Draughtsman - Planning & Designing

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.

Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

Under the direct supervision of the Planning and Design Unit’s Supervisor in Bangui, and/or the Chief Engineer, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

• Assist the supervisor of Planning & Design unit in identifying the projects and workload to be incorporated into the work plan of the unit.
• Review all drawings and layout plans for all MINUSCA sites and locations.
• Prepare plans for upgrading and updating purposes.
• Coordinate with the different units involved on the ground such as electromechanical unit, water & sanitation unit, construction unit, FTS, environmental, etc, in Bangui and the sectors.
• Prepare travel plans to visit all sites, mission wide, for reporting the conditions and updating the layout plans accordingly.
• Trace all underground infrastructures (Pipes, sewage, water, cables, etc), and include them on the drawings and layout plans.
• Visit all sector locations including TOBs and prepare the layout plans as it is the situation at present.
• Update the layout plans of all TOBs, in conjunction with all developments that are approved to be brought to those TOBs, aiming to bring them to acceptable standards.
• Update all plans based on the information collected from the site visits.
• Generate layout plans, drawings and details, using AutoCAD and any other required computer-based application.
• Prepare proper filing system where all information could be retrieved easily. This include a reliable electronic filing system that can be reachable and at hand at any given time.
• Communicate and discuss all findings with the different units and finalize with them the plans.
• Apply complex principles, practices and precedents for initiating and completing project design, drawings and specifications related to new construction or repair of buildings, prefabricated structures, other infrastructure, including production of Bill of Quantities in the mission area.
• Conduct preliminary site investigations to obtain field data such as site orientation, climatic conditions, soil characteristics, drainage and other data required for selection of sites within the field mission.
• Prepare detailed architectural drawings, designs and specifications for accommodation structures (office & residential) and other infrastructure.
• Plan and prepare layouts of camps, building clusters, for mission headquarters, regional and provincial locations.
• Maintain the drawing and design records and the drawing/specification library for the Planning & Design Office.
• Estimate cost of new construction projects, estimate for repairs to damaged buildings, facilities and systems.
• Prepare detailed scope of works of agreed technical options, technical specifications, Bill of Quantities, cost estimates, and bid documents,
• Furnish the detailed construction drawings during continuance of the Contract.
• Supervise and monitor construction work for achieving the expected outputs of the project.
• Record the work measurement and assist in certifying the contractor’s interim and final bill of payment.
• Undertake research to gather information related to engineering projects.
• Prepare engineering presentation using up to date technologies.
• Perform site visits to supervise contractors, prepare progress reports and verify works.
• Assist the planning and design unit with all new project requirements.
• Assist and Prepare in consultation with other units under Engineering Section all the requisite documentations (drawings, details, site conditions, SOWs, BOQs, cost estimates, etc..).
• Keep track of all other projects under the purview of the Engineering Section.
• Compile GIS data and other relevant information and develop baseline data folder.
• Develop cadastral maps as and when required.
• Prepare technical costing and engineering inputs
• Conduct various community sensitization sessions for visioning and consolidation strategy.
• Provide report on technical advice to on-going public space construction works, and future infrastructure projects and develop final advisory report.
• Provide technical advice on costing approaches to infrastructure development in humanitarian contexts for input into normative tool development.
• Knowledge of different types of construction contracts and contract administration.
• Support the sectors and the TOBs, with the required services and support, therefore the incumbent will need to travel within the mission and spend the required time in locations where the support is needed.
• Perform any other duties related to the above as assigned by the Head of the planning & Design or the Chief Engineer of any delegated responsible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• All sites are inspected and data for the as built layout plans are collected.
• All plans and playouts for the different sites are updated and completed.
• Proper documentation and filing system, for all sites are kept in a share drive for future use.
• Budgeted projects are properly conceived, and solicitation packages are prepared on time.
• Projects files are properly kept and organized.
• Sectors, sub-sectors and TOBs are well supported and on timely manner.
• Weekly and monthly reports submitted on time.
• Capacity Development documented.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports MINUSCA with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:

• Relevant proven and progressive experience in the field of planning, designing and draughting.
• Experience in Training/Capacity Building, mentoring as he/she will be expected to build the capacity of national staff within the construction and project management field.
• Must possess working knowledge of national and international design standards and project management, and other existing regulatory requirements.
• Good PC-based computer skills, including MicroSoft applications (in particular Word, Excel, MS Projects, and PowerPoint) and other relevant software packages. Knowledge of UMOJA Inventory Management System is an advantage. Good knowledge in AUTOCAD software is a must.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to draft reports in concise manner.
• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security 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.