​Organization: UNICEF

Location: Kano, Nigeria

Job No: 592524

Level: NO-2 (National Professional Officer)

Contract Type: Temporary Appointment

Application Deadline: 1st May, 2026

​ROLE PURPOSE

​The Construction Officer supports the Health Section by coordinating construction activities from design to handover. The role ensures that health infrastructure—such as clinics or cold chain stores—is built to high standards, is child-friendly, accessible, and resilient to climate risks.

​KEY FUNCTIONS

• ​Technical Design: Develop/verify BOQs, technical drawings, and structural specifications using engineering software.
• ​Procurement Support: Prepare tender documents, evaluate bids, and conduct market surveys for construction firms.
• ​Site Supervision: Conduct daily monitoring and quality assurance (QA) on-site; certify milestones for payment.
• ​Contract Management: Manage variation orders, assess risks, and oversee the Defects Liability Period (DLP).
• ​Government Liaison: Coordinate with government technical services to secure permits and align with national standards.

​MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• ​Education: Degree in Structural/Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture. (Structural Engineering specialization is highly desirable).
• ​Experience: Minimum 2 years in project management with expertise in structural design and site supervision.
• ​Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD and structural analysis tools (e.g., SAP2000, ETABS, or ProtaStructure) is required.
• ​Context: Experience in emergency or resource-constrained environments is a major asset.

Strategy Guide: Landing a UNICEF National Officer Role

​1. The “Structural” Differentiator

​UNICEF emphasizes Structural Engineering in this advert. To stand out:

• ​In your CV: Don’t just list “Construction.” List specific Structural Analysis tasks. Mention experience with load, stress, and stability analysis.
• ​Software: Explicitly name the structural software you use (e.g., “Proficient in ProtaStructure for reinforced concrete design”).

​2. Highlighting “Child-Friendly” & “Green” Building

​UNICEF follows specific global norms. Your application should mention:

• ​Accessibility: Experience with inclusive design (ramps, wide doors for disability access).
• ​Sustainability: Use of local materials or “Green Building” standards to reduce carbon footprints.
• ​Child Safety: Ensuring construction sites and finished buildings are safe for children and families.

​3. Competency-Based Writing

​UNICEF uses the “Competency Framework.” When writing your cover letter or filling the online form, use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate:

• ​Nurtures, Leads and Manages People: (Even though there are no direct reports, you manage contractors and government partners).
• ​Works Collaboratively with Others: Mention how you worked with “Supply/Operations” and “Government Counterparts.”
• ​Drive for Results: Mention a project you delivered on time and under budget despite site constraints.

​4. Technical Skills for the NO-2 Level

​At the NO-2 level, you are expected to be an expert. Focus on:

• ​Contract Management: Mention familiarity with FIDIC or similar international contract standards.
• ​Risk Mitigation: How you identified a technical risk (e.g., poor soil bearing capacity) and implemented a solution.

​5. Application Checklist

• ​[ ] Degree Verification: Ensure your degree is from a recognized institution (UNICEF verifies this strictly).
• ​[ ] The “VISION” System: If you have worked with UNICEF or another UN agency, mention your familiarity with VISION or similar ERPs.
• ​[ ] Kano Context: Highlight your knowledge of North-West Nigerian building codes and local material markets.

[Name] | Structural Engineer & Construction Manager (COREN Registered)

​Technical Mastery:

• ​Design & Analysis: AutoCAD, ProtaStructure, Orion, SAP2000.
• ​Project Tools: MS Project, Primavera P6, Microsoft Office Suite.
• ​Standards: Eurocodes, British Standards (BS), and Nigerian Building Codes.

​Selected Professional Experience:

​Construction Project Lead | [Previous Company/Organization]

Kano, Nigeria | [Dates]

• ​Managed the full lifecycle of [Number] health/education infrastructure projects with a combined budget of $[Amount].
• ​Performed rigorous structural analysis and verification of BOQs, resulting in a 15% reduction in material waste.
• ​Supervised [Number] contractors, ensuring 100% adherence to health and safety (HSE) standards and technical specifications.
• ​Coordinated with the Ministry of Works and Housing to secure building permits and ensure compliance with national infrastructure regulations.
• ​Implemented a “hold-point” inspection system that reduced construction defects by 20% during the Defects Liability Period.

​Civil Engineer (Structural) | [Previous Organization]

[Dates]

• ​Developed detailed structural drawings and technical specifications for resource-constrained environments.
• ​Assisted in the evaluation of technical bids for complex construction tenders, ensuring selection based on technical merit and value for money

To: The Human Resources Section, UNICEF Nigeria.

​RE: APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION OFFICER (KANO) – JOB NO: 592524

​Dear Hiring Committee,

​I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Construction Officer (NO-2) position based in Kano. With a Bachelor’s degree in [Your Degree, e.g., Structural Engineering] and [Number] years of progressively responsible experience in structural design and construction management, I am prepared to contribute to UNICEF’s mission of delivering quality health infrastructure for children.

​My background aligns precisely with the technical requirements of this role. I possess advanced skills in structural analysis and design validation, utilizing software such as AutoCAD and [Name of Structural Tool] to ensure the integrity and resilience of infrastructure in varying environmental contexts. In my previous role at [Organization], I successfully managed the construction of [Type of projects], where I was responsible for everything from BOQ preparation and tender evaluation to on-site quality assurance.

​I am particularly adept at working in resource-constrained environments. I have a proven ability to:

• ​Ensure Technical Compliance: Navigating both national building codes and international safety standards.
• ​Manage Contracts: Effectively handling variation orders and tracking milestones to facilitate timely payments and project delivery.
• ​Collaborate with Stakeholders: Building strong working relationships with government technical services and multidisciplinary project teams.

​I am a proactive problem-solver who is committed to the principles of eco-efficiency and accessibility. I look forward to the opportunity to apply my structural expertise to UNICEF’s Health Section in Kano.

​Thank you for your consideration.

​Sincerely,

​[Your Name]

[Phone Number]