Job Vacancies @ United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) – 3 Positions

Job Title: Construction Officer

Job no: 592524
Location: Kano
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Level: NO-2
Categories: Health

How can you make a difference?

• The Construction Officer reports to the Project Manager in Health Section in line with the Country Office (CO) organisational structure and is responsible for coordinating construction activities.
• Key responsibilities include planning, supporting procurement processes, preparing technical documentation, ensuring quality assurance, and monitoring construction works onsite.
• The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Health and Supply/Operations teams to define construction interventions that meet programme objectives and deliver tangible results for children, while providing technical guidance and advisory support to Government counterparts and partners on construction project management.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Below is a summary of key functions and accountabilities:
• Prepare design and technical documentation, demonstrating awareness of emergency and resource-constrained contexts and applicable response procedures.
• Provide support to the procurement process, including the evaluation of contract bids.
• Monitor construction projects through site visits and progress reporting, ensuring high standards of quality control and quality assurance throughout the construction process.
• Prepare and compile information required for the annual construction work plan, covering regular activities, ongoing projects, and initiatives in the pipeline.
• Collaborate with UNICEF Programme and Operations teams for project needs and coordinate effectively with relevant Government counterparts.

Construction Design Development and Technical Compliance:

• Assist the development and verification of technical designs, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and technical specifications for construction, incorporating engineering and safety risk assessments during the design phase, as well as ensuring clarity, completeness, and alignment with programme and construction requirements, ecoefficiency, and accessibility standards.
• Assist in assessing the structural suitability and integrity of proposed designs through the use of appropriate engineering software for structural analysis and simulation (e.g. load, stress, and stability analysis), ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and safety requirements.
• Assist in preparing the scope of construction works in accordance with Programme and Operations requirements, available budget, and site constraints; define technical milestones and deliverables and payment modalities for construction.
• Ensure all designs comply with national infrastructure regulations and government standards, considering local climate, natural disaster risks, and child safety requirements; reference applicable international building standards for any elements not addressed by local regulations.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF technical standards and requirements, including those established by the Programme Division (PD), DFAM, and other relevant UNICEF norms.
• Assist Programme section in responding to emergency construction needs, in line with established emergency response procedures.
• Apply UNICEF norms and standards including child-friendly principles, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, and other relevant guidelines to all construction projects, taking into account the local environment and available materials. Coordinate with the DFAM Field Support Unit to ensure compliance with green building standards where required.
• Coordinate with design firms and government counterparts to secure all necessary permits prior to the commencement of construction activities.

Procurement and Contract Support:

• Provide support to the Supply section in preparing Local Purchase Authorization (LPA) requests and CRC submissions, including preparation and submission of all supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Prepare tender documents for construction works and engineering services, participate companies, present the technical aspects of the tender, and respond to technical queries raised by bidders throughout the procurement process.
• Conduct market surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms and prepare the terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements (LTAs) for engineering services, including design and site supervision.

Construction Monitoring, Supervision, and Contract Management:

• Assist in organising pre-mobilisation and on-site kick-off meetings for construction with engineering firms and relevant stakeholders, including the government counterparts.
• Assist in developing and implementing a technical monitoring and supervision plan for construction and conduct daily monitoring and supervision of construction activities through regular site visits, including joint monitoring with relevant government technical services and the Project Management Team (PMT); track progress against construction milestones, review site supervision reports to ensure compliance with norms, standards, and timelines, and verify quality and adherence to health and safety standards on-site.
• Assist in developing and implementing a project-specific technical construction quality control and quality assurance plan to ensure that work quality, progress, and the performance of engineering firms and construction companies meet the required standards throughout the project; apply a multi-layered approach to supervision and quality assurance, including documented hold and inspection points where applicable.
• Assist in managing and documenting all variation orders systematically, including reviewing requests, assessing cost and schedule impacts, obtaining necessary approvals, and maintaining accurate records to ensure transparency and compliance with project requirements.
• Identify and assess potential risks for each construction project in advance, including technical, safety, environmental, and regulatory risks; develop mitigation measures and monitor risk management throughout the construction lifecycle to ensure timely resolution and minimal impact on project delivery.
• Certify completion of construction works at each key stage and milestone for construction, issue corresponding certificates to facilitate timely payment processing, and monitor the payment process to ensure payments are made without delays.
• Provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Conduct regular monitoring and inspection of construction works during the Defects Liability Period (DLP) to ensure all identified defects are addressed, corrective actions are implemented, and project standards are maintained.
• Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report with the lessons learned for submission to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.
• Undertake any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the Project Manager in support of project objectives.

Preparation of construction Annual Work Plan (AWP):

• Contribute to the development of the annual work plan for the construction activities of the assigned project, including determining priorities, setting targets and performance indicators, and monitoring progress to ensure results are achieved on schedule and meet performance standards.
• Assist in preparing and compiling information required for the annual work plan, covering regular activities, ongoing projects, and initiatives in the pipeline.

Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes and Coordination with Government Counterparts:

• Provide technical support to the PMT and Government counterparts on construction project execution, monitoring, and management; assist in contributing to the development of child-friendly community infrastructure proposals and in providing construction- related inputs for inclusion in programme's annual work plan (AWP)
• Assist the Programme section in the preparation of construction project proposals, planning activities, and drafting of relevant terms of reference; support the analysis of project contexts and identification of appropriate implementation and procurement modalities.
• Support collaboration with Government counterparts in developing cost-effective construction designs using local materials and contribute to maintaining an updated repository of best practices in construction and building design.
• Participate in steering and technical coordination meetings, including PMT meetings; assist in the preparation of progress presentations and follow up on agreed actions to support timely project implementation and monitoring.
• Support the Programme section by compiling and sharing project progress updates, assisting in identifying technical issues, and contributing to the drafting of relevant sections of reports for donors, management, and annual reporting

Minimum Requirements
Education:

• A first university degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related technical field is required.
• A specialisation in Structural Engineering is highly desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in construction project management and operation, with demonstrated expertise in structural design, analysis, and supervision of infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in the preparation and review of structural designs, calculations, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and technical specifications.
• Strong knowledge of structural engineering principles, building codes, and standards, including the ability to ensure structural safety, integrity, and resilience in varying environmental and risk contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement processes, including preparation of tender documents and evaluation of technical and financial proposals.
• Experience in construction supervision, quality assurance and quality control, and contract management, particularly for structurally complex projects.
• Familiarity with construction in emergency, fragile, or resource-constrained environments is highly desirable.
• Experience working with government counterparts, development partners, or international organisations is an asset.
• Proficiency in engineering and design software (e.g. AutoCAD, structural analysis tools) and standard office applications is required.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to analyse and resolve complex technical, operational, and stakeholder-related challenges, often under tight timelines and pressure.
• Strong capacity to initiate, manage, and adapt to change within multidisciplinary and diverse project environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and concisely in both written and oral forms for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven planning and organisational skills, including effective allocation of time and resources, risk anticipation, and incorporation of mitigation measures and contingencies into project plans.
• Ability to identify emerging technical needs, risks, and opportunities in construction projects, and propose practical and innovative solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of structural engineering principles and proficiency in the use of engineering software for structural analysis, simulation, and design validation.
• Strong understanding of modern construction technologies, materials, and industry best practices, including quality assurance and sustainability considerations.
• Comprehensive understanding of the full construction project lifecycle, from needs assessment and design through procurement, contract management, supervision, and project close-out.
• Solid knowledge of public procurement processes, contract administration, and the financial and legal aspects of construction project delivery.
• Familiarity with UNICEF programmes, standards, and procedures, including ethics, risk management, and compliance requirements in construction projec

Application Closing Date
1st May, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Nutrition Officer (Systems Strengthening)

Job no: 592412
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Level: NO-2
Categories: Nutrition

Mission 

• The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, leaving no one behind.
• In partnership with the government and other stakeholders, UNICEF aims to deliver high-quality nutrition services at scale to build resilience and protect the most vulnerable, particularly during the First 1000 Days of Life, from pregnancy to when a child is two years old.
• Currently, Nigeria is off track to achieving the nutrition targets of the World Health Assembly 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
• The focus, in keeping with UNICEF Nigeria’s new Country Programme Strategy (2023-2027), is to (i) strengthen the enabling environment, including data, to inform policy and programming; (ii) strengthen systems, especially the health, food and social protection system to deliver high-quality services; and (iii) address social and behavioural practices that influence diets and practices.
•  The Child Nutrition and Development programme supports the government in implementing high-impact nutrition interventions through the health, food, and social protection systems in an integrated and at scale in both emergency and development contexts.
• Over the years, coverage and scale of interventions such as micronutrient supplementation for children and pregnant women, treatment of acute malnutrition, and nutrition counselling have increased significantly.
• Currently, UNICEF is supporting the government in rolling out the Nigeria Health Logistics Management Information System (NHLMIS) and the District Health Information Management System (DHIS 2) for routine data collection.
• To support the implementation of the planned systems-strengthening interventions for nutrition under the Country Programme Document (2023-2027), the UNICEF Nigeria Country Office is seeking to hire a Nutrition Officer (NOB) to be based in Abuja, Nigeria.

How can you make a difference?
Under the overall guidance of the Nutrition Manager – System Strengthening Abuja, the candidate will:

• Provide sound technical support for the integration and delivery of high-impact nutrition interventions (prevention and treatment services) at the national and sub-national levels and across sectors.
• Provide support to the nutrition programme by efficiently managing organizational resources and monitoring results.
• Track and manage the utilization of grants, ensuring compliance with results-based principles and standards, UNICEF guidelines, and donor conditionalities.
• Initiate and track the procurement of essential life-saving nutrition commodities in partnership with UNICEF’s Supply Team and Supply Division.

Key functions/accountabilities:
Support nutrition programme development, planning and implementation:

• Assist government counterparts and other partners in the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of the nutrition programmes/interventions
• Provide technical assistance in the integration of the nutrition programme with other sectors and programmes.
• Contribute to establishing partnerships to promote innovative approaches to address immediate and underlying determinants of maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition.
• Support the improvement of programme delivery, with an emphasis on the sustainability of interventions, community participation, and the Human Rights Based Approach to Programming.

Technical support and coordination for the efficient and effective implementation of nutrition programmes and results:

• Assist in the development of evidence-based nutrition work plans and provide technical support for the implementation and monitoring of planned activities.
• Monitor programme implementation to ensure objectives and targets are met and achieved in a timely manner through effective coordination and collaboration with the government and other partners.
• Ensure the efficient and effective use of UNICEF resources---funds, supplies, and other assistance.
• Assists in the implementation of emergency preparedness plans and programmes relating to nutrition in line with the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in humanitarian action.

Nutrition programme management, monitoring and quality assurance:

• Conducts accurate, timely monitoring of system-strengthening programmes and interventions.
• Support the field offices in implementation, monitoring of results and reporting.
• Coordinate with Operations and Supply colleagues on the timely procurement, management and distribution of nutrition supplies.
• Ensure the timely and efficient use of grants within established plans and in line with nutrition programme priorities.

Effective partnership and networking, advocacy and information sharing for resource mobilization and implementation of nutrition programmes:

• Exchange nutrition information and knowledge with other programmes and partners to contribute to achieving the overall country programme objectives.
• Contribute to the development of communication materials and strategies to support nutrition advocacy and community participation.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with all nutrition stakeholders, and the private sector to mobilize resources and accelerate the achievement of nutrition outcomes.
• Assist in identifying capacity development needs and facilitate the learning/development activities for government and implementing partners, for effective programme delivery.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building:

• Introduce innovation and best practices to ensure the nutrition programme's efficiency and effectiveness.
• Keep abreast of and share new evidence on best practices in nutrition programming, especially on systems strengthening.

Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
Education:

• A university degree in one of the following fields is required: nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/ international health and nutrition, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, nutritional epidemiology, or another health-related science field.
• An advanced university degree in any of the above programmes is an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in health and nutrition programmes
• Experience in implementing health or nutrition systems strengthening programmes
• Working experience for the UN or other international development organization would be an asset.

Application Closing Date
22nd April, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: National Legal Consultant

Job no: 592247
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Consultant
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Social Policy

Purpose Of Activity/Assignment

• The EU-UNICEF Strengthening Social Protection Systems (SUSI) Project supports the Government of Nigeria to strengthen the governance, coordination, and delivery of social protection programmes.
• A key priority under the project is to advance the development and enactment of a comprehensive Social Protection Bill, supported by coordinated advocacy and technical legal expertise.
• The project aims to mobilize support among National Assembly members, state assemblies, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote the adoption of a legal framework that institutionalizes social protection and ensures sustainable, child-sensitive and inclusive systems.
• To support this process, UNICEF seeks to engage a National Legal Expert to provide technical legal analysis, support the drafting process, and contribute to advocacy efforts aimed at advancing the social protection bill at both federal and state levels.
• The purpose of this consultancy is to provide legal and technical support to the advocacy and drafting process for a comprehensive social protection bill at Federal and 4 target states in Nigeria.

Specifically, The Consultant Will:

• Conduct mapping and analysis of existing legal and regulatory frameworks related to social protection at federal and state levels.
• Provide legal expertise to inform the drafting and review of social protection legislation.
• Support advocacy campaigns targeting the National Assembly and state assemblies, in collaboration with social protection partners.
• Provide legal advice on aligning the proposed legislation with international standards and national policy frameworks

Scope Of Work
Under the supervision of the UNICEF Social Protection Specialist and in close collaboration with government counterparts and social protection partners, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Legal and Institutional Mapping
• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing legal and policy frameworks relevant to social protection in Nigeria.
• Map federal and state laws, bylaws, regulations, and institutional mandates affecting social protection programmes.
• Identify legal gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies affecting the implementation of social protection interventions.
• Analyze alignment with social protection strategy framework at the National and State levels, international human rights and social protection standards (e.g., Social Protection Floors).
• Provide comparative analysis of social protection legislation from other countries where relevant.
• Support with the Drafting of Social Protection Legislation
• Provide technical legal inputs to the drafting or revision of a Social Protection Bill.
• Ensure the draft legislation clearly defines:
• Institutional mandates
• Financing arrangements
• Governance structures
• Accountability mechanisms
• Eligibility principles and inclusion of vulnerable populations.
• Contribute to communication materials explaining the legal and institutional value of the proposed legislation.
• Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
• Provide legal briefs and talking points for engagement with National Assembly committees and state assemblies.
• Support multi-stakeholder consultations and technical discussions with government, civil society, and development partners.
• Contributeto communication materials explaining the legal and institutional value of the proposed legislation

Tasks/Milestone
Work Assignment Overview:

• Inception and Legal Scoping
• Review existing policy and legal frameworks related to social protection in Nigeria
• Identify key federal and state legal instruments affecting social protection.
• Conduct initial consultations with UNICEF, government counterparts and development partners.

Deliverables/Outputs:

• Inception Report including methodology, workplan, stakeholder engagement strategy and advocacy approach.
• Preliminary Legal Mapping Note identifying key laws, regulations and policy instruments relevant to social protection.
• Comprehensive legal analysis
• Conduct detailed review of legal and institutional frameworks governing social protection at federal and selected state levels
• Identify legal gaps, inconsistencies and overlaps affecting implementation

Deliverables/Outputs:

• Comprehensive Legal Framework Mapping Report covering federal and state legislation relevant to social protection.
• Gap Analysis Brief.
• Drafting Support and Technical Legal Advice
• Provide legal inputs to the drafting or revision of the Social Protection Bill
• Support technical working group discussions and consultations with government stakeholders
• Develop legal briefs to support legislative discussions

Deliverables/Outputs:

• Technical Legal Input to Draft Social Protection Bill (annotated comments or revised provisions).
• Legal Brief for Policy Makers explaining key provisions and legal rationale of the bill.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in Law, Public Law, Constitutional Law, Public Policy, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in legal analysis, legislative drafting, or public policy.
• Demonstrated experience working on public administration, social protection and labour law, and human rights legislation.
• Experience engaging with legislative processes in Nigeria, including the National Assembly or state assemblies.
• Proven experience working with government institutions, development partners, or international organizations.
• Familiarity with international social protection frameworks and standards is an asset.

Application Closing Date
18th April, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online