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Purpose of the Consultancy:To ensure quality of UNICEF-supported construction works in Mantapala A and B Schools, in Nchelenge.
Background
UNICEF through the CERF grant supported the construction of 24 semi-permanent classrooms in Mantapala Refugee Settlement in 2017 – 2018 period. This was aimed at responding to the influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The semi-permanent classrooms are providing the learners with safe and secure learning environment that promote protection and wellbeing as well as access to quality education. The support included the provision of 251 small desks for lower primary school children and 251 large desks for upper and secondary school learners 24 teachers’ tables and chairs and assorted teaching and learning materials.
However, the classrooms were not fitted with doors and windows and this has compromised security and safety of the teaching and learning process, materials but also for children in case of rain and chilly weather. Following the assessment that was conducted at the school by UNICEF and the Luapula Provincial Education Office Resident Engineer, a decision was made to install doors, windows and chalk boards at the two schools to enhance safety and security of learners and teaching and learning materials. These works will be implemented by the Provincial Education Office supported by the Resident Engineer. However, an individual consultant will be engaged to provide quality assurance services and certification of the works on behalf of UNICEF.
Justification
In order to insure quality of the construction works there is need for close supervision. Given the lack of in-house specialised expertise for construction supervision, external support is required to ensure continuous supervision, as well as certification, of these works. Accordingly, a qualified consultant will be engaged to provide quality assurance services for fitting of doors, windows, chalk boards and other associated works in line with the approved BoQ.
The objectives :
The main objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the construction works being carried out with UNICEF support adhere to agreed quality standards, designs, Bill of quantities (BoQs) and specifications through regular supervision of construction works and reporting back to UNICEF on progress and challenges.
Description of the assignment(Scope of work) / Specific Tasks
The specific tasks to be undertaken by the consultant in this regard will include:
- Review the BOQs, quality of materials and the construction works.
- Develop a quality assurance plan and tools/check lists for monitoring the construction works in consultation with UNICEF and the implementing partner;
- Undertake visits to construction sites and assess the progress and quality of the works in line with the approved BoQs, designs and specifications;
- Review potential risks associated to internal capacity, resources and processes for planning, procurement, monitoring and project management of construction works by the partner and provide advice to UNICEF accordingly:
- Prepare bi-weekly progress reports, minutes of site meetings. However, through the frequency of reporting is bi-weekly, the consultant must provide immediate briefs through e-mail, phone, etc to UNICEF highlighting critical quality related issues for cases that warrant immediate attention; and
- Undertake final inspection upon completion of the works (in collaboration with UNICEF implementing partner and relevant government authorities) and prepare a final certification report.
As part of this assignment, the consultant shall provide adequate photographs as an integral part of any submitted reports with the purpose of illustrating the progress and elements requiring particular attention and so forth.
Expected Deliverables
The key deliverables under this consultancy are shown in Table below. A travel plan for site visits to the construction sites will be agreed and approved by UNICEF in advance. Any changes to the travel plan will have to be agreed and approved by UNICEF.
Table: Expected deliverables:
Tasks
Expected Output
Deliverables
Undertake regular field visits to supervise/certify quality of UNICEF supported construction works in Mantapala A and B schools
The quality of UNICEF supported construction works at Mantapala complies with the agreed specifications and quality standards.
Satisfactory inception report detailing the methodology and plan for quality assurance of the construction works
Satisfactory 1st monthly assessment report detailing quality and quantity of construction works with recommendations.
Satisfactory final assessment report detailing quality and quantity of the construction works with experiences, best practices, key lessons learned and recommendations for future works and submission of certificate of completion and handover of the site.
Project Management
The consultant will prepare a monthly work plan and subsequently submit bi-monthly progress reports against the approved work plan. The format for reporting shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties within seven (7) days after signing of the Agreement.The Consultant will report to the Chief, Education Section or any designate who will monitor and issue instructions on the expected deliverables and timelines, for the works.
Location and Duration
The Consultant will be based in Kawambwa and will be required to travel frequently to Mantapala construction sites in Nchelenge and to other areas in case the need warrants. The total/maximum duration of the consultancy will be 6 weeks
Payment schedule
Payment will be made to the consultant based on agreed deliverables following submission and approval of a progress report. UNICEF will pay DSA and transport costs for approved official duty outside Kawambwa District based on approved travel undertaken and days spent.
Payment[1]
Conditions
30% consultancy fees
Upon submission of satisfactory Inception report detailing the methodology and plan for quality assurance of the construction works
30% consultancy fees
Upon submission of satisfactory 1st monthly assessment report detailing quality and quantity of construction works with recommendations.
40% consultancy fees
Upon submission of a satisfactory final assessment report detailing quality and quantity of the construction works with experiences, best practices, key lessons learned and recommendations for future works and submission of certificate of completion and handover of the site.
[1] In general, payments should be made against delivery of services / products. Advance payments on signature of contract are discouraged and need to be explicitly justified.
Payments will only be made upon submission of a satisfactory and approved deliverable in line with the contract.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- Minimum of first degree in civil engineering, architecture or a related field with experience in construction management.
- At least 5 years of experience in supervision of construction projects.
- Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written);
- Previous experience of working with UN will be considered an asset.
Administrative Issues, including Consultant’s Workplace and Travel
- Consultant will provide a financial proposal, factoring in relevant cost implications for the required assignment.
- UNICEF will provide transport from Kawambwa to Mantapala construction sites for the duration of the assignment. Other general conditions to apply are as follows:
- The consultant shall arrange his/her own work space, office equipment, supplies, internet connectivity, etc.
- Expected expenses should be part of the submitted quotation/estimates
- Except for the costs included in the financial proposal, UNICEF will not pay for any other expenses incurred when implementing this assignment.
- The contract will not commence the works unless issuance of written instruction in this regard (ref. Section 5 above).
- The Form ‘Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary’ must be completed by the consultant.
- Confidentiality:
- The documents produced during the period of this consultancy will be treated as strictly confidential, and the rights of distribution or publication will reside solely with UNICEF.
- The contract will include other general terms defined by UNICEF.
- The consultant shall sign the Declaration of Impartiality and Confidentiality Form.
Policy Issues
- Under the consultancy agreements, a month is defined as 21 working days. Consultants are not paid for weekends or public holidays.
- No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or Contractor.
- Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
- Consultant will be required to sign the Health statement for consultants/Individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, including Medical Evacuation.
- The Form ‘Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary’ must be completed by the consultant.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
View our competency framework at
http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
