Construction Officer at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Construction Officer

Job ID: 583128
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Categories: Operations
Level: NO-2

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of the annual construction workplan.
• Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts.
• Preparation of design and technical documents.
• Support the procurement process.

Support the preparation of construction annual workplan:

• Support, prepare and collect the information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.

Collaboration with UNICEF Programs/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts:

• Provide technical support in matters of construction project management to Programme/Operations sections; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to include them in their AWP.
• Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference.
• Attend technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects' progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects' progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles, prepare reports on projects' progress.

Preparation of design and technical documents:

• Draft the scope of construction works based on Programme/ Operations requirements, budget and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
• Apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; verify if compliance with green building standards is required in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Check technical documents related to construction (design drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities); verify whether they are clear, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; undertake the actions required to endorse these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works.

Support to the procurement process:

• Assist Supply section in preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Updated on regular basis the shortlist of potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market.
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; draft answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders' conference and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendation; if needed, provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

Requirements
Education:

• A university degree is required in in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Emergency experience an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Desirables:
Skills:

• Good analytical skills and negotiating skills.
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources.
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on construction projects.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Fast learner, adapts and responds to change, tolerates ambiguity.
• Ability to contribute to formulation of strategies and policies.
• Good knowledge of latest developments and technology in the construction industry.
• Good understanding of construction project cycles, from program needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes.
• Good knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programs, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction project.

Application Closing Date
22nd August, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online