Construction Manager (Qualified Female candidate encouraged to apply)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The Norwegian Embassy in Nepal has requested UNOPS to assist the Government of Nepal in the reconstruction of earthquake-affected educational facilities. UNOPS proposes to construct 24 new school classroom blocks and toilet blocks in existing damaged schools in the areas of Nepal which have experienced significant destruction and received limited reconstruction help so far. The project is to be implemented from December 2018 to December 2021.

The project includes school selection based on needs and close collaboration with the Government of Nepal’s National Reconstruction Agency and Ministry of Education. The schools selected will be rebuilt to international standards, both from a structural and functional point of view. UNOPS will commit to quality learning spaces which offer all the Government of Nepal-defined Minimum Enabling Conditions (gender inclusion, accessibility, water and sanitation facilities, electricity provision, furniture).

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, reporting to the Country Director, the incumbent performs and may supervise personnel in delivering, technical and administrative support services, covering specialized and non-specialized processes and transactions for discrete work areas in construction management, ensuring efficient, client oriented and effective service delivery. The Construction Manager promotes a quality and results-oriented approach, ensuring utilization of office resources in a most cost-effective manner.

Functions/Key Results Expected

1. Construction Management
2. Team Management
3. Reporting
4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1.     Construction Management

• Assist the Project Manager to monitor UNOPS implementation plan including Quality, Health & Safety and Environment.
• Provide technical leadership, oversight, advice and guidance on all infrastructure projects and work undertaken through the project.
• Implement latest project management principles in order that assigned projects are successfully delivered on time.
• Close monitoring and supervision of all the sub-engineers and their assigned projects to be undertaken ensuring engineering accuracy of construction activities
• Advise on good environmental practices and controls during construction and mitigate environmental impacts of the works.
• Participates in field assessments as needed and when required; mission reports, technical recommendations, guidance and construction for cost effective works.
• Where required assist the Contractor to manage, plan and coordinate monthly, weekly and daily construction activities including monitoring site safety and construction quality.
• Participate in construction approval and inspection activities.
• Identify and solve construction issues in a timely fashion, keeping project manager and engineering staff informed.
• Liaise with, and provide support to, other offices within the country as required.
• Promote a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Project Team.
• Assist in generating regular project reports in accordance to the contractual agreements; maintain updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.
• Attends co-ordination meeting when required.

2.     Team Management

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

3.     Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of progress and conditions on site through daily site record.
• Prepare and submit to the Project Manager a monthly (or as requested) report within 5 days of month-end, summarizing progress of contractor activities, quality control issues, resourcing and scheduling issues, and any other pertinent facts as required.
• Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the Project Manager in a professional and accurate manner.

4.       Knowledge building and Knowledge Sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on design related topics if and when required.
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in design of building infrastructure.
• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Impact of Results:

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Construction Manager directly affect the overall efficiency of the individual team’s provision of construction activities, impacting the team’s capacity to efficiently and effectively service the operational needs of the project.   Timely and accountable delivery of services, ensures client satisfaction and promotes the image and credibility of the project team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management.  This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

a)      Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering is required.
• Master’s Degree in Construction Management or any related field preferred 

b)      Work Experience

• At least 5 years relevant professional experience.
• Candidates with experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies will be well regarded.
• Previous experiences in developing countries and knowledge in the country context related field.
• Candidates with experience working on International /local projects in conflict/disaster prone areas under the education sector will be preferred.
• Proficiency in computers, office software packages (MS Office) is required and experience in Project planning software’s (MS Project) is preferred.

c) Language

●        Fluency in written and oral English is require

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. 
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.