Construction Specialist at UNICEF

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.

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

For every child, a vision.

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi’s 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063; UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Transformative Agenda.

UNICEF Malawi annually procures supplies worth 70 to 80 million USD to support its programmatic objectives which includes a significant component of approximately 5 to 8 miillon USD allocated for construction. As the Construction Specialist for UNICEF Malawi, your role is crucial in planning, coordinating, designing, contracting and implementing construction activities efficiently and cost-effectively. You will be responsible for ensuring that the construction process achieves the principle of value for money while adhering to national construction standards, ultimately benefiting the women, men and children of Malawi.

This role is particularly exciting as it ensures UNICEF resources are strategically used for the best possible structures essential for child survival and development. Your role directly impacts saving lives, especially during emergencies, by constructing well-designed and solid structures that can withstand the various impacts of climate change in Malawi. Your expertise in construction will significantly contribute to the overall success of the office’s construction projects across all programmes.

How can you make a difference?

Malawi Country Office presents an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join the Supply and Logistics team focusing on construction.  In your role, you will operate within a matrix management structure, where you will directly report to the Procurement and Supply Manager and technically be guided by the Chief of WASH as your matrixed supervisor, who has the responsibility of managing the construction projects in different programmes as required. Your responsibilities will involve realistic planning, ensuring optimal design in accordance with Malawi’s construction laws, creating bill of quantities, supporting the selection of construction contractors, conducting due diligence of UNICEF construction processes, and supervising and monitoring project implementation.  Additionally, you will collaborate with various programme teams to understand their construction needs and support your supervisor and team in developing sourcing strategies that are both cost-effective and efficient.

This temporary position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated, and committed individual to have a significant impact on safeguarding children against any substandard construction that can have very harmful effects on their survival and development. By excelling in this role, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children with professional excellence and by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:

Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Project planning and design

• Collaborating with UNICEF programme/operations teams to define construction project scope and technical requirements by developing technical studies, schemes, bills of quantities, and all technical documents for construction projects.

2. Construction Management

• Supporting the site engineers in supervising the implementation of the civil works (rehabilitation of infrastructure and any construction works) by providing guidance in the day-to-day management of construction activities, ensuring adherence to approved plans, specifications, and timelines.

3. Support to procurement process

• Conducting surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; preparing terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).

4. Budget and Cost Management:

• Preparing and managing project budgets, keeping costs within approved limits.

5. Capacity Building and Training:

• Providing technical training and capacity building to local contractors, site supervisors, and community members involved in the construction process.

You are encouraged to download the detailed Terms of Reference  TOR TA Construction Specialist NOC – Final-Advertcopy.pdf in order to view the full role and its requirements.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Education:

• An advanced university degree in Civil Engineering is required. In addition, candidates must hold the necessary and valid licenses to legally practice in Malawi.

*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience is required in construction engineering, focusing on WASH, healthcare facilities, and/or school construction projects.
• Proven experience in designing, construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure is essential.
• Working with NGOs, Government or within the UN system on Construction Projects. is required
• Background and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• A strong understanding of structural mechanics, materials science, geotechnical engineering, and other relevant disciplines is required.
• Problem-solving, decision-making skills and innovative solution development is an asset
• Strong knowledge of construction industry standards, best practices, and local regulations is required.
• High skills in dealing with office packages (especially Excel) required.
• High level of engineering designing programs (AutoCAD, SAP, Revit) is an asset.
• Ability to apply their knowledge of scientific and engineering principles to ensure projects are functional, safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly is an asset

Language:

•   Fluency in English and a local language, both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.

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: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

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 and (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

The position is not considered an elevated risk role. However, UNICEF reserves the right to conduct further vetting/assessment within the scope of child safeguarding as appropriate.

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 benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks 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 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.

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 female candidates and persons 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.

Visa residence requirements: For National Officer (NO) positions, internal candidates eligible to legally reside and work in a country, independently of UNICEF appointment, are eligible to apply i.e.: 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.

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.

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.

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.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

To effectively contribute to the delivery of results for the children of Malawi, the UNICEF Malawi Country Office operates within a dynamic and results-oriented setting. We foster an environment characterized by creativity, innovation, collaboration, teamwork, a commitment to professional growth, and a safe workspace. Consequently, we are actively searching for individuals who are driven to enact tangible change and dedicated to serving Malawi’s children with resourcefulness, resilience, agility, and a commitment to professional excellence.