusion, climate change adaptation, Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), and social protection considerations into project design and implementation is desirable

Experience related to energy-efficient buildings and innovative construction technologies is considered a strong asset

Experience in the use of construction management and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, project planning software) and familiarity with international norms and standards is an advantage

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.)

Desirable: valid national driver's license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough terrain

Application Procedure:

To apply for this job, please visit: app.unv.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.