UNODC contributes to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism by working with Member States to promote justice and the rule of law and build resilient societies.

UNODC Country Office for Afghanistan is operating to identify and address aspects of the drugs and crime situation in Afghanistan, through advocacy in the policy arena; providing reliable information on opium poppy cultivation, production, prices, and drug users; and through implementation in the field, delivery of basic human needs through effective alternative livelihoods, drug demand and harm reduction support to people affected by drug dependence.

The 2015 Afghanistan National Drug Use Survey (ANDUS) indicated that 11% of the country population (2.9 to 3.5 million people) were tested positive for narcotic drugs.  Sub-programme 3 of UNODC country Programme for Afghanistan aims at addressing drug use, drug use disorders and related HIV/AIDS and other co- morbidities as part of the humanitarian response in Afghanistan, with a special focus on vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, female drug users and populations in closed settings.

The non-medical use of psychoactive drugs poses considerable health risks, leading to drug use disorders, increased morbidity, mortality, and societal costs. Effectively addressing these issues through prevention, treatment, and care services is an investment in individual health and the well-being of families, communities, and nations.

Project Context and Scope:

There are seven Drug Treatment Centres (DTCs) in Kandahar, Helmand and Badakhshan provinces, drug treatment and rehabilitation services are being provided with financial support from the core budget of government as well as support from the donors.

The current DTCs situated in Kandahar, Badakhshan and Helmand provinces operate within suboptimal conditions, utilizing low-standard facilities. The deficiencies identified include the absence of dedicated spaces for vocational skill training programs, inadequate 24-hour electricity supply, limited WASH /hygiene facilities, and restricted access to safe drinking water. Additionally, there is a notable lack of budget allocation for the essential renovation and maintenance of these DTCs.

This proposed project aims to address these challenges comprehensively. The initiative seeks to augment existing DTCs by creating specialized rooms for vocational skills training, renovating the infrastructure, and ensuring essential amenities such as 24-hour electricity, access to safe drinking water, and improved WASH /hygiene facilities. These enhancements are envisioned to empower DTCs to deliver evidence-based and human rights-oriented drug treatment and rehabilitation services.

By upgrading the physical infrastructure and expanding the facilities, the project aims to create a more conducive environment for both service providers and individuals seeking treatment. The provision of essential amenities and equipment will ensure that DTCs can deliver services efficiently and sustainably, ultimately improving the overall quality of drug treatment services in the targeted provinces.

Under the overall guidance of the Representative of the UNODC Country Office for Afghanistan (COAFG) and direct supervision of Programme Officer for Drug Demand Reduction and HIV Prevention, the Senior Construction Management Engineer will be based in UNODC Country Office Afghanistan in Kabul, reporting to Program Coordinator, health section and closely work with the UNODC health team and relevant entities and partners for completion of the mentioned assignment. In particular the incumbent will carry out the following duties and responsibilities.

Expansion of Drug Treatment Centers (DTCs) building, construction of new rooms, boundary walls and renovation in Kandahar and Hilmand provinces:

• Plan and coordinate construction/renovation activities with all partner entities and within UNODC country office Afghanistan;
• Outline and support finalization of the design requirement of the expansion/construction works, draft scope of work and budget, and submitting these documents to health section for selection of the vendor/contractor;
• Develop solicitation documents with a particular focus on the technical aspect (drawing, technical specifications and standards) and lead the assessment of the technical requirements and capacities of the offerors;
• Supervise on-site building construction and refurbishment works under the project ensuring quality of work, meeting specification requirements and standards, timeliness within budget as per the contractual provisions and design specifications of the selected vender/contractor;
• Ensuring close Coordination with construction management committee involving them in the planning and monitoring of the project progress, maintaining high level of satisfaction of relevant stakeholders and entities;
• Conducting inspection and checking for all quality related procedures in the site and making sure the activities at site are as per approved method statement and inspection test plan;
• Identify potential design and any construction deviation from the approved plan at early stages, report and provide recommendation to the team/contractor in order to resolve them effectively;
• Provide day to day management to the vendor/contractor and their field staff for ensuring effective site supervision;
• Provide comprehensive completion report endorsed by construction management committee established.

Solarization of the DTCs in Kandahar, Helmand and Badakhshan provinces:

• Coordinate finalization of the specifications and requirements for solar PVs to be installed in the DTCs in consultation with relevant technical engineer and prepare BoQ and specification for solar system;
• Facilitate selection of the vendor/contractor;
• Supervise and facilitate installation of the solar PV systems in the targeted DTCs.

Establish WASH facilities in six DTCs in Kandahar, Hilmand and Badakhshan provinces:

• Oversee the construction of toilets, rehabilitation and installation of water supply systems- digging well, water tanks, inserting water pipes, hand wash basins in selected DTCs;
• Oversee construction of two incinerators for DTCs waste management in Helmand and Kandahar;
• Ensure compliance to UN and national health safety and environmental standards on all the construction works;
• Any other construction related works which might arise during the project period.

COMPETENCIES:

Functional Competencies:          

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
• Strives to keep job knowledge up to date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments.

Client Orientation

Maintains effective client relationships

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
• Responds to client needs promptly.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;  
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating teamwork;
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches relevant to project management with particular relation to the UNODC Country Office for Afghanistan’s mandate and programmes. Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Takes responsibility for incorporating project objectives, ensuring the participation of project team members/supervisors and other support structures in all areas of work; fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, graphic software, Auto CAD, spreadsheets, database applications, Geographic Information Systems etc; ability to analyze project requirements and assist in drafting memos and reports in support of existing projects or for developing new ones. 

Planning and Organizing: Proven ability to establish priorities and to plan, organize, coordinate and monitor own work plan and provide advice and guidance to others

Creativity: Ability to actively seek to improve programmes/services, offer new and different options to solve problems/meet client needs.

Communication: Excellent and effective communication (verbal and written) skills, including ability to assist in preparing reports and conduct presentations with the use of common software applications by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely conveying maximum necessary information, making and defending recommendations; diplomacy and tact; ability to convey difficult issues and positions to senior officials.

Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMNTS:

Education:

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction, or other related field is required.

Experience:

• With master’s degree 4 years and with bachelor’s degree 6 years of hands-on experience in overseeing construction activities related to the project requirements and range of diverse construction projects management experience is required;
• Thorough knowledge of the construction industries in Afghanistan is an asset;
• Work experience with UN or International NGOs in similar fields would be an added advantage.

Skills:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Excellent analytical/conceptual thinking;
• Excellent interpersonal/communication and coordination skills.

Languages:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and excellent knowledge of Afghanistan’s official languages (Pashto or Dari) are required.

The application comprises a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the post, and a UN Personal History Form (P11), which can be downloaded from https://www.unodc.org/coafg/en/work-opportunities.html

Interested and qualified Afghans national candidates should email their applications (indicating on the subject line the vacancy number and the title of the position applied for) to unodc-afghanistanvacancies@un.org  

Please note that incomplete Personal History Form (P.11) & applications received after the closing date (10 April 2025) will not be given consideration. 

Only short-listed candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for test and/or competency-based interview. 

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.