TERMS OF REFERENCE
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical engineering support to UNICEF for the planning, design, and implementation of climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in schools across selected provinces, including Central, Morobe, Western Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB). The consultancy will integrate climate risk screening and risk-informed infrastructure planning to ensure WASH facilities are resilient to hazards such as cyclones, flooding, drought, and landslides, in line with donor expectations and emerging climate risks in Papua New Guinea, particularly in cyclone-prone provinces such as East New Britain and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The consultant will support the WASH Section to undertake comprehensive technical assessments in targeted schools to evaluate existing WASH infrastructure, service levels, and gaps in alignment with national standards and global WASH in Schools (WinS) guidelines. Based on the assessment findings, the consultant will design and develop context based, cost effective Climate Resilient WASH facilities for targeted schools. The assignment will contribute to ongoing WASH in Schools programming implemented in collaboration with key government counterparts, including the National Department of Education, provincial and district administrations, and implementing partners. The consultant will also provide hands-on engineering support throughout the engaged period, including design, drawings bill of quantities preparation, technical specifications, and construction supervision guidance. The end goal of this consultancy is to ensure that WASH infrastructure in targeted schools is safe, functional, sustainable, and aligned with national standards, thereby improving health, hygiene behaviors, and learning outcomes for school children.
Minimum requirements
Work Experience and Skills
Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in construction with a focus on WASH in school, capacity building, design, cost, supervise, training/mentoring, quality assurance, communication, program monitoring and evaluation.
A university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Construction, Water Engineering, or a related field is required. An advanced university degree (Masters degree) is preferred. In lieu of a Masters degree, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted.
Experience
WASH infrastructure design, cost estimation, and construction supervision. Climate-resilient infrastructure planning and implementation.
Preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and construction documentation.
Capacity building, training/mentoring, stakeholder coordination, and construction management.
Program monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance.
Construction and installation of rural water supply, sanitation, hygiene, handwashing, and menstrual
hygiene management (MHM) facilities in low- and middle-income country contexts.
Desirables
- Experience working with UN agencies, NGOs, Government, or donorfunded WASH/construction projects.
- Knowledge of Climate Resilient WASH (CR-WASH), WASH in Schools (WinS), and inclusive infrastructure design.
- Experience in rural water supply and sanitation construction in lowand middle-income countries.
- Proficiency in construction supervision, quality assurance, BOQ preparation, cost estimation, and technical reporting.
- Experience in community engagement, participatory planning, and capacity building/training.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and other construction/design software.
- Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently in remote and challenging environments.
Understanding of gender, disability inclusion, and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in school infrastructure projects
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.