Latest Jobs at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Supply and Logistics, and direct supervision of the Construction Manager, the incumbent will be supporting the management and coordination of the Construction Unit and will be responsible for managing a portfolio of construction activities in the Country Office (School infrastructures, Health Centers, etc.) and providing technical guidance to UNICEF Programmes/Operations on construction and rehabilitation activities. 

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASK:

Support the Preparation of Construction Annual Workplan

In consultation with the Chief, Supply and Logistics Section and the Construction Manager:

• Develop the annual work plan for the Construction unit; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the Construction human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to project’s needs.
• Assist with the supervision and coaching of Construction staff. 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.

Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and Coordination with Government Counterparts

• Coordinate provision of technical backstopping and support to Programme/ Operations sections and Government counterparts in matter of construction project management; provide solutions to relevant issues; provide guidance to Programme sections in developing child-friendly community infrastructure development program proposals; ensure construction activities are incorporated in relevant Programme AWP.
• Coordinate with Programme/Operations sections through involvement of Construction Unit 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, lead the process to develop and produce innovative cost-effective construction designs using local construction materials, based on best practices in construction and building design.
• Attend steering meetings and lead technical cooperation meetings; review PPT presentations on projects' progress; coordinate follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Ensure Programme/Operations sections are informed of projects' progress; suggest appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; review relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.

Preparation of Design and Technical Documents

• Ensure scope of construction works are clearly envisaged to the requirements of Programme/ Operations, budget and site limitations.
• Advocate and ensure the application of UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; ensure compliance with green building standards, if required, in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Ensure technical documents related to construction (design, drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities) are clear and adherence to UN/UNICEF and national standards, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; ensure endorsement of these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Ensure all permits required for construction activities are obtained prior initiating works.

Support to Procurement Process

• Ensure LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities are complete and clear for reviewing.
• Set strategy to explore the local market and the availability of potential construction companies and engineering firms; advocate for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision) and review relevant terms of reference.
• Ensure tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services are complete and coherent; ensure clarity of technical information prepared for the bidders' conference; validate answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Provide guidance to Supply section on organizing bidders' conference and site visits; organize and lead the evaluation of technical proposals received and review the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

Monitoring of Construction Projects

• Organize the kick-off meeting of construction works in coordination with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Ensure overall follow-up to construction activities by coordinating regular site visits and regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; review monitoring and site supervision reports, minutes of technical meetings to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline, provide solutions on obstacles related to technical matters/project management; ensure minimum quality and precautions on health and safety standards are met on construction site.
• Ensure availability of effective monitoring and supervision tools, to enable the in-house engineers and engineering firms to easily assess the quality of works, progress, and performance of construction companies during the entire duration of the project; ensure multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance is applied; ensure documented hold and inspection points are used where applicable, and take lead to release hold points.
• Coordinate certification of payments/ variations after verification; monitor overall construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and submit financial status reports on construction activities.
• Coordinate contract management for construction activities with Supply section in relation to amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/ information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Organize and coordinate substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; ensure reception of works is certified through the issuance of relevant certificates.
• Ensure contract close-out in VISION along with completed Contract Performance Evaluation; review the final completion report with the lessons learned and submit to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary. 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• An advanced university degree is required in in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area, or relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in conjunction with a valid relevant professional certification is required.
• 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. 

Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Emergency experience an advantage. 

Deadline: 06 Sep 2024 W. Central Africa Standard Time

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How can you make a difference? 

Under the direct supervision of the Supply and Logistics Specialist, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting the uninterrupted supply of affordable and good quality supplies and services, adapted to the particular context and through compliance with UNICEF’s policies, procedures and ethics standards. 

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS

Summary of key functions/accountabilities;

• In-country logistics
• Procurement/contracting
• Support warehouse and inventory management activities, in case of need.

In-country logistics:

• Provide input on the logistics component of the supply plan, including advising on infrastructure constraints (e.g. customs clearance, port capacity, transport options and warehousing capacity) and different delivery mechanisms. Keep track of demurrages and detention charges. Negotiate with Airport/Port/Shipping Line for waiver of demurrage/detention charges whenever required. Calculate budget requirements for various delivery modalities and ensure establishment of budget with the colleagues from the respective programme sections.
• Liaise with supply colleagues as well as colleagues from respective programme sections, use supply dashboards to ensure pipeline monitoring establishment of appropriate logistics capacity. Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement and take action to ensure timely customs clearance of supplies entering the country. Perform research, collect data and conduct analysis, produce reports and ensure information accuracy in corporate systems to enable informed decision-making.
• Provide support in logistics, following standard processes and contributing to the effective delivery of programme supplies. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support logistics operations management and contribute to effective service delivery.
• Review needs for contracting of logistics third party services (e.g. customs clearance, warehousing, transport, distribution) and transmit all supporting information for contracting of such service providers including establishment of KPIs and performance monitoring mechanisms.
• Maintain and process documentation for execution of logistics operations (e.g. customs clearance, invoice verification), and take appropriate actions to resolve operational issues, escalating complex issues to the supervisor.
• Maintain a proper follow up system on invoices submission and payment. Ensure that invoices are submitted on time and ensure proper follow up on invoices processes with program and finance section.

Procurement/contracting:

• Liaise with colleagues from respective programme sections in logistics arrangements and timelines. From lessons learnt, contribute with good practices to strengthen sustainability of supply chains.
• Prepare and process Request for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), as might be requested by the Supervisor. Assists with bid openings, and technical and financial analysis of offers as might be required. Conduct clarifications with suppliers.
• Keep stakeholders/partners informed on the progress of procurement processes. Liaise with clearing and transport companies, ensuring timely follow-up on delivery schedules Implement appropriate vendor management practices e.g. supply performance reviews.
• Regularly monitor dashboard reports and coordinate to ensure necessary supply action is taken in a timely manner in support of UNICEF Programmes.
• Regularly extract reports on the status of the existing LTAs, contracts, Purchase Orders (POs) and take necessary action in coordination with the relevant Programme.

Warehousing and inventory management activities:

• Following UNICEF policies and procedures, assess warehousing capacity including facilities, conditions of equipment, manpower, and processes. Propose corrective actions to supervisor. Assess new warehouse facilities when required. If necessary, assists the implementation of new warehouse facilities which may include installation and assembly of temporary warehouse structures (e.g. Wiik-Halls/Rub Halls type structures).
• Support to the maintenance of appropriate warehousing and inventory management processes in support of the country programme implementation. Ensure accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are in place, and relevant records are properly maintained.
• Assess availability of space and prepare stacking and storage plans to ensure appropriate storage and optimize use of space.
• Supervise receipt of consignments and dispatch of supplies.
• Prepare stock reports. Monitor inventory to track trends and account for the inventory status from source to beneficiary. Carry out regular physical counts of inventory in the warehouse. Prepare documentation for commodity disposal through Property Survey Board committee. Keep track of near to expiry supplies ensuring FIFO and FEFO approaches.

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 supply chain, business administration, contract/commercial law, or another relevant technical field. 
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant administrative experience in supply chain management or a commercial context is required. Understanding of development and humanitarian work is an advantage. 
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. 

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Deadline: 12 Sep 2024 W. Central Africa Standard Time