Construction Engineer Job Vacancy in Monrovia, Liberia

Purpose of the Position
Under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative, you will be required to develop and implement a plan for the quality assurance and control of the construction projects. The incumbent will lead a unit of national and international experts. The position will be based in Monrovia, with travel to many parts of the country.

Specifically you shall:
1. Assess the situation of the construction unit with regard to resources and objectives, recommend and arrange where necessary changes. Participate in the formulation and development of programme goals, strategies and approaches for the UNICEF plan of cooperation.
2. Lead the construction unit to plan, implement and monitor the assigned activities.
3. Assess the situation of the construction unit with regard to quality assurance and, where necessary, recommend and arrange changes.
4. Assist in the review and evaluation of the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of the project in coordination and collaboration with government and other partners.
5. Undertake field visits and surveys in order to monitor and evaluate project implementation. Identify problems and propose remedial action. Identify alternative courses of action to accelerate/improve programme delivery.
6. Develop the work plan for the implementation for the quality assurance strategy and monitor compliance to ensure objectives and targets are met and achieved.
7. Guide and supervise professional and support staff. Ensure their training needs are met, and provide on-the-job training where necessary.
8. Assist technically in the recruitment of international and national staff where necessary.
9. Coordinate activities and exchange information/ideas with other programmes, to contribute to achievement of overall country programme objectives. Participate in establishing effective monitoring, information and reporting systems, and in the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation.
10. Approve disbursement of funds ensuring proper utilization and accountability, and ensure that activities are within established plans of action and the programme budget allotments.
11. Participate in the preparation of programme reports.

Key Expected Results
1. Liaise with the four UNICEF sections/Units, especially with the water and environmental sanitation unit’s engineers to ensure technical specifications and contractors’ works meet the needs and requirements of beneficiaries, especially with regard to child friendly designs;
2. Coordinate with other partners (e.g. government, international and national aid agencies, etc.,) to ensure compatible and appropriate standards and costs are used in all the UNICEF buildings;
3. Provide expertise in tendering and bidding, review designs and architectural drawings, monitor work in the field for quality and efficiency;
4. Work closely with the UNICEF consultant engineers, as well as other partners, to ensure that the programme goals are achieved; Observe and report back to head of section activities under construction projects and to UNICEF management any concerns about the overall construction process;
5. Assess the capacity of UNICEFs partners in this project, to identify their strengths and possible weaknesses;
6. Assess the capacity of UNICEF’s partners and develop recommendations to maximize their strengths; propose solutions to minimize the risks;
7. Visit each active construction site; site visits should be timed to coincide with significant construction activities, such as pile driving completion, foundation excavation completion, steel fixing and formwork inspection, concrete pouring and formwork striking;
8. Ensure detailed records are kept of all construction activities, enabling real-time tracking of construction progress.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate
• Advanced University degree in civil engineering , construction engineering, architecture or other relevant technical area.
• Five years of relevant 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.
• The ability to communicate effectively in English with others to effectively convey information.
• A strong capacity to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
• Good initiative and ability to apply technical knowledge creatively to ensure conflicts and disputes are resolved between contractors and beneficiaries.
• Current knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the field.
• Exhibiting strong leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Possessing good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Demonstration of the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications, including knowledge of AutoCAD and MIS/GIS applications.
• Fluency in English and another UN language.

• *A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies of Successful Candidate
• Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
• Sets high standards for quality and consistently achieves project goals.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
• Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.
• Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
• Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
• Sets clearly defined objectives and produces comprehensive project plans for the organization.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

Click Here to Apply

Closing Date: Friday, 18 November 2011