Construction Engineer

Mission and objectives

UNICEF’s core mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere in the world, in everything the organization does—through its programmes, advocacy, and operations. The equity strategy, which focuses on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have the opportunity to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them realize their potential—from early childhood through adolescence. Its core mission is to promote the rights of every child worldwide by supporting child survival, education, and protection. UNICEF’s work spans early childhood development, healthy childhoods, inclusive education, justice for children, the prevention of violence, and providing adolescents who have gone off track with a second chance to achieve their full potential. Before, during, and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground delivering life‑saving assistance and hope to vulnerable children and families. Apolitical and impartial, UNICEF is never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures.

Context

UNICEF’s fundamental mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, across all of its interventions, whether through programs, advocacy, or operations. The equity-focused approach, which places particular emphasis on the most vulnerable and marginalized children and communities, is a strategic priority aimed at ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, free from discrimination. In line with this commitment, UNICEF in Togo works to strengthen equitable access to quality basic social services, particularly in the areas of child protection, education, health, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) etc.. Territorial and social inequalities, especially pronounced in regions such as Savanes and Kara, continue to affect children's access to appropriate, safe, and inclusive infrastructure. Against this backdrop, UNICEF Togo is implementing a range of transformative interventions aimed at sustainably improving the environment in which children grow and develop, notably through the construction, rehabilitation, and equipping of basic social infrastructure. These interventions cover several priority sectors, including: Construction of early childhood development facilities (urban nursery); Construction and rehabilitation of educational infrastructure (preschool and primary schools); Strengthening of civil registration systems; Establishment of essential WASH infrastructure (latrines in schools and health facilities). These various projects, financed notably with the support of partners such as KOICA, represent a significant strategic investment and require rigorous technical oversight to ensure the quality of the works, compliance with standards, and effective risk management. It is within this framework that UNICEF seeks to recruit a National UN Volunteer (UNV) Construction Engineer to support UNICEF Togo in the preparation, technical supervision, and quality control of construction works, while ensuring close coordination with consulting firms, implementing contractors, and government partners.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Operations, the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring construction activities in the Country Office (Schools, Registry Office, Nurseries in urban areas, Latrines, other infrastructure, etc.) and providing technical support on managing construction and rehabilitation activities. Key functions or accountabilities are listed as follows: Preparation of construction annual workplan - Prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects, and others in the pipeline. Collaboration with UNICEF Program/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts - Provide technical support in construction project management to Programme/Operations; provide information to Programme on construction-related activities to include them in their Annual Work Plan. - 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 PowerPoint (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, Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS), Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (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 the DFAM Field Support Unit. - Check 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 to initiating works. Support to procurement process - Participate in preparation of Local Purchase Authorization (LPA ) requests and Contract Review Committee (CRC ) submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities. - Update regularly 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' conferences and present the technical components of the tender; draft answers to technical questions raised by bidders during tendering. - Support organizing bidders' conferences and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendations; if needed, provide support on the analysis of financial proposals. Monitoring of construction projects - Participate with relevant programs 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 easy assessment of work 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 tables 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; 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 children.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Living in Lomé, Togo offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, but it is important to be prepared for the challenges that may come with this assignment. While the city has seen improvements in infrastructure and amenities, access to quality healthcare, reliable electricity, and clean water can still be inconsistent. The cost of living is generally low compared to many Western countries, although it can vary based on lifestyle choices. Safety should also be a consideration; while Lomé is relatively peaceful, it is advisable to remain cognizant of personal security. The local climate is tropical, characterized by warm temperatures year-round with a distinct rainy season, which can influence daily activities. Additionally, immersing oneself in the local culture and learning French, the official language, can enhance the experience and foster meaningful connections with the community. Candidates attending the interview are advised to discuss travel requirements, any restrictions and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting the UNV offer. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with the possibility of extensions subject to funding availability, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation that the assignment will be renewed. Travel to the duty station (where applicable) and a settling-in allowance will be provided if the duty station is not within a reasonable distance of the place of recruitment. The applicable volunteer living allowance is paid monthly to cover accommodation, utilities and normal living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance is included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (where applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. In addition, in non-family duty stations that fall into hardship categories D or E, as classified by ICSC, a welfare differential (WBD) will be provided monthly. as well as final repatriation (where applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. In addition, in non-family duty stations that fall into hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a welfare differential (WBD) will be provided monthly. as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. In addition, in non-family duty stations that fall into hardship categories D or E, as classified by ICSC, a welfare differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.