Senior Programme Associate (Construction), GS-7, Managua, Nicaragua, 13186, Temporary Appointment TA (362 days)

For every child, Education

This project will support efforts to improve learning environments in selected initial education centers and in Normal Higher Training Schools, where the improvement of physical learning environments and hybrid learning environments (in-person and virtual) is planned through infrastructure works with the provision of school furniture and teaching materials, as well as minor repairs with the provision of technological devices.

How can you make a difference? 

The Senior Programme Associate (Construction) providing technical support to construction activities implemented by local partners and financed and supervised by the country office. The technical support on construction projects includes coordinating, planning, support to procurement, monitoring of construction works on site, evaluation and reporting. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Programme/ Operations in reviewing construction interventions undertaken by the local partner to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children.

III. Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

1. Support to the preparation, implementation, follow up and evaluation of local partner and local provider´s construction annual workplan.
2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts.
3. Revision and clearance for approval by UNICEF of design and technical documents.
4. Support to procurement process undertaken by UNICEF to complement local partners´ activities.
5. Support the monitoring and evaluation of construction projects, including technological infrastructure.

1. Support to the preparation, implementation, follow up and evaluation of local partner and local provider´s construction annual workplan.

• Helps develop the annual work plan for the construction activities; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Assists in prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.

2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts.

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

3. Revision and clearance for approval by UNICEF of design and technical documents.

• Supports local partners to apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects whenever possible, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials.
• Helps local partner in checking 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.

4. Support to procurement process undertaken by UNICEF to complement local partners´ activities.

• Assists Supply section in preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to supply acquisitions if applicable.
• Supports local partner in organizing bidders’ conference and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendation.

5. Support the Monitoring and evaluation of construction projects, including technological infrastructure.

• Provides close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; follow up progress for each activity per milestones and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; verify quality and precautions on health and safety standards on ground.
• Uses effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easily assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project.
• Certifies payments/variations and compile supporting documents.
• Provides assistance to UNICEF Operations on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc., compile and archive project documents, minutes, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• Participates in the partial, substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepares periodic and final reports for UNICEF, the donor, and the local partner´s use as they find appropriate.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to quality assurance, engineering, construction, architecture.
  A university degree completed in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area is an asset. 
• Work Experience: 
  ▪A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
  ▪ Understanding of development and humanitarian work is an advantage.
  ▪ Emergency experience an advantage.

• Skills: 

▪ Good analytical skill and negotiating skills.
▪ Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources.
▪ 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.
▪ Good knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry.
▪ Good understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes.
▪ Good knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction project.

• Language Requirements: Fluency in Spanish and English working knowledge is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) or a local language is an asset. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.