Head of Construction Unit - United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Head of Construction Unit
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) United Nations
Location: Indonesia (Banda Aceh)
Closing date: 07 May 2008

Job Description
Terms of Reference for Construction Project Officer Banda Aceh Position
Title: Head of Construction Unit
Level: L-4
Location: Banda Aceh, Nanggore Aceh Darussalam, Indonesia
Duration: One year
Start Date: Immediately
Reporting to: Chief of Field Office, BA
Deadline for applications: 7 May 2008
Background
The December 26th 2004 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami of Aceh
province, and the 8.7 earthquake near Nias Island on March 28th 2005, had a
devastating impact on the physical infrastructure in both areas.
UNICEF has initiated a programme of rebuilding schools in locations across
Aceh and on Nias. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNICEF and
Ministry of Education for reconstruction of child-friendly-schools, with
improved seismic-resistance standard, was signed on 4 April 2005. UNICEF, in
collaboration with UNOPS and private consultant firms, will provide the
reconstruction of 336 schools. In addition the UNICEF project in Aceh and
Nias has begun a programme of reconstruction of integrated community health
and early childhood centres, it is planned to construct 160 centres.
UNICEF is collaborating with UNOPS, -to act as turn-key contractor for the
construction of 226 schools and 28 community health facilities-, and with
international and local private consultant firms to design and to build
additional 110 schools and 128 community health facilities. Currently, more
than one third of the committed scope of work has been completed. The
remaining is either under construction or contract negotiations.
Since 2006 UNICEF has established a separate Construction Unit composed with
international and national engineers and architects and support staff to
manage and to monitor the construction activities which includes tendering
administration, contract management, construction progress assessment and
quality insurance.
Scope of Work
Under the general guidance of the Chief Field Office Banda Aceh, the
incumbent will be responsible to manage, to guide and to supervise the
Construction Unit comprising of international and national construction
experts to ensure the quality of all UNICEF construction in Aceh and Nias
that they are up to the standards and according to the budget. The position
will be based in Banda Aceh, with travel to many parts of the province as
well as Nias Island.
Specifically the incumbent shall:
Periodically assess the ongoing construction activity with regard to
resources and constraints, provide recommendations for improvement where
necessary.
Plan, implement and monitor assigned construction activities.
Provide progress reports on time to the executive management team for
further planning Ensure a smooth collaboration between UNICEF and the
partners; consultants and contractors.
Liaise with the respective program section for the smooth handover of the
construction to the counterparts in terms of long term operation and
maintenance.
Develop and supervise the work plan of the construction monitoring teams to
ensure targets are met.
Guide and provide leadership to the construction unit.
Manage the construction unit on a day to day basis, ensuring work plans,
deadlines and goals are met.
Assist technically in the recruitment of international and national staff
where necessary.
Coordinate with Operations/Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance
activities.
Certify for disbursement of funds ensuring proper utilization and
accountability, and ensure that activities are within established plans of
action, and the budget allotments.
Liaise with the sections, especially with the water and environmental
sanitation section engineers to ensure technical specifications and
contractors¢ works meet the needs and requirements of beneficiaries,
especially with regard to child friendly designs and water provided on site.

Professional background and experiences
Qualifications:
Advanced university degree in civil engineering, construction engineering,
architecture or a related technical fields, At least 12 years of experience
in construction management with consultants and contractors Knowledge of
building materials and appropriate management of quality control of
constructions structures and buildings; Proven ability to manage a portfolio
medium-scale construction projects Leadership, supervisory and managerial
skills Good analytical, negotiation and communication and advocacy skills
Demonstrated 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 Fluency in English, Bahasa Indonesia will be an asset Vacancies
Contact
E-mail: jakartahr@unicef.org