Re-advertised Construction Specialist, NOC, TA, Ankara, Türkiye #135500 (Turkish Nationals Only)

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

You can watch our video to learn more about UNICEF Turkiye Country Office and a glance of our worklife.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, inclusion

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, 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 favoritism. 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 fulfill 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? 

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Supply and Logistics Specialist, the incumbent will be responsible for managing and monitoring all construction activities in the Country Office (School infrastructures, Health Centers, Child Centers etc.) and providing technical support to UNICEF Programmes/Operations on construction and rehabilitation activities. 

This position will primarily support the implementation of UNICEF Türkiye’s construction portfolio for 2026, with a strong focus on the rehabilitation and development of child-friendly, inclusive, and climate-resilient facilities (including schools, child protection centers, and health facilities). The incumbent will serve as the focal point for the day-to-day technical oversight, coordination and monitoring of this project, ensuring timely delivery in line with programme objectives and government requirements.

Key Accountabilities, Duties and Tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities

1. Preparation of construction annual workplan
2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts
3. Preparation of design and technical documents
4. Support to procurement process
5. Monitoring of construction projects
6. Preparation of construction annual workplan

• 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.
• Manage the Construction unit human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to project’s needs.
• Supervise and coach unit staff; conduct weekly unit meetings; ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. In collaboration with the Construction Unit in Supply Division and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized in order to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.

2. Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts central and provincial levels)

• Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme/ Operations sections and Government counterparts; contribute with Programme sections in developing child-friendly community infrastructure development programme proposals; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to include them in their AWP.
• Work in very close collaboration with Programme and Operations teams to ensure that all construction interventions are fully aligned with programme priorities, technical requirements and annual workplans. Provide programme sections with regular technical advice, updates, and timely flagging of risks that could affect programme delivery
• Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
• In collaboration with the Government counterparts, develop and produce innovative cost-effective construction designs using local construction materials; compile and update list of best practices in construction and building design.
• Maintain continuous coordination with Government authorities at central and local/provincial levels, ensuring alignment with national regulations, design standards, permitting processes and implementation responsibilities. Facilitate technical dialogue between government entities, UNICEF and contractors.
• Provide technical support to Programme/Operations sections during project conceptualization, feasibility assessments, and development of ToRs, ensuring programme intent is translated into technically sound construction solutions.
• Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects’ progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; draft relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.

3. Preparation of design and technical documents

• Prepare 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.

4. Support to procurement process

• Provide support to Supply section with preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Conduct surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders’ conference and present the technical components of the tender; prepare answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders’ conference and site visits; conduct the evaluation of technical proposals received and prepare the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Monitoring of construction projects

• Maintain regular and structured engagement with construction companies and engineering supervision firms, including weekly technical meetings, documented follow-up actions, and joint site inspections to ensure compliance with quality, timelines, health and safety, and contractual obligations.
• Conduct the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide 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.
• Use 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; apply multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance; use documented hold and inspection points, where applicable.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Participate in the partial, substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report with the lessons learned for submission to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.

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

The ability of the Construction Specialist to provide support to the Supply and Logistics Specialist, successfully plan, manage and oversee the effective and efficient management of construction activities for UNICEF Programme/Operations, and directly impact on programmatic goals and results for children. This in turn contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility of UNICEF as an effective and responsible manager of funds entrusted to the organization and to furthering UNICEF image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable programme results for children.

Minimum requirements:

• Education:

• • An advanced university degree is required in civil engineering or construction engineering.
  • A first level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant technical field (as identified above), in conjunction with additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be taken in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• Work Experience:

• • A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in construction, project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
  • Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
  • Emergency experience is an advantage.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Turkish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Skills

• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure;
• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment;
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
• 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 strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions;
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders;
• Ability to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions and make conclusions and recommendations to resolve them;
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes;
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry;
• Strong understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes;
• Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects.

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 here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

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 people with disabilities 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.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

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.