Design Review Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Local Context:

In Ukraine, UNOPS supports since 2017 the national government and partners by implementing projects that span sectors from the rule of law, social protection, demining, to emergency response and security. Many of the projects include infrastructure components. The projects are funded by the EU, the Governments of Japan and Canada.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualized within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.

Following the increased militarisation around Ukraine’s borders as well as the recognition of the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics by the Russian Federation, the security situation in Ukraine deteriorated rapidly, with the launch of a military offensive by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022. Armed violence escalated in at least eight oblasts (regions), including Kyivska oblast and the capital city of Kyiv, as well as in the eastern oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk which were already affected by conflict. The towns of Mariupol, Kharkiv, Irpin were strongly affected, so resident civilians fled their homes in substantial numbers.

Martial law and a state of war were introduced in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and the general mobilization of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old was ordered, while the Ukrainian airspace was closed to civilian users.

By October 2022, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported 15,592 civilian casualties in the country - 6,221killed and 9,371 injured. The UN estimates that 18 million people in Ukraine will need relief and protection.

By October 2022, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that 7,678,757 refugees from Ukraine had been registered across Europe, and in addition 6.2 million persons had been internally displaced

Project Information:

In Ukraine, UNOPS is currently implementing multiple infrastructure projects, including a EUR 20 mln EU funded project on the rehabilitation of 50 schools damaged during hostilities in Sumy, Kyiv, Chernihiv and Kharkiv Oblasts, UNHCR funded USD 9 mln project on rehabilitation of Collective Centres and housing across the country and a Japanese funded USD 5 mln project on Housing in Kharkiv. . With further projects in the pipeline UNOPS Ukraine expects to increase its infrastructure portfolio with new projects focused on housing, education and health in 2023.

Functional Responsibilities

Position Information:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the Design Review Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic and effective Infrastructure Design Management services reflecting international best practices, compliance with UNOPS policies, rules, regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money for the Infrastructure Design services delivered by external consultants as well as by the UNOPS infrastructure team, the Design Review processes on Government and UNOPS levels, and the contracting of works, in a timely manner.

The incumbent analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides advice and solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to the management of the Infrastructure Design process from design planning and design development through design review and construction. The role requires a deep understanding of Design Management policy and processes and the Design Review Specialist should be able to apply them to the appropriate situations.

In addition to responsibility for the deliverables of the work team, the incumbent’s work is focused on strategic relationship building and demand management, mainly referred to aggregation and dealing with complex organizational structures, preparation of business cases and understanding of the supply market, as well as sharing knowledge with projects in order to achieve reductions of costs and savings.

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Design Review Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit. The Design Review Specialist works in close collaboration with the portfolio/project colleagues in the given geographical area and with UNOPS HQ personnel, particularly with the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) , as well as the Government officials, international and national consultants, to successfully deliver services.

The Design Review Specialist will work in close cooperation with the project Infrastructure team as well as the Head of Programme and report to the management on central issues related to Infrastructure Design Management activities. S/he advises Infrastructure personnel to deliver work results, in close cooperation with the leadership team in the given geographical area.

The Design Review Specialist position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, with the responsibility to enact and oversee the production and review of UNOPS infrastructure covered by the Business Unit, upholding high standards and providing critical feedback/recommendations.

Summary of Key Functions Technical advice regarding infrastructure design production

The Design Review Specialist will advise the local UNOPS Infrastructure team and respective national and international consultants regarding the production of Infrastructure Design in the required quality, in a timely manner and taking into account the available budgets, throughout the whole design phase.

Technical analysis of design documentation

The Design Review Specialist will play a key role in assuring the safety and quality of designs for UNOPS infrastructure. Applying his/her technical expertise and professional experience, the Specialist will liaise with the UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG), UNOPS Peer Reviewers as well as third party reviewers regarding Design Review and approval for the designs of low, medium and high risk works.

Technical guidance and review of pre-engagement infrastructure

The incumbent will provide design and planning guidance for infrastructure works at the pre-engagement and subsequent stages of project cycles.

Application of professional judgment

To ensure the safety and functionality of UNOPS infrastructure while recognizing the circumstances and constraints of the UNOPS operational context, the Design Review Specialist will be required to apply professional judgment in the application of relevant codes and standards

Independence, integrity, and objectivity

In the performance of his/her services, the Design Review Specialist will act as an independent technical resource, free of conflicts of interests, and must be able to maintain the integrity of the technical opinion against project pressures

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in CEng, PE, P.Eng, MArch or equivalent professional certification in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or similar relevant discipline.
• A first-level university degree/Bachelor's Degree or equivalent (i.e. B.Eng, BArch) with a relevant combination of academic credentials and 2 years of additional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure of which 4 years in technical infrastructure engineering/design review is required;
• Experience in development infrastructure is essential to the role

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: I-ICA 2 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.