Senior Constructions Consultant (Architecture - Urban recovery)

Contract

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**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT) Duty Station: Erbil Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26/12/2022 Extended UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- In February 2019, UNESCO and the European Union signed the project “Reviving Mosul and Basra Old Cities”. Recognizing the power of culture as a driver of social and economic development, this project aims to support urban recovery and reconstruction through a participatory approach to skills development and job creation to foster social cohesion and community reconciliation through the restoration and critical reconstruction of Mosul’s historic urban landscape and through urban rehabilitation interventions in Basra. In April 2022, UNESCO and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in conflict areas (ALIPH) signed the project “Restoration and Rehabilitation of the House of Prayer, in the vicinity of the Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Hour (Al-Saa'a Church), Mosul”. The project aims at rehabilitating the so-called House of Payer, in the Old City of Mosul, as a multipurpose space for the community to host cultural and educational activities, and, as such, will contribute to the overall impact of strengthening the Moslawis capacity, including minorities, to lead the recovery of their city, safeguard their heritage and benefit from a peaceful coexistence. The above projects are part of the UNESCO flagship “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” Initiative. In line with the UNESCO Culture Sector strategy, the incumbent Construction Manager shall: coordinate, manage and implement all aspects of the documentation, conservation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of heritage buildings entering the scope of the project “Reviving Mosul and Basra Old Cities; promoting livelihoods for urban youth in Mosul and Basra”. Long Description ---------------- The core assignments of the position include: (i) providing the technical leadership and oversight in the design of interventions in historic buildings in Mosul; (ii) establishing, managing and monitoring contracts and activities with multiple consultants/contractors engaged in such interventions; (iii) managing the technical team of Architects and Engineers deployed in Mosul by UNESCO for the Project; (iv) facilitating the collaboration and communication between the management team and the government and non-government stakeholders and UN agencies relevant to the project; (v) assisting UNESCO Iraq in the preparation of project proposals; (vi) liaising with potential donors to implement the overall culture programme in Iraq; and (vii) facilitating the organization of events and meetings throughout the course of the project as required. Long Description ---------------- Under the overall authority of the Director of the Office and direct supervision of the Chief of the Culture Programme, it will be the responsibility of the incumbent to: • Oversee the conservation and reconstruction activities related to the safeguarding of cultural heritage in Mosul, in coordination with the UNESCO Culture team in Iraq, and in liaison with the relevant services at HQs, such as the World Heritage Centre and secretariats of the relevant Conventions; • Plan and coordinate all the activities relating to the implementation of the building rehabilitation component of the project; • Supervise a team of architects and engineers in Mosul tasked with designing, implementing and monitoring UNESCO’s interventions in historic buildings and cultural heritage properties in Mosul including, but not limited to 124 Heritage houses, the rehabilitation of the Al Zyada and Suliman Palatial houses, the construction of the new Al Ekhlass School, technical advice in the design and rehabilitation of the House of Prayer; • Provide complete construction management services for the project: supervision of construction contracts signed between UNESCO and Contractors to ensure that the terms of these contracts are being complied with: timeliness in the progress of the works, quality of the works, reporting, submittals and their approval, instruction to contractors, documentation of decisions, responses to Contractors’ Requests for Information, certification of payments, and, in general terms, ensuring that all the required tasks are being discharged in a timely manner by the Contractors and by UNESCO’s supervision team. The incumbent is expected to carry out at least two site visits per week to the project sites in Mosul; Long Description ---------------- • Draw up tendering dossiers for construction works (Invitation to Bid -ITB), assist UNESCO on technical matters throughout the bidding process, provide “clarifications to bidders”, and carry out and participate in the technical evaluation of the tenders; • Write up Terms of References (TORs) or Requests for Proposals (RFP), as the situation may warrant, to recruit consultants and vendors whose expertise is required for the project and donor reports; • Head and supervise design teams preparing the necessary documentation to tender and execute conservation, rehabilitation or new construction projects. • Anticipate difficulties and bottlenecks in the construction process and address these situations proactively to minimize their effect on the timetable and cost of the works; keep appraised the supervisor and in his absence, the UNESCO management of threats to the project objectives so that mitigating measures can be taken in time. • Establish relationships with multiple implementing partners/consultants/contractors covering the range of expertise required to successfully implement the activities and in respect of the rules and regulations of the Organization. • Liaise with and facilitate consultations between donors, relevant local authorities in Iraq, UN partners, NGOs, private companies, and local community stakeholders as required and necessary; organize, participate and report in the meetings of the Project’s Joint Technical Committee (JTC) and of the Steering Committee (SC) and support its preparation. • Advise the Iraqi authorities on the preparation of recovery and reconstruction plans for the historic center of Mosul, as well as for monumental complexes and archaeological sites; • Support UNESCO in the organization of stakeholder meetings and capacity-building workshops on heritage preservation, management and their possible integration with development processes; • Support UNESCO in the organization of events to enhance awareness raising, community engagement and programme visibility both inside and outside Iraq, including preparation of people centered stories and social media postings; • Facilitate information sharing amongst stakeholders, represent UNESCO with local authorities and communities, NGOs and donors in the course of the project and in particular with UN-Habitat with which UNESCO has an Agreement within the framework of the Project for the formulation of Reconstruction Guidelines for the Old City of Mosul; • Provide expert technical advice and inputs to UNESCO on its rehabilitation and construction interventions and on preparation of project proposals related to these works in Iraq when requested by supervisor and senior management and undertake missions as necessary for the needs of the culture programme and provide support on team work as requested by supervisor. EXPECTED RESULTS, DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING --------------------------------------------- a) The expected results of the assignment for the period of the contract are (a) the timely progress of the construction works on 124 houses and the Zaida and Suleiman Palatial Houses as well as for the works of the new Ekhlass School, technical advice in the design and rehabilitation of the House of Prayer in the Old City of Mosul, and (b) the execution of the works in full compliance with the stipulations of the associated work contracts and the technical specifications of the projects and the instructions given by the UNESCO supervising team. The deliverables will consist, on one hand, of the documentation generated during the works and specified in the constructions contracts and may include: \- Contractors’ reports \- Instructions to the Contractor(s) or Logbook(s) \- Change orders, or VO with accompanying drawings when necessary \- Requests for information and reply to RFIs \- Record of submittals and submittal acceptance forms \- Photographs of mock-ups and record of approval \- Test reports \- Weekly/monthly progress reports from UNESCO Supervision Team \- Updated work-plans and one-month look-ahead workplan \- Minutes of meetings with the Contractor(s) \- As-built drawings \- Certifications of Payment \- Writing up of RFP or ITBs \- Etc. In addition to these, circumstances may require the consultant to produce or supervise the production of the following deliverables: \- Project design documentation for the tendering and execution of new rehabilitation/ construction projects: Statements of Work, Bills of Quantities, Technical Specifications, Drawings, Conservation or Rehabilitation Reports, etc. \- Terms of Reference, Requests for Proposals, and Invitation to Bids \- Briefs/presentations and reports on the progress of the works for the donor or other interested parties \- Evaluation reports for RFPs and ITBs \- Evaluation reports for interviews of consultants or vendors applying for UNESCO positions. b) Reporting Progress report 1: one month after signature of the Contract. Progress report 2: three months after signature of the Contract. Progress report 3: five months after signature of the Contract. Progress report 5: seven months after signature of the Contract. Progress report 6: nine months after signature of the Contract. Progress report 7 and Final Report: at the end date of the Contract. For each reporting period the Consultant will submit a Report describing the activities undertaken during the period and their progress, the challenges encountered, risks, and the solutions and mitigation measures proposed. The report will include – in the form of annexes – the deliverables and any other specific technical documents produced during the period. The Final Report will describe the progress of the project activities during the last reporting period and provide an overview of the tasks carried out during the duration of the assignment, the challenges encountered, and of the actions undertaken. It will provide recommendations for the next phases of the work. The Final Report will include – in the form of annexes – the deliverables and any other specific technical documents produced during the last reporting period. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT -------------------------- 11 months with a 3-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is based in Erbil, with regular travel to Mosul. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **1. Academic qualifications** • Advanced university degree (equivalent to Masters) in architecture, architectural conservation, engineering, or a related field. **2. Professional qualifications** • To be registered as an architect with a License to practice at the Architectural Association or local equivalent in the country of origin. **3. Work Experience** • A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in architecture and heritage or related fields. • progressive experience as a head architect in an architectural design team. • progressive experience managing construction works and large work teams. • Relevant experience acquired at the international level and in a post-conflict context. **4. Competencies** • Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties. • Excellent coordination and organizational skills. • Good analytical and problem-solving skills. • Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to draft clearly and concisely. • Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment. • Ability to build and maintain partnerships. • Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work. • Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software. • Knowledge of UNESCOs mission and the Culture Sector’s Programme. • Sensitivity to the local context. **5. Language requirement** • Excellent knowledge of English language (both written and spoken). **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ##### **1. Work Experience** • Extensive experience working on cultural and architectural conservation projects. • Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization, preferably within the UN system. • Demonstrable experience with UN Procurement methods. **2. Language requirement** • Good knowledge of Arabic and or French language. APPLICATION PROCESS ------------------- Interested candidates should click on **“Apply Now”**, then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, **insert extra pages** with the following required information in English: \* Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information above, upload the file at the **“My Employment History Form /My Documents”** section of the online application form. Only applications with the below requested information will be considered. **1- A Technical Written proposal** (2-3 Pages Maximum) consisting of: • An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), and a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment. • A description of your proposed approach and methodology for undertaking the assignment. • List of work assignments and/or THREE (03) contacts as references – to be filled and returned to UNESCO as part of the submission. **2-A Financial proposal** showing the amount to be charged for the assignment expressed as an overall lump sum, which should be quoted in **US Dollars** only. Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately. Please design the payment scheme against a clear and specific set of deliverables and milestones as reflected in the work plan. **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.