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