• Description of assignment title: Construction Engineer Associate
• Assignment country: Yemen
• Expected start date: 16/04/2023
• Sustainable Development Goal: 6. Clean water and sanitation
• Volunteer category: National UN Youth Volunteer
• DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No
• Host entity: UNICEF Yemen
• Type: Onsite
• Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
• Number of assignments: 1
• Duty stations: Sana'a

Details

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities. UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children.

Context

This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF Talent Programmes and Partnerships team within DHR’sTalent Unit that manages the long-lasting partnership with UNV and acts as the Center of Expertise for the engagement of UN Volunteers in UNICEF.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Construction Specialist, the National UN Youth Volunteer will:

• Preparation of construction annual workplan -Help 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. -Assist in prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.  
• Collaboration with UNICEF Programme and coordination with Government counterparts -Provide technical support in matter of construction project management to Programme/Operations sections; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to include them in their AWP. - Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference. - Attend technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects' progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring. - Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects' progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles prepare reports on projects' progress.
• Preparation of design and technical documents - Draft 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. - Provide assistance in checking 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.
• Support to procurement process - Assist Supply section in preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities. - Updated on regular basis the shortlist of potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market. - Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; draft answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering. - Support Supply section in organizing bidders' conference and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendation; if needed, provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.
• Monitoring of construction projects - Participate in 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. - Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity. - Provide assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc.; compile and archive project documents, minutes, correspondence, instructions, etc. - 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 assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; draft the final completion report with the lessons learned. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 26

Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

• 3 years of experience in Construction Management. University level courses in civil engineering/architectural engineering, or any other related field of discipline relevant to the job is an asset.
• Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others;
• Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills;
• Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team;
• Flexible and open to learning and new experiences;
• Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
• Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Area(s) of expertise

• Engineering and construction

Driving license  -

Languages

• Arabic, Level: Mother tongue, Desirable English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level

• Secondary education

Competencies and values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Yemen is a unique country and UNICEF Yemen is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.