The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi’s 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063; UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Transformative Agenda.

UNICEF Malawi annually procures supplies worth 70 to 80 million USD to support its programmatic objectives which includes a significant component of approximately 5 to 8 miillon USD allocated for construction. As the Construction Specialist for UNICEF Malawi, your role is crucial in planning, coordinating, designing, contracting and implementing construction activities efficiently and cost-effectively. You will be responsible for ensuring that the construction process achieves the principle of value for money while adhering to national construction standards, ultimately benefiting the women, men and children of Malawi.

This role is particularly exciting as it ensures UNICEF resources are strategically used for the best possible structures essential for child survival and development. Your role directly impacts saving lives, especially during emergencies, by constructing well-designed and solid structures that can withstand the various impacts of climate change in Malawi. Your expertise in construction will significantly contribute to the overall success of the office’s construction projects across all programmes.

How can you make a difference?

Malawi Country Office presents an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join the Supply and Logistics team focusing on construction.  In your role, you will operate within a matrix management structure, where you will directly report to the Procurement and Supply Manager and technically be guided by the Chief of WASH as your matrixed supervisor, who has the responsibility of managing the construction projects in different programmes as required. Your responsibilities will involve realistic planning, ensuring optimal design in accordance with Malawi’s construction laws, creating bill of quantities, supporting the selection of construction contractors, conducting due diligence of UNICEF construction processes, and supervising and monitoring project implementation.  Additionally, you will collaborate with various programme teams to understand their construction needs and support your supervisor and team in developing sourcing strategies that are both cost-effective and efficient.

This temporary position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated, and committed individual to have a significant impact on safeguarding children against any substandard construction that can have very harmful effects on their survival and development. By excelling in this role, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children with professional excellence and by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:

Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Project planning and design

• Collaborating with UNICEF programme/operations teams to define construction project scope and technical requirements by developing technical studies, schemes, bills of quantities, and all technical documents for construction projects.

2. Construction Management

• Supporting the site engineers in supervising the implementation of the civil works (rehabilitation of infrastructure and any construction works) by providing guidance in the day-to-day management of construction activities, ensuring adherence to approved plans, specifications, and timelines.

3. Support to procurement process

• Conducting surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; preparing terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).

4. Budget and Cost Management:

• Preparing and managing project budgets, keeping costs within approved limits.

5. Capacity Building and Training:

• Providing technical training and capacity building to local contractors, site supervisors, and community members involved in the construction process.

You are encouraged to download the detailed Terms of Reference  TOR TA Construction Specialist NOC – Final-Advertcopy.pdf in order to view the full role and its requirements.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Education:

• An advanced university degree in Civil Engineering is required. In addition, candidates must hold the necessary and valid licenses to legally practice in Malawi.

*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience is required in construction engineering, focusing on WASH, healthcare facilities, and/or school construction projects.
• Proven experience in designing, construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure is essential.
• Working with NGOs, Government or within the UN system on Construction Projects. is required
• Background and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• A strong understanding of structural mechanics, materials science, geotechnical engineering, and other relevant disciplines is required.
• Problem-solving, decision-making skills and innovative solution development is an asset
• Strong knowledge of construction industry standards, best practices, and local regulations is required.
• High skills in dealing with office packages (especially Excel) required.
• High level of engineering designing programs (AutoCAD, SAP, Revit) is an asset.
• Ability to apply their knowledge of scientific and engineering principles to ensure projects are functional, safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly is an asset

Language:

•   Fluency in English and a local language, both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.

Apply Now