Purpose: Management of construction programmes in Education
Level: L3(TA)
Location: Juba, South Sudan, with frequent travel to the States
Duration: 364 days
Start Date: August 2011
Reporting to: Chief, Education
Background
One of the major priorities for the government of Southern Sudan is to provide education facilities to cope with the rising demand for education. The EMIS Report (2010) indicates that out of the approximately 14,000 classrooms only 22 % are permanent, at least 37% are open air. Overall, less than 10% of the students study in permanent classroom structures. However, there are several challenges to construction in the country: i) there is a highly informal construction sector and regulations in place are not always enforced; ii) low capacity of the local construction industry to respond to the growing demand for construction works; iii) shortage of technical personnel and construction materials, which leads to low construction quality and high construction costs; and iv) adverse geographical and climatic conditions, which together with lack of infrastructure in many parts of the country, limit annual construction time to only 4 months in certain regions. Thus, the scenario is one in which the demand for construction works greatly outweighs local capacity. Given its involvement in the construction industry, UNICEF South Sudan is seeking the services of a construction specialist to provide leadership and technical expertise for its programmes. The construction specialist will also provide leadership for capacity analysis and development to support government efforts in creating child friendly learning environments.
Purpose
The construction specialist will support UNICEF led school construction and rehabilitation programmes, and support government efforts to develop the capacity of its construction units at national and state levels.
Specific Tasks
The Project Manager will provide technical assistance to GOSS/MOE and ensure UNICEF supported school construction projects are implemented successfully, on schedule and adhere to the global policy and local quality standards on school construction. Specifically, the TA is expected to carry out the following three broad tasks over a two year period.
- Support the assessment and analysis of school construction conditions in Southern Sudan to facilitate the development of education sector policies and guidelines: a. Plan and support an assessment study on the status and prevailing conditions of school construction in South Sudan paying particular attention to cost effective approaches, and construction conditions in different geographical locations; b. Support Ministry of Education in the adoption of child friendly school (CFS) designs, designs for vocational and teacher education centers and the supervision of related construction projects; c. Assist the development of policies, standards and guidelines on CFS.
- Provide technical oversight to the joint UNICEF/UNOPS Community School Development project that aims to construct 30 primary and 4 secondary schools in 4 states of Southern Sudan: a. Collaborate with UNOPS, GOSS/MOE Steering Committee and the Construction Unit to plan, coordinate and establish a monitoring framework for the construction project; b. Collaborate with UNOPS to review technical designs wherever necessary and ensure conformity and compliance with global policies, CFS standards and local prevailing conditions; c. Support capacity development aimed at strengthening GOSS/MOE and partners to implement the Community School Development project. The TA will specifically; i) review construction manuals and guidelines and; ii) coordinate the training/orientation of partners, communities and school authorities on their roles and responsibilities in construction of school facilities; d. In conjunction with UNOPS, participate in all reviews and evaluations of contractors and partners involved in the Community School Development project, including the revision of project documents, proposals, BOQs, in order to ensure effectiveness, transparency and due processes and procedures;
- Provide technical assistance to planning, implementation and monitoring of school, college and youth centre rehabilitation and construction projects undertaken by UNICEF, or in collaboration with partners and GOSS: a. Support UNICEF/GOSS and state level education teams in the development of CFS construction plans that respond and adhere to local conditions and needs; b. Review technical designs and proposals submitted by zonal offices to assess their feasibility and cost effectiveness and to ensure adherence to GOSS, CFS standards and environmental policies; c. Coordinate the preparation of all technical drawings, Bill of Quantities (BOQs) and cooperation agreements required for construction and rehabilitation of schools; d. Prepare and organize all relevant documentation necessary for project approvals such as Terms of References (TOR), Request for Proposals (RFP), Local Procurement Authorization (LPA). The TA will also ensure there is timely, technically sound evaluation of bids and contracting processes; i. Guarantee monitoring and supervision of all school construction projects in which UNICEF is engaged to ensure adherence to both global and local government construction standards, as well as compliance to designs and safety measures; including i) the development of a monitoring and supervision plan for the construction component of the project; ii. Evaluate the quality of construction works on quarterly and annual basis; and iii) assist GOSS/MOE and SMOES to identify and train qualified personnel to monitor and develop capacity for school construction supervision and quality assurance. e. Certify achievement of works; f. Supervise the work of local Site Engineers.
- Provide oversight for the construction and refurbishment of technical and vocational youth centres in the country, in suppot of the Ministries of Education and Youth Development, Sports and Recreation.
- Prepare and submit quarterly progress reports on project implementation to the Chief of Education.
Desired background and experience
A minimum of twenty (20) years of professional experience, with at least five (5) as project manager. Advanced university degree in architecture, engineering, or other relevant technical area; knowledge of materials, construction methods, and the appropriate tools to construct structures and buildings; proven ability to identify potential problems and recommend appropriate solutions; strong links in humanitarian community; excellent writing and presentation skills; ability to work productively and proactively in a multi-cultural environment; good health and willingness to travel and live in locations with difficult conditions. In addition, the incumbent should:
Have knowledge and experiences in supporting low cost classroom construction and familiarity with government standard design;
Have knowledge of construction industry in South Sudan and credited local experience;
Have the ability to communicate effectively in English with others to effectively convey information;
Capacity to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches;
Good initiative and ability to apply technical knowledge creatively to ensure conflicts and disputes are resolved between contractors and beneficiaries;
Proved current knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the field;
Exhibit strong leadership and teamwork abilities;
Possess good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills;
Demonstrate the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
Have computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications, including AutoCAD and GIS applications.
Expected Deliverables/Results
- GOSS/MOE school construction policies and guidelines developed;
- Standards for Child Friendly School prototypes for South Sudan;
- Construction of 30 primary and 4 secondary schools in 4 states completed;
- A high quality school construction and rehabilitation project in 10 states is completed through improved monitoring and supervision.
- Rehabilitation of schools in different states as per annual programmes.
General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics
- The TA will be stationed in Juba, South Sudan Area Office with frequent travel to project sites;
- The incumbent will take a maximum of one large-size construction work, and three small- or medium-size construction works at a time;
- In addition to the fee, the TA will include a DSA component for any officially approved missions and travels outside of his/her duty station;
- A furnished office and day-to-day logistical support;
Reporting
The TA shall report to the Chief of Education, UNICEF South Sudan Area Office.
Please send your Application and CV to jubavacancies@unicef.org
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