Vacancy Announcement
Chief, Field Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme, Grade 20
- Vacancy Announcement Number: 01-05-2020
- Deadline for Applications 25 May 2020
- Source of Fund Programme Budget
- Contract Type & Duration Fixed-Term Appointment for 3 years including 1 year probation period, with the possibility of further extension, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need
- Department Gaza Field Office – Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme
UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda.
Applications from qualified women are strongly welcomed
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed professionals wishing to make a change.
UNRWA’s strategic objectives
The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. In line with this mission, the Agency works towards five strategic outcomes: (a) Palestine refugee rights under international law are protected and promoted; (b) Palestine refugee health is protected and disease burden is reduced; (c) school-age children complete quality, equitable and inclusive basic education; (d) Palestine refugee capabilities are strengthened for increased livelihood opportunities; and (e) Palestine refugees are able to meet their basic human needs of food, shelter and environmental health. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions.
Do you want to make a lasting difference?
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. In this role, the incumbent reports to the Director of UNRWA Affairs. This reporting line is realized through the Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes), who has authority for day-to-day supervision of programmes in the Field of operations. The Director of Infrastructure and Camp Improvement, HQ (Amman) is responsible for ensuring the achievement of professional, policy and technical standards, in line with the strategic direction of the programme. To realize this, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring consultation with and approval of the Programme Director on significant programmatic matters.
In accordance with established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent:
- Plans, executes and accounts for the camp improvement, environmental health, construction and/or maintenance of Agency premises, refugee shelters/housing, (Agency, Agency-sponsored or rented etc.) by:
- o Developing plans for the Camp Improvement Programme in the Field, in close ةcoordination with local communities, and implementing strategies that impact positively on the lives of refugees in the camps in all possible domains, utilizing urban planning tools and methodologies, such as shelter, environmental health, health, education, employability, socio-economy, etc;
- o Developing plans for environmental health projects in the Field in line with the above and initiating new solid waste management plans in the camps;
- Organizes and supervises all construction, environmental health, water supply, wastewater, storm-water, roads, shelters and maintenance works in the Field, including those designed/supervised by external consultants; arranges for the appointment, briefing and control of consultants in coordination with Director of Infrastructure and Camp Improvement (DICI), HQ (Amman);
- Coordinates construction and maintenance works and design requirements with other Departments/Divisions, writes and submits progress reports, land surveys and soil test reports on such works to DICI, HQA;
- Inspects proposed construction sites and reports on their suitability; supervises provision of technical support for the satisfactory execution of approved self-help construction and maintenance projects undertaken by camp inhabitants;
- Supervises the preparation of initial and detailed design and the preparation of tender documents for the Agency’s projects including construction, shelter, environmental health, maintenance and camp improvement;
- Certifies the validity and accuracy of bills of quantities and financial accounts for work executed;
- Performs such other duties as may be assigned.
Additional information
The incumbent will be required to reside in the field to which assigned and to travel in the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.
Conditions of service
- Basic Salary: Monthly basic salary from $2243.60; Senior Professional Officer Allowance atthe rate of 50% of the basic salary and monthly dependency allowance up to $123.25.
- Contract Duration: Three years including 1 year probation period.
- Leave: 36 days of annual leave for staff attending UNRWA duty stations with six-day working week. 30 days of annual leave for staff attending UNRWA duty stations with fiveday working week.
- Pension: Provident Fund contribution (15% of basic salary paid by the Agency)
- Other conditions of service and benefits may apply.
To qualify for this position, you will need:
- Education An advanced university degree in civil/structural engineering or architecture.
- Experience At least ten years experience including three years in design and planning relevant to the post’s duties and responsibilities and five years experience as an engineer in charge-of the planning, management and execution of construction projects. Experience in the area of construction project management, low-income housing and infrastructure works. Experience in involving the community and stakeholders in planning and implementation of development projects utilizing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Language(s) Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Note: Experience in Hardship duty stations (E), other than Gaza duty station, is counted as double for female candidates.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in the construction industry in the Middle East;
- Experience in community development and urban planning;
- Specific experience in upgrading and/or rehabilitation projects in built environment similar to the camps.
You will also need to demonstrate the following competencies:
- High level skill in management of broad programmes;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in team environment;
- Ability to present information and data in a clear and constructive manner;
- A high level of written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to produce plans for the improvements of the camps.
Equivalency
When the minimum requirements are not fully met, Field Director for Field Area staff and Director of Human Resources for Headquarters Area staff, in consultation with the concerned supervisor may exceptionally substitute part of the unmet requirements with a combination of relevant academic qualifications, additional professional training and progressive relevant work experience.
NB: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination
For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews:https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
How to apply
To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.ps by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.ps will be considered. UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted by e-mail or SMS. No follow up phone calls will be made. Please ensure that the e-mail address that you will indicate in your Personal History Profile is accurate.
The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The United Nations does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.
General Information
This vacancy notice is open to internal and external candidates.
Only candidates residing in Gaza with authorization to work in Gaza duty station at the time of application are eligible to apply. The Agency will not assume responsibility or accountability to support or facilitate the issuance of work permit in the duty station, and without a valid work permit, the appointment may be rescinded.
Date of issue: 12 May 2020