Result of Service

• Remuneration will be a monthly basic salary of USD 6000.

Work Location

UNRWA- Jordan Field Office

Expected duration

The duration of the assignment is six months with possibility of extension, subject to
availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

In accordance with established Agency policy and procedures, the consultant:

1.1 Oversees and supports the day-to-day activities of the different phases of the REPAC Project ensuring its successful implementation, and the project outputs are delivered within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits, in particular:

1.2 Acquaints him/herself with the Agreements signed between the Donor and UNRWA and all its integral parts and prepare all the project documentation regarding schedule, budget, and project set-up; develop the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) and update it regularly ensuring that UNRWA rules and regulations on technical matters as related to the project are applied.

1.3 Monitors the implementation of the Projects in accordance with the PIP and reports on its progress to designated Field Office management and relevant departments as required; proposes remedial measures to address (potential) deviations from project timeline and budget; Identify and mitigate the risks of delays and budget overruns in a timely manner.

1.4 Produces a detailed budget of the project and establishes accurate, timely and effective budget tracking including the preparation and monthly updating of financial forecasts for the effective implementation of the project.

1.5 Prepares high quality reports, presentations, briefings, and other required documentation using advanced project management tools on project progress and achievements, best practices, evaluations, and lessons learned, as well as the project final report.

1.6 Ensures that UNRWA procedures and regulations including those governing human resources, construction, procurement/contracting and finance, are adhered to in all technical and financial matters.

1.7 Provides guidance on technical aspects of the project and oversees the remaining construction works in the selected camps.

1.8 Supports the preparation and implementation of Camp Improvement Plans (CIP). The task will include participatory planning, urban analysis, socio-economic data analysis, surveys, focus group, and thematic group discussion, preparation of conceptual project proposals, and working with the community and stakeholders.

1.9 Coordinates Shelter rehabilitation, from an urban & architectural point of view and decide on the implementation interventions based on technical and structural assessment.

1.10 Coordinates tendering and contracting of construction works with HQ-A, Central Support Services Division, and Field Finance Office (FFO).

1.11 Oversees the contractors’ performance ensuring that the building and infrastructure works are executed in accordance with the contract provisions and that progress is maintained in accordance with the PIP.

1.12 Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal and external Project stakeholders, the Jordanian Government throughout its relevant Ministries and local authorities and the refugee community for the advancement of the Project.

1.13 Facilitates project detailed design and implementation through cooperation and coordination with other UNRWA Programme Departments, project—specific implementation consultant(s), and the Department for Palestinian Affairs (DPA)

1.14 In close coordination with the Donor Relations and Project Support Office (DRPSO), abides by all donor requirements, including in terms of reporting and project visibility. Supports the planning and oversees arrangements of visits by donor representatives and other external interlocutors to the Project Area.

1.15 Maintains regular contacts with camp committees, UN agencies, NGOs, academics, and relevant interlocutors for the advancement of the project.

1.16 Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Architecture or any related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience in programme/project management and monitoring, data/information analysis and reporting in which 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport, or a national identity number.

Required skills

• Internationally accredited certification in project management or at least 2 additional years of relevant project management experience.
• Excellent working knowledge and experience of project management software (ex: MS Project or similar).
• Experience in managing the construction upgrading and/or rehabilitation of infrastructure projects in complex a built environments similar to the camps.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to deliver reports according to requirements and
strict deadlines.

Competencies:

• Strong people management and team building skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proven abilities in stakeholders’ management and partnerships.
• Strategic planning and results-based management.
• Excellent organizational skills in learning and adaptive management, including timely risk
mitigation.

Desired qualifications

• Working knowledge of written and spoken Arabic.
• Previous experience in working with refugees, internally displaced persons, and other
vulnerable groups.
• Experience in the application of participatory methodologies, community, and urban
development.
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Previous experience managing a KfW-funded project.
• Experience and knowledge of the construction industry in the Middle East, preferably low-cost housing projects.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English

Additional Information

Background:

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and the Lebanon Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KfW), the REPAC project aims to contribute to the improvement of living conditions of the population affected by continued crisis in and close to Palestine refugee camps in the region through the provision and adequate use of social and economic infrastructure. The programme contributes to the enhancement of personal and economic development perspectives for Palestine refugees, providing increased chances for stability, peace and prosperity in the region.

So far, an approximate EUR 25 million has been made available specifically for Jordan by the German Government via KfW through this grant. The following Project phases covering Jordan are currently under liquidation, preparation, or implementation:

– REPAC VIII – Jordan and Lebanon (October 2018 – December 2023)
– REPAC XI – Jordan and Gaza (September 2020 – December 2024)
– REPAC XII – Jordan and Gaza (September 2022 – September 2025)
– REPAC XIV – Jordan and West Bank (under discussion/planning stage)

In Jordan specifically, the Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme (ICIP) has led the development of Camp Improvement Plans (CIPs) for four Palestine Refugees camps (Jerash, Talbieh, Husn and Marka), which provide an overall framework for the urban and socio-economic development of the camp with an action plan that outlines priority projects based on community needs. Throughout the different phases, the project entails the rehabilitation of roads, more than 350 shelters, the reconstruction and extension of schools, the upgrading and enhancement of playgrounds and the construction of a photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of 3 MW.

Organizational setting:

1. The consultant will report to the Chief Field Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Plan as the primary supervisor and the Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes), within the Jordan Field Office (JFO) in Amman as a second supervisor.
2. Working conditions: The consultant is required to travel within the field in the course of performing his/her duties.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.