Associate Building Services Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Gambella Operation (including Dimm and Fugnido field offices) oversees 7 refugee camps with a PoC population of over 350,000. Gambella is classified as security level -phase 4. The current security situation in the entire Gambella region remains tense and unpredictable. Increase of criminality in Gambella town is a problem. Police reports regular house break-ins and street robbery related criminal activities. Restriction of movement is imposed on the movement of the staff member and the activities in the field, depending on the development of security situation. The security situation is expected to remain the same with no major changes according to the current reading of the situation. Road accidents are very common in Ethiopia due to dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Admin Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Building Services Officer will: • Prepare plans and specifications for office premises, warehouses, refugee reception/registration centres and any land and building projects within the AOR according to operational needs. • Provide civil engineering advice and technical guidance for management of office buildings including support for tendering processes as well as development of service contracts. Work closely with security and others, if necessary, in maintaining/installing technical security installations in the buildings under the AOR. • Conduct regular periodic physical visits to UNHCR office premises, warehouses and refugee receptions/registration centres etc. to monitor their status. • In cooperation with relevant technical units and departments, formulate proposals for disposal of premises and/or support identification, selection and alteration of new buildings/ premises considering also the environmental impact of actions. • Conduct market research and recommend the selection of engineering / construction consultants and contractors. • Recommend civil engineering solutions to buildings/office premises/warehouse construction projects, refugee reception/registration centres and other projects within the AOR when and as needed. • Ensure timely delivery of civil engineering projects, according to "best practices" and prevailing UNHCR rules and regulations. • Analyse relevant data and draft status reports and updates. • Draft quotation requests and/or tenders and contribute to the evaluation of offers and proposals. • Monitor and support the implementation of office premises projects. • Analyse and report on the quality of services delivered by contractors in relation to premises projects with reference to contractual quality standards. • Support the wider UN greening initiative.

• Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Planning and organizing

relevant area; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Excellent English knowledge, including oral and written skills; excellent drafting and reporting skills;

Gambella is a non-family duty station with a 6-week Rest and Recuperation cycle (location Addis Ababa), staff members are accommodated in guesthouses within UNHCR compound. The banking facilities are limited, and do not deal with foreign currencies. UNHCR has good inter-net connectivity and inter-office telephone communication. However, connectivity for mobile tele-phone communication is not reliable most of the time. There are no international schools available. Medical facilities are limited but medical referrals and evacuations are referred to Addis Ababa in a timely manner. There are daily commercial flights between Addis Ababa and Gambella.

The diversity of topography in Ethiopia has resulted in a wide variety of climate in the country. The climate in Gambella is classifies as tropical. The hottest season of the region is in March/April and temperature may rise to 45 °C, followed by a long rain season. Road network within the region is often affected by the heavy rainfall during the rainy season. The average annual temperature in Gambella is 27.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1148 mm. Remoteness, isolation, and lack of entertainment in social life are the factors to be also considered prior to applying.

Ethiopia is a unique country and Gambella is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.