Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) Engineer

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. There is no expectation of automatic renewal. 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 and travel anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

Under the direct supervision of the QIPs Unit Coordinator; the UN Volunteer is responsible for the following duties:

• Provide support in the drafting of the Quick Impact Project (QIPs) program strategy, workplan, and performance report.
• Support in the revision of identified projects proposals by the field offices components/sections/units to ensure they meet the requirements of DPO/DO policy and guidelines, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on QIPs and the QIPs strategy before selection and approval by PRCs.
• Review and advise Project Review Committee (PRC) Secretariats, focal points, and implementing partners’ engineers on the identified projects plans (support preparation of clear and concise sketches, Bill of Quantities), building design estimated costs, budgets and other supporting documents.
• Prepare the projects documents for the meetings of projects quality control at HQ level before SRSG approval and present projects.
• Prepare and submit memorandum of understanding (MOUs) for approved projects and make sure Legal Affairs Office endorsed them.
• Provide support on the on-site management/monitoring of funded projects and administration of contractors (Memorandum of Understanding - MOUs) and supervise on-going projects and site management.
• Verification of projects sites for the quantity of works already performed by the implementing partners.
• Provide engineering solutions on site for arising problems through regular field visits and advisory support for the implementation of quality control and assurance during the course of work.
• Support with training, coaching, mentoring, and capacity development of focal points and implementing partners on project management following the project cycle to make sure the delivery of quality project in respect of the duration.
• Liaise with various components/sections/units sponsoring projects within MINUSCA and with Engineering Section to ensure timely completion of projects and in coordination with UN agencies and other partners.
• Track projects implementation and prepare weekly, quarterly, midterm and annual reports accordingly.
• Prepare the requests for first installment and submit to the QIPs Unit Coordinator for clearance and signature to the Director of Civil Affairs Section (CAS).
• Receive all financial and narrative reports with invoices, other relevant forms and verify before submission to Finance Office for payment process.
• Prepare memos of requests for payment of QIPs funds for review by the QIPs Unit coordinator before submission to Finance after the Director of CAS signature.
• Receive and ensure all QIPs documents and forms (initial visit form, monitoring form, request form, closure form, handover form…) are accurately filled and as required during the project’s implementation.
• Follow-up and make sure QIPs documents and update QIPs information are regularly filed in SharePoint database.
• Address any queries or issues raised regarding project proposals or implemented projects.
• Perform any other duties related to the above as assigned by CAS/QIPs Unit.

• 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.

civil engineering-related work in or in support of UN field operations or similar interventions by other international organizations, National or International NGOs, or community-based organizations, research institutions or related field is required. At least 1 year of experience working in conflict management zones is desirable. Experience working in programme/project management with international governmental or non-governmental organizations, including experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects, budgeting or financial reporting is desirable. The candidate should have knowledge of different types of construction (office buildings, schools, markets, bridges…) and contract administration.

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, and the recent creation of the Coalition of Patriots for Change, regrouping some existent armed groups. 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.

Accommodation in all CAR duty stations outside of the capital Bangui is mandatorily inside the MINUSCA camps. In most cases, this is in the form of containerized accommodation with an individual bathroom, with 24/7 running water, electricity and wifi. This costs US$ 200 per month and is automatically deducted through the monthly payroll. When no self-contained accommodation is available immediately upon arrival, newly arriving personnel are housed in a container with a common bathroom until a self-contained container frees up.

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.

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.