National Individual Consultant_Technical Engineer

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. 

For every child, results

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference? 

UNICEF Moldova currently is involved in implementation of several infrastructure projects in parallel, each aimed at essential services and infrastructure for children and vulnerable populations across the Republic of Moldova:

• Construction of a Barnahus Facility
• Rehabilitation of WASH Infrastructure in Schools
• Improvement of Accessibility Measures in 10 Schools

1. Purpose and objectives of the assignment

The specific objective of the consultancy is to engage a National Individual Consultant (IC) to provide technical support across all project stages to ensure timely, efficient, and quality implementation of the three infrastructure projects.

2. Scope of work and details of how the work should be delivered

The consultant will report directly to the Construction Specialist and work under their guidance to support the successful implementation of all assigned projects. The IC will coordinate with the UNICEF, Implementing Partners, Engineering Firms, Contractors, and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective management and timely delivery of project objectives at all stages of implementation, including:

Design Monitoring:

• Oversee the preparation of design documentation by the design companies;
• Review designs for compliance with technical standards and project requirements;
• Provide regular updates to the Construction Specialist on design progress;

Procurement Support:

• Assist in the procurement of contractors for construction works;
• Review technical and financial offers to ensure alignment with project objectives;
• Provide regular updates to the Construction Specialist on evaluation process;

Construction Monitoring:

• Support the initiation of construction works for all three projects;
• Collaborate with the Implementing Partners, Supervision company (Engineer) and Construction company (Contractor) to monitor construction progress;
• Identify and address construction challenges to ensure timely completion;

Coordination and Reporting:

• Act as a liaison between stakeholders, including design firms, contractors, and the UNICEF;
• Prepare progress reports and recommendations for management decision-making;

Responsibilities of the National Individual Consultant (IC) divided by each project:

Construction of One Barnahus

Construction Stage

• Assist in development and manage the detailed construction work plans for the Barnahus project, ensuring alignment with agreed timelines and deliverables;
• Coordinate with the Engineer and Contractor to facilitate smooth implementation of construction activities;
• Monitor construction progress through regular site visits, verifying adherence to technical standards, safety protocols, and the project timeline;
• Ensure that the construction aligns with Barnahus-specific requirements, including eco-efficient and accessibility features (e.g., child-friendly designs, wheelchair access);
• Review site supervision reports provided by the Engineer and ensured timely resolution of any technical or operational issues.

Quality Assurance

• Provide support to the Construction Specialist, in coordination with the Engineer, to verify the quality of construction works, materials, and workmanship, ensuring compliance with design standards, local norms, and regulations;
• Provide support to the Construction Specialist in Addressing technical concerns promptly with the Engineer and Contractor, maintaining accurate communication.
• Oversee the partial, substantial, and final inspections of works, ensuring the resolution of defects before issuing relevant certificates.

Rehabilitation of WASH Infrastructure in Schools

Design Stage

• Monitor the preparation of design documentation by the contracted design company, ensuring compliance with project requirements and national standards;
• Review and provide feedback and technical inputs on design deliverables, including layouts, technical specifications, and BoQs, ensuring alignment with accessibility and eco-efficiency standards;
• Ensure timely submission of design documents and coordinate with the design company to resolve any technical discrepancies;
• Facilitate the approval process and endorsement of design documents with relevant authorities.

Procurement Stage

• Support the preparation of tender documents for construction works;
• Provide technical inputs for the evaluation of contractors’ proposals, ensuring alignment with design requirements and project timelines;
• Assist in responding to technical queries raised by bidders during the tendering process.

Construction Stage (Upcoming)

• Assist in the development and management of detailed construction work plans for the WASH infrastructure projects in schools, prioritizing schools based on urgency, logistical feasibility, and the specific needs of each site;
• Coordinate with the Implementing Partner, Engineer and Contractor to ensure the smooth implementation of construction activities across all designated locations;
• Monitor construction progress through regular site visits, verifying adherence to technical standards, safety protocols, and the project schedule;
• Ensure that construction activities incorporate WASH-specific requirements, including eco-efficient solutions, disaster risk reduction measures, and accessible designs for children and individuals with reduced mobility;
• Review supervision reports provided by the Engineer, ensuring that any technical or operational issues are promptly addressed to maintain the project’s progress.

Quality Assurance

• Provide support to the Construction Specialist, in coordination with the Implementing Partner and Engineer, to verify the quality of construction works, materials, and workmanship, ensuring compliance with design standards, local norms, and regulations;
• Provide support to the Construction Specialist in Addressing technical concerns promptly with the Implementing Partner, Engineer and Contractor, maintaining accurate communication;
• Oversee the partial, substantial, and final inspections of works, ensuring the resolution of defects before issuing relevant certificates.

Improvement of Accessibility Measures in 10 Schools

Design Stage

• Oversee the preparation of design documentation by the contracted design company, focusing on accessibility compliance.
• Review and provide feedback and technical inputs on design deliverables, including layouts, technical specifications, and BoQs, ensuring alignment with accessibility and eco-efficiency standards;
• Ensure timely submission of design documents and coordinate with the design company to resolve any technical discrepancies;
• If needed, conduct site visits to confirm that design solutions are practical and suitable for the specific needs of each school;
• Facilitate the approval process and endorsement of design documents with relevant authorities.

Procurement Stage

• Support in preparing tender documents for construction works;
• Review technical and financial proposals submitted by contractors, evaluating their capacity to execute construction activities ensuring alignment with design requirements and project timelines;
• Assist in responding to technical queries raised by bidders during the tendering process.

Construction Stage (Upcoming)

• Assist in the development and management of detailed construction work plans for implementation of accessibility measures in schools, prioritizing schools based on urgency, logistical feasibility, and the specific needs of each site;
• Coordinate with the Engineer and Contractor to ensure the smooth implementation of construction activities across all designated locations;
• Monitor construction progress through regular site visits, verifying adherence to technical standards, safety protocols, and the project schedule;
• Ensure that construction activities incorporate specific accessibility requirements, including eco-efficient solutions, disaster risk reduction measures, and accessible designs for children and individuals with reduced mobility;
• Review supervision reports provided by the Engineer, ensuring that any technical or operational issues are promptly addressed to maintain the project’s progress.

Quality Assurance

• Provide support to the Construction Specialist, in coordination with the Engineer, to verify the quality of construction works, materials, and workmanship, ensuring compliance with design standards, local norms, and regulations;
• Provide support to the Construction Specialist in Addressing technical concerns promptly with the Engineer and Contractor, maintaining accurate communication;
• Oversee the partial, substantial, and final inspections of works, ensuring the resolution of defects before issuing relevant certificates.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular progress reports summarizing construction achievements, challenges, and solutions;
• Archive all project-related documents, including contracts, correspondence, and site inspection reports;
• Draft the final completion report, highlighting lessons learned and recommendations for future infrastructure projects.

Collaboration and Technical Support to UNICEF, CPAs, LPAs, and Other Programme Partners

• Assist Construction Specialist in technical coordination meetings and deliver presentations on project progress and challenges;
• Provide assistance in obtaining permits and approvals required for construction activities before initiating works;
• Undertake follow-up actions to address technical and operational issues, ensuring continuity and progress of activities;
• Provide technical support and guidance to the UNICEF in all matters related to project implementation;
• Coordinate with implementing partners to ensure alignment and efficiency in construction/rehabilitation activities.

3. Deliverables 

1. 1. Construction of the Barnahus

• Regular monitoring reports for construction activities and conducting quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with project standards and objectives;
• Regular Site visit reports and quality assurance notes;
• Final completion report, including lessons learned;

2. 2. Rehabilitation of WASH Infrastructure in Schools.

• Regular monitoring reports for design preparation including feedback and recommendations on design deliverables;
• Tender evaluation reports and procurement documentation;
• Progress reports for construction works (when initiated);
• Final completion report, including lessons learned;

3. 3. Improvement of Accessibility Measures in 10 Schools

• Regular monitoring reports for design preparation including feedback and recommendations on design deliverables;
• Reports on tender evaluations and responses to technical queries;
• Monitoring reports for construction activities (once started);
• Final completion report, including lessons learn.

4. Reporting requirements

The consultant will report to and have regular communication with the Construction Specialist. The consultant obtains any required support or guidance from the Construction Specialist in coordination with over members of the UNICEF implementing team, whenever necessary. UNICEF implementing team will provide feedback on consultant performance and support to achieve the intended objectives. The consultant will submit the weekly update and any issues related to the performance of the contractors and the quality of work.

All activities and deliverables undertaken by the consultant shall be discussed and planned in consultation with UNICEF. The consultant is expected to provide the deliverables electronically (in editable format), in Romanian and English, as needed and agreed with the supervisor of contract. At each stage, the deliverable shall be submitted to the Construction Specialist by email or made available on the dedicated organizational online platform.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• A university degree is required in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, water infrastructure, environment and climate, or other relevant area;
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in technical projects’ assessment, design, monitoring and site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required;
• Previous experience in designing and supervising construction/ refurbishment projects (at least one project);
• Good analytical and communication skills;
• Practical experience in supervising and guiding teams of technical staff, as well as managing and monitor the effective use of resources;
• Good knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects is an asset;
• Previous experience in working with UN Agencies is an asset;
• Fluency in oral and written Romanian necessary to interact and communicate with the LPAs and implementing institutions;
• Advanced command of written/spoken English and Russian is a strong asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

For more details on the consultancy assignment and requirements, please refer to attached Terms of reference (ToR)

 2025_TOR_National Technical Consultant_VA.docx

HOW TO APPLY: Your online application should contain the Technical and Financial Offers (templates below). Please secure the Financial Proposal *.pdf document with a password on document view; the password will be requested only from technically qualified candidates.

 Technical Offer_Technical Engineer Consultant.docx

 Financial Offer_Technical Engineer Consultant.xlsx

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.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.