OVERVIEW

Grade : Level 4

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Beirut

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement: [[filter13]]

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30/09/2023

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

This call for application for consultancy is announced under the project: Beirut (Mar Mikhael) Train Station: Industrial Heritage Park. This project is part of a comprehensive intervention funded by Italy to preserve the industrial heritage of Mar Mikhael old train station and to open the space to the public. Italy’s grant will allow UNESCO to preserve the initial function of the site and its cultural value and authenticity, by rehabilitating the heritage assets on site which include among others buildings and trains. The project has another component to be implemented by UN-HABITAT and aims at creating a green public space in the train station area for the benefit of the people of Beirut. UNESCO’s intervention is expected to foster social and cultural connection by providing an open space for artists to work and market their products. The initiative is realized in close collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and in agreement with the Railway and Public Transport Authority of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Railways bare values that make them one of the most important elements of industrial heritage, while train stations are being reimagined today to create dynamic, multifunctional spaces where people can do more than set out or arrive on a journey. The Mar Mikhael Train Station, a unique industrial heritage site in the heart of Beirut, holds a huge potential in becoming a space where citizens can enjoy social and cultural exchanges. In addition to the degradation suffered due to abandonment, the heritage assets of this iconic place located at the proximity of the Port of Beirut, were severely damaged by the devastating 4 August 2020 blasts.

UNESCO is hiring an expert – Architect restorer- responsible for: (1) the preparation of concept and the detailed rehabilitation and restoration study in close coordination with the UN-Habitat consultant as well as the preparation of the tender documents, and (2) supervise the implementation of the rehabilitation works.

Long Description

For the purpose of the overall intervention, a technical committee has been established including representatives of the OCFTC, DGA, AICS, UNESCO and UN-Habitat to ensure coordination and provide technical and strategic support, input, and guidance throughout their implementation. The Technical Committee will regularly convene meetings in order to discuss project progress and achievements, as well as to raise eventual challenges and corrective measures to be implemented.

This project shall follow recognized professional standards of architectural conservation/rehabilitation, including the fundamental principles guiding the discipline; in particular:

• Minimal intervention.
• Use original materials and techniques as possible.
• Recommend reversible approach whenever possible.
• Preserve maximum of original fabric and informational content.
• Be relatively homogeneous in form, color, tone, scale, and texture.

Long Description

Duties and responsibilities of the Architect Restorer:

Under the authority of the Director of UNESCO Beirut Office and under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Culture, and in close coordination with the Public Transport Authority of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Directorate General of Antiquities, the Architect- Restorer shall:

• Assess the heritage value of the 10,000 square meters site in the station to be dedicated to the project and its different elements including, the individual buildings, locomotives and other assets of heritage value;
• Assess the current structural and architectural state of each building and recommend all essential tests, including monitoring for structural evaluations, if needed.
• Creation of a concept design for the heritage assets and buildings in close collaboration with the UN-Habitat consultant;
• Prepare a proposal for the adaptive reuse for each building and a flow of community members and visitors between those buildings according to the concept and design of the green space and design relocatable kiosks.
• Submit proposals for the restoration of the coaling, water towers, and all other railway historic facilities and equipment;
• Prepare all necessary architectural, structural and MEP design drawings, including plans, sections, elevations and details, BOQ and specifications needed to bid and carry out the work by selected contracting companies.
  • Drawings, BOQ and specifications will be part of the contract documents with the future contractor for the actual execution of the works.
  • The submission (Preliminary Design) shall be reviewed in details by UNESCO and validated. Upon the acceptance of the preliminary design, the Consultant will be able to proceed with Final Design drawings specifications, followed after acceptance by the preparation of final Specifications, Bill of Quantities and detailed Work Plan.

Long Description

• Prepare selection criteria for the evaluation of bids and selection of awarded bidders;
• Submit a detailed workplan describing the estimated duration and interdependence of various tasks of the proposed works.
  • The workplan and timeline shall be for the benefit of UNESCO, as baseline of comparison with the proposed Work Plans submitted by bidding contractors.
• Prepare a comprehensive Health and Safety Plan in accordance with international standards, and Lebanese Law and Regulations (Covid safety measures included ). This submission shall become part of the bidding documents for the proposed works;
• Follow up daily activities and make daily site visits or inspections, as it feels appropriate , supervise the works ( conservation ,construction and MEP works) and ensure that it is being carried out according to the plans and specifications;
• Review the workplan submitted by the selected contractor(s) and comment/send his/her remarks for modification prior to the start of the works;
• Review of final detailed drawings and perform any complementary or alternative propositions deemed necessary for the proper execution of the project;
• Review all the submittals: Material Data sheets / Method Statements / Shop Drawings, submitted by the contractor(s) and send his/her comments for modification or re-submission when necessary;
• Supervise and inspect the operation and maintenance works of the Contractor(s) and material/components/parts supplied to ensure completion of the Contractor’s contract in accordance with its provisions;
• Monitor and ensure that safety requirements are fulfilled;

• Ensure all environmental mitigation measures are well-addressed;
• Take photographs during operation works, particularly on-site repairs, and keeping weekly logs of such activities;
• Promote a good working environment and monitoring labor relations, living and community relations to be able to identify potential problems and propose solutions promptly;
• Ensure that as-build drawings and all relevant documentation are well kept and regularly updated;
• Manage claims and variations;
• Monitor progress and prepare reports to be submitted monthly to UNESCO
• Fulfill the role of Supervising consultant within the specified guidelines;
• Certify advancement and final completion of the contractor’s contract.
• Submit final report.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
University degree in Architecture, with a Master degree in restoration and conservation of historical monuments and sites from a reputable University.

Work experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in Architecture with a focus on the restoration of historic buildings.
• Experience in restoration of industrial heritage will be considered an asset
• Professional experience working with donor-funded programs/projects in Lebanon

Skills / Competencies:

• Strong strategic and analytical skills.
• Strong sensitivity and adaptability in culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, and nationality.
• Experience and understanding of development work in the context of crisis and conflict in particular and to be able to coordinate effectively in between multiple parties.
• Excellent organizational, networking, partnership building, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills (drafting and oral).

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Arabic and English.

CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS

Your written submittal should comprise:

(a) A Technical Proposal consisting of:

• an up to date curriculum vitae, and
• an approach and methodology for the assignment, and a
• work plan and timetable.

(b) A Financial Proposal consisting of the amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars only, and divided by deliverables and milestones defined in the work plan.

Type of contract: Individual Consultants contract
Duration: 24 months.

Remuneration: payments are based upon deliverables. No payment will be made if the deliverable is not accomplished.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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