Construction Specialists at UNICEF

Purpose Of The Assignment

• The Construction Specialist reports to the Project Manager in Health Section in line with the Country Office (CO) organisational structure and is responsible for coordinating construction activities. Key responsibilities include planning, supporting procurement processes, preparing technical documentation, ensuring quality assurance, and monitoring construction works on-site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Health and Supply/Operations teams to define construction interventions that meet programme objectives and deliver tangible results for children, while providing technical guidance and advisory support to Government counterparts and partners on construction project management.

Major Responsibilities;

Below Is a Summary Of Key Functions And Accountabilities

• Construction Design Development and Technical Compliance
• Lead the development and verification of technical designs, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and technical specifications for construction, incorporating engineering and safety risk assessments during the design phase, as well as ensuring clarity, completeness, and alignment with programme and construction requirements, eco-efficiency, and accessibility standards.
• Assess the structural suitability and integrity of proposed designs through the use of appropriate engineering software for structural analysis and simulation (e.g. load, stress, and stability analysis), ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and safety requirements.
• Prepare the scope of construction works in accordance with Programme and Operations requirements, available budget, and site constraints; define technical milestones and deliverables and payment modalities for construction.
• Ensure all designs comply with national infrastructure regulations and government standards, considering local climate, natural disaster risks, and child safety requirements; reference applicable international building standards for any elements not addressed by local regulations. Ensure compliance with UNICEF technical standards and requirements, including those established by the Programme Division (PD), DFAM, and other relevant UNICEF norms.

Procurement and Contract Support

• Provide support to the Supply section in preparing Local Purchase Authorization (LPA) requests and CRC submissions, including preparation and submission of all supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Prepare tender documents for construction works and engineering services, participate in technical evaluations, bidders’ conferences, and assessment visits of shortlisted companies, present the technical aspects of the tender, and respond to technical queries raised by bidders throughout the procurement process.
• Conduct market surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms and prepare the terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) for engineering services, including design and site supervision.

Preparation of construction Annual Work Plan (AWP)

• Contribute to the development of the annual work plan for the construction activities of the assigned project, including determining priorities, setting targets and performance indicators, and monitoring progress to ensure results are achieved on schedule and meet performance standards.
• Prepare and compile information required for the annual work plan, covering regular activities, ongoing projects, and initiatives in the pipeline.

Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes and Coordination with Government Counterparts

• Provide technical guidance and support on construction project execution, monitoring, and management to the PMT, as well as to Government counterparts; contribute to the development of child-friendly community infrastructure proposals and provide construction-related information to ensure inclusion in the Programme’s AWP.
• Support Programme section in the preparation of construction project proposals, planning, and drafting of relevant terms of reference. Analyse project contexts and recommend appropriate implementation and procurement modalities.
• Collaborate with Government counterparts to develop innovative, cost-effective construction designs using local materials, and maintain an updated repository of best practices in construction and building design

Minimum Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related technical field is required. A specialization in Structural Engineering is highly desirable. A first-level university degree with additional two-year of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in construction project management and operation, with demonstrated expertise in structural design, analysis, and supervision of infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in the preparation and review of structural designs, calculations, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and technical specifications.
• Strong knowledge of structural engineering principles, building codes, and standards, including the ability to ensure structural safety, integrity, and resilience in varying environmental and risk contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement processes, including preparation of tender documents and evaluation of technical and financial proposals.
• Experience in construction supervision, quality assurance and quality control, and contract management, particularly for structurally complex projects.
• Familiarity with construction in emergency, fragile, or resource-constrained environments is highly desirable.
• Experience working with government counterparts, development partners, or international organizations is an asset.
• Proficiency in engineering and design software (e.g. AutoCAD, structural analysis tools) and standard office applications is required
• Comprehensive understanding of the full construction project lifecycle, from needs assessment and design through procurement, contract management, supervision, and project close-out.
• Solid knowledge of public procurement processes, contract administration, and the financial and legal aspects of construction project delivery.
• Familiarity with UNICEF programmes, standards, and procedures, including ethics, risk management, and compliance requirements in construction project.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

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Purpose of the Assignment:

• Nigeria has made significant progress in the fight against polio; however, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, harmful social and gender norms, limited political commitment, population movement, security concerns, and weak health systems continue to affect eradication efforts.
• UNICEF, together with government and GPEI partners, is working to catalyze transformative change through strengthened community engagement, improved outbreak response mechanisms, enhanced health systems, and increased political commitment and funding.
• Under the supervision of the Senior Health Manager/Polio Team Lead, the Communication Specialist will lead and coordinate advocacy and communication initiatives to strengthen political commitment, public awareness, and community engagement for polio eradication and immunization in Nigeria.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategy development:

• Close coordination with the Nigeria country office CAP section.

Political Advocacy and Leadership Engagement:

• Lead advocacy initiatives with political, traditional, and influential leaders at state, and local government levels to strengthen commitment to polio eradication and outbreak response.
• Engage LGA chairpersons, their spouses, and other influential leaders in priority states mainly Sokoto and Kebbi.

​​​​​​​Media Engagement and Capacity Strengthening:

• Engage traditional media and social influencers to provide regular updates on polio eradication progress.
• Strengthen media capacity and ensure accurate and consistent communication on polio and immunization.

Public Engagement and Communication Campaigns:

• Design and implement initiatives to strengthen public awareness and engagement on polio eradication.
• Support digital engagement initiatives including U-Report polls and other influence platforms to assess public awareness and promote community participation.
• Coordinate field visits to hard-to-reach areas with UNICEF champions, celebrities, and media representatives.

​​​​​​​Documentation and Knowledge Management:

• Document best practices and success stories of health workers, community leaders, and policymakers supporting polio eradication.
• Produce documentaries, articles, and communication materials highlighting progress and lessons learned.

Minimum requirements.

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Health, or related fields, alternatively, a first university degree with at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, advocacy, or public affairs.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, advocacy, or media.
• Experience working in public health communication is an asset.
• Field experience and familiarity with emergency settings are desirable.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with digital communication platforms and media relations.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Nigerian languages is considered an asset