UNICEF recruits 01 National Consultant : Construction Engineer

National Consultant : Construction Engineer

Job Number: 528949 | Vacancy Link

Locations: Africa: Gambia

Work Type : Consultancy

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.

History and Context: UNICEF in The Gambia, through the Ministry of Health is implementing Gavi support to Health System Strengthening (HSS) with a focus on immunization services from 2017-2021. Part of the grant is being used for the construction of outreach clinics and 2 storage sites, serving as a platform for the provision of integrated immunization and maternal and child health services. A sketch design of the outreach clinics and storage sites has been developed, consultants have been hired for Quality Assurance Process, and two different consultants have been hired for construction of 5 outreach sites and 2 storage facilities and construction is under process. The construction work is ongoing and planned to conclude by the February 2020 for the 5 Outreach clinics and by end March for the 2 storage sites

Justification: It is critical that UNICEF ensures that the construction work meets the highest standard and quality. In this regard and given the absence of a UNICEF Country Office (CO) expert in managing construction projects, the UNICEF CO requires the services of an engineer who will supervise the construction component of the grant.

The function of the construction engineer is to work closely with the UNICEF’s Immunization Officer and relevant Government officials to ensure successful completion of construction. Furthermore, UNICEF has contracted a company, under an existing framework agreement, to undertake quality assurance of construction work prior to handing over to Government. The contracted construction engineer will be responsible for liaising with the company to ensure the maintenance of construction standards and quality of work fitting to serve women and children in the Gambia.

Construction is for five RCH Clinics is ongoing at following sites: Makumbaya, Busumbala, Brikama Wellingara, Brikama Nyambai and Tampoto; and two storage facilities in Kanifing and Kotu.

Purpose-Under the general guidance of the Child Survival and Development (CSD) Manager and close coordination with the EPI officer, the incumbent will be required to develop and implement a plan for the quality assurance and control of the construction of the outreach clinics and storage sites. The position will require regular travel to above mentioned sites for monitoring.

Objectives-To ensure completion of project as per the plan and quality assurance component of the construction works for the sites is conducted as per the contract stipulations and best practice.

Methodology and Technical Approach: The incumbent shall:

Regularly visit all construction sites to ensure timely implementation of construction work as planned. Identify problems and propose remedial actions

Attend site meetings with the consultant and the contractors

Liaise between the engineering firms and UNICEF for all matters relating to the on-going construction of RCH Clinics and Storage Facilities up to completion of construction

Assess the construction work with regard to quality assurance and, where necessary, recommend and arrange changes;

Liaise with relevant colleagues at UNICEF Supply staff and ensure payment of construction and seek counsel where necessary;

Ensure detailed records are kept of all construction activities, enabling real-time tracking of construction progress.

Contribute to the preparation of reports and participate in meetings with GAVI and MOH and EPI as and when required

Tasks, Expected Results and Timelines:

Weekly Site visit reports/updates: Visit all sites weekly and send report on progress of works and appraise UNICEF of any challenges for all sites under this contract

Hold weekly site meetings with consultants and contractors

Verify all invoices from Engineering Firms for both quality assurance work as well as contractors claims and advice UNICEF on payments due.

Activities/tasks	Expected Results/Deliverables	Deadline/Time-frame
Weekly site visit to all active construction sites	Site Progress report covering all active sites	On or before COB Friday of week due
Attend site meetings with engineering firm and contractor	Overview of issues discussed at site meetings included in progress report	On or before COB Friday of week due
Verify payment claims from engineering firms	Signature for approval of payment	As and when claims are made
Performance review of consultants and contractors	One Report each for the RCH Outreach Clinics and Storage Facilities	At the end of construction works

Qualifications and Knowledge:

Have university/advanced degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant technical area; at least 5 to 10 years experience in construction contract management of reinforced concrete buildings; knowledge of materials, methods, and the appropriate tools to construct structures and buildings; knowledge of structural engineering in the design of reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, and timber as applied to construction of buildings and structures; proven ability to identify potential problems and recommend appropriate solutions manner; strong links in humanitarian community; excellent writing and presentation skills; ability to work productively in a multi-cultural environment; good health and willingness to travel and live in locations with difficult conditions.

In addition, the incumbent should:

have the ability to communicate effectively in English with others to effectively convey information;

have a strong capacity to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches;

have good initiative and ability to apply technical knowledge creatively to ensure conflicts and disputes are resolved between contractors and beneficiaries;

have current knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the field.

exhibit strong leadership and teamwork abilities.

possess good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.

demonstrate the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.

have computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications, including knowledge of AutoCAD and MIS/GIS applications

Project management experience is an advantage

Preference will be given to people with knowledge of UN procurement processes

Duration of Contract is 6months.

Expected Start date: January/February

Payment Schedule:  Consultant will be paid on monthly basis upon submission of the invoice accompanied with all deliverables for respective month

Deliverables	Payment Schedule
4 Weekly site Progress reports for all active construction sites submitted	Monthly Payment
One Report each on Performance review of consultants and contractors for the RCH Outreach Clinics and Storage Facilities	At the end of consultancy, (6th Month)

Deadline for submission of applications: 17th January 2020.

Closing Date Sun Jan 19 2020 00:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)