Quantity Surveyor – Inclusive Transitional Community
Support monitoring activities and document progress.
Overview
Support monitoring activities and document progress.
You have:
- At least 5 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in Quantity Survey of infrastructure projects.
- Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.
- Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
- Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment.
- Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
- Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications.
- Have affinity with or interest in development projects, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.
Contract
This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.
The UN Volunteer will be assigned to the Gaza office of UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP). PAPP was established through a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 December 1978, calling upon UNDP “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people”. In partnership with Palestinian institutions, civil society, communities and donors, UNDP’s goal is to empower the Palestinian People to establish a viable State that is able to realize the right to development for its people and support their socio-economic resilience. Since its establishment, UNDP/PAPP has delivered over USD 1.5 billion in development assistance to the Palestinian People. The UNV is assigned to the Inclusive Transitional Community Neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip (ITCN)” project which is part of UNDP/PAPP’s broader Gaza Early Recovery Programme, a comprehensive plan that connects the urgent humanitarian needs and priorities with early recovery efforts. The Project has been developed in close consultation with the Government of Palestine and various stakeholders and will be continuously adapted to realities on the ground and rolled-out in a phased approach. Ultimately, the Project intends to contribute towards a Palestinian-led vision for Gaza, which goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure and is centered on transformative resilience, dignity, and a sustainable future.
Under the Inclusive Transitional Community Neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip project, and in response to the urgent need for dignified shelter for Gaza's displaced population, the project will include the following outputs:
Output 1.1: Dignified transitional housing solutions developed and implemented for internally displaced persons (IDPs), with focus on women-headed households and those with persons with disabilities (PwDs). Output 1.2: Public basic and social services restored, serving transitional community neighborhoods and adjacent locations. Output 1.3: Dignified short-term job opportunities created in public services and productive sectors, for livelihoods' restoration. Output 1.4: Social cohesion initiatives and psychosocial support provided in transitional community neighborhoods and adjacent locations, with a focus on children and youth.
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Engineer in the Gaza Strip or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Quantity Surveyor will:
• Support monitoring activities and document progress
Under the direct supervision of the Site Engineers and Project Engineers, the UNV Quantity Surveyor will be responsible for managing all quantities related to different interventions under the emergency response and early recovery. The incumbent is expected to keep up with all reports and documents of the different contracts signed between UNDP and contractors, suppliers or others. S/he will collect data, carry out measurements, and obtain the necessary supporting documents for the work implemented that will facilitate payments to the different vendors/beneficiaries according to the terms of contracts. S/he will be responsible for review of the quantities and rates within the submitted payment requests. S/he will seek to minimize the costs of a project and enhance value for money while achieving the required standards and quality.
• Developing Bills of Quantities and Cost Estimate:
• Provide technical support to UNDP Gaza Office with the preparation of the tender document; • Assist in producing project cost estimates including cost analysis. • Assess in tender documents preparation and review of BoQs, specifications and related documents for correctness in quantities in addition to participating in tender evaluations. • Preparation of quantities/cost variation charts. • Assist in the market survey to asses material availability status and review material schedules submitted by contractors. • Produce structural drawings as needed • Support the Operations Management Team Working Group on administrative issues • Perform any other construction and building refurbishment-related tasks as needed.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor
• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
At least 5 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in Quantity Survey of infrastructure projects; experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, governmental and UN organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • 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. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Complementary qualifications in project coordination and management or any development-related field of study an asset; • Experience working in an international setting or developing countries is an asset; • Knowledge of UNDP is desirable; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in development projects, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A 6-month contract with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 6,220 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a time you successfully managed a complex quantity surveying project. | The interviewer wants to assess your project management skills and experience in quantity surveying. | Provide specific examples of the project, your role, and the outcomes. |
| How do you ensure accuracy in your quantities and estimates for a project? | This checks your attention to detail and accuracy in work. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you share your experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to minimizing project costs while ensuring quality? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Tell me about a challenge you faced in your previous work and how you overcame it. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay updated with the latest developments in quantity surveying and construction? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe how you manage tight deadlines in your projects. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What role do you think quantity surveying plays in humanitarian projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |