Urban Specialist (Retainer)

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Project Information: UNOPS is undertaking a project that aims at improving access to critical municipal services and increasing the resilience of the Beirut and Bourj Hammoud municipalities which were affected by the Beirut Port explosion, through the rehabilitation of damaged municipal infrastructure and assets as well as restoration of critical urban services, such as water and sanitation, roads, waste management, and energy, including renewable energy, in an integrated and gender-sensitive manner, contributing to improved quality of life as well as by creating local economic activities for all. Besides the improved public service delivery, the project entails undertaking accompanying tension-mitigation measures, extensive community engagement activities, and grants support to local CSO/NGOs that aims at reducing tensions in the targeted communities, enhancing community resilience, and helping rebuild the trust in the local authorities.

The Phase I of the project has a duration of 48 months and Phase II has a duration of 48 months, while the two Phases are overlapping, and will be implemented in coordination with the governmental, municipal, and relevant community stakeholders in Lebanon, to ensure that projects activities are designed in consultation with relevant governmental authorities and to reflect community needs.

Local Context: The UNOPS Hub in Amman implements projects on behalf of UN agencies and bilateral donors and in close coordination with the Government and national authorities. With an established presence across the region, the office runs operations including large-scale procurement, project development and technical management, and provides financial, human resources and infrastructure-related services.

The functional objective of UNOPS Hub in Amman is to deliver its projects in an efficient and effective manner and in line with the principles, rules and regulations of UNOPS, to achieve the outcomes sought by the clients.

UNOPS has been active in Lebanon since 2015, delivering projects in support of the Government of Lebanon and partners. Since the explosion at the Beirut Port on 4 August 2020, UNOPS has significantly scaled up its presence in the country to support the humanitarian response and both its presence and portfolio have undergone expansion.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a fully diverse workforce.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager and in close coordination with the Project Team, the Urban Specialist is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the SIMA project in terms of contribution to the assessment and design development. Specifically, the incumbent will support the following substantive tasks. The tasks would involve the following but not limited to:

• Design and produce architectural / urban drawings and Scope of works;
• Review designs and modification as required;
• Produce as-built drawings and to support handover and commissioning;
• Prepare MS Project Schedule for the different project activities including resources and budget loading;
• Liaise with UNOPS design review team to enhance knowledge management;
• Support development and implementation of project activities, integrating the sustainable development issues and concerns, while developing and recommending a strategic urban vision to address the economic, social, and physical problems and needs of the targeted urban areas;
• Develop project reports and plans , support data collection and analysis, and give inputs in various publications and relevant documents;
• Provide planning and design inputs including neighborhood and citywide strategies and urban transformation .Review of proposals and designs and modification for all Infrastructure projects in terms of accuracy and suitability to overall design requirements, including Identifying improvements in the designs and being able to propose practical solutions, taking into consideration sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity, and gender dimensions;
• Participate in identifying and assessing credible risks related to the project implementation and proposing mitigation measures;
• Keep files for all design documentation, memos and instructions in correct format;
• Take additional tasks as requested by the SPM.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in Architecture, Urban Planning, or related fields is required. - A first-level university degree in combination with (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - Technical/Professional Diploma in Architecture, Urban Planning, or related fields plus nine (9) years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: - Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in architectural and/or urban planning and design, and management or related fields is required. - Working knowledge and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and of the New Urban Agenda is required. - Experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides is preferred - Prior experience in contract management is preferred. - Experience in design review is an advantage. - Experience with one or more engineering software applications (i.e: AutoCAD, Prokon,) is an asset. - Dashboard production using Google Data Studio is an asset. - Direct proven experience of urban infrastructure development projects/processes in the context of developing countries is considered an asset. - Experience in participatory planning and community engagement is an asset. - Knowledge of UN policies, procedures, and operations is an asset. - Experience of working in the UN/ International Organization is desired.

Language Requirement: - Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic language is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: LICA-10 Contract duration: Retainer - 12 months with possibility of extension.

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.
• This position is stationed in Beirut, Lebanon which is a family duty station.

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.