Location: Bahir Dar, Semera and Mekelle
Grade: NPSA-10
Closing Date: Feb 14, 2024, 06:59 AM
Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The two-year conflict in Northern Ethiopia has triggered a major humanitarian crisis in Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions with profound adverse effects on Ethiopia’s ambitious economic and governance reforms. The conflict resulted from significant loss of lives; displacement of millions needing humanitarian assistance; and large-scale damage to infrastructure and services. On 2nd of November 2022, an agreement for lasting peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities was signed between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (GoE) and the TPLF. Led by the AU, the Peace Agreement has ended active combat in Northern Ethiopia and raised hope for a gradual restoration of services and humanitarian operations in the region. This wide-ranging agreement committed, among other things, to an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, the creation of an interim administration in Tigray region pending regional elections, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants (XCs), resumption of unhindered humanitarian access, the restoration of essential services, reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returning refugees, transitional justice, social cohesion and reconciliation, and recovery and reconstruction. The peace agreement also paves the way for the restoration of peace, security, and stability in the Afar, Amhara and Tigray Regions.
It is in this context that UNDP has developed a ‘Peace Support Programme/Facility (PSP/F)’ nested within the Federal Government’s Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) but focused on urgent actions over a period of 24 months to stabilise conditions, restore a sense of normalcy, and deliver a first peace dividend to conflict-impacted populations. The approach is to fill the gap that is likely to open between the urgency of addressing a wide range of priority needs quickly to consolidate peace and stabilise conditions and the time it will take for the larger, longer-term and more comprehensive 3R Framework to kick-in meaningfully, possibly in late-2024, at the earliest. Moreover, the PSP/F is designed flexibly, so that it could potentially be scaled-up to become the foundation of a larger UN-wide effort in the same direction. In line with this approach, the PSP/F is being implemented already in Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions.
The strategic goal of the PSP/F is to contribute toward an irreversible peace process in Northern Ethiopia. This will be pursued through an actionable set of measures that can build trust between communities and legitimate Ethiopian authorities and lay the foundations for recovery, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, founded upon country leadership and ownership.
Working within the broader framework of 3RF, the PSP/F will focus on the following windows:
- Window 1: Local Governance, Human Rights and Social Cohesion
- Window 2: Basic Social Services (health, nutrition, education, WASH, protection)
- Window 3: Economic Revival (enterprises and agriculture, demining)
- Window 4: Demobilization and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants
- Window 5: Solutions to Internal Displacement
Geographic Focus: Afar, Amhara and Tigray (Northern Ethiopia); Window 4 Demobilization and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants (8 regions)
Target conflict-impacted populations: 10 million
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Operations and in close collaboration with the Head of Programme, the Civil Engineer will perform the following functions in peace support targeted locations:
1.Undertake rapid needs assessments and identification of priority infrastructure for rehabilitation in selected peace support locations.
- Conduct timely and rapid needs assessments and cost estimates related to existing infrastructure damaged by the conflict in stabilization targeted locations.
- Based on the results of the needs assessment and in consultation with regional and Woreda government authorities, prioritize infrastructure rehabilitation works based on the existing budget and foreseen impact on reestablishment of government presence and public service delivery.
- Ensure peace support essentials of speed and scale are properly integrated into the infrastructure rehabilitation plans from the works identification phase throughout the procurement, implementation/execution, and completion/handover phases.
- In coordination with the Peace Support Specialist and in consultation with the regional/Woreda government, review infrastructure rehabilitation that have been prioritized.
- In coordination with the Peace Support Specialist, and in consultation with the local government representative, propose labor intensive infrastructure rehabilitation works through local-scale contractors that have the potential to generate income for returnees and conflict-affected populations living in the peace support target locations.
- Ensure the integration of “building back better and do-no harm” approach where and when possible and the principles of conflict sensitivity, human rights protection, and gender inclusion in all proposed projects.
- Improve the physical environment during infrastructure rehabilitation by providing easy and smooth access and mobility to people with special needs and removing physical barriers (e.g. steps and curbs that block a person with mobility impairment from entering a building or using a sidewalk)
- Recommending, Adapting and installing renewable technologies (e.g. solar-powered electricity in street lighting and facilities) if it aligns with the Government plans.
- Provide technical inputs to strengthen alignment and complementarity of UNDP’s infrastructure rehabilitation with the local government’s policies and plans.
2. Formulate technical/bidding documents for identified infrastructures in Peace support programms.
- On request of Government in procurement support – Develop scope of work (SoW), terms of references (ToRs), technical specifications, bill of quantities (BOQ), and other bidding documents related to infrastructure rehabilitation works and submit to procurement office for processing.
- Ensure formal national engineering standards/national building codes and requirements are respected when available. If not applicable, rely on International Standards Organization (ISO) for civil engineering works and International Labor Organization (ILO) guidelines.
- Review/Coordinate with the Government that ensure all national and local appropriate authorizations and permits for infrastructure rehabilitation works are received prior to the implementation phase.
- If directed by the Peace Support Office to Review all BOQs or the specifications provided by the Government or other UNDP engineers and ensure completeness in all respect to align with international standards.
- Where and when needed, arrange and attend pre-bid meetings/sites visits and provide technical clarifications to potential bidders on the proposed infrastructure rehabilitation works.
- Lead on the technical evaluation process for received bids and provide technical input to the procurement office throughout the bidding and evaluation processes.
3.Provide effective support throughout all stages of the procurement process.
- Provide technical assistance in establishment of common grounds for minimum standards requirements for the implementation of specific (re)construction tasks as required by the specific project.
- Ensure that necessary supporting documentation is in place prior to issuance of tender.
- Participate in evaluation of bids and selection of best bidder to the tender for (re)construction works and assessment of the bidder’s competencies and experience against minimum qualification requirements as per the Request for Proposal/Invitation to Bid requirements.
- Analyze measures, quantities and description of each item in the offers against the advertised BoQ.
- Analyze and review the offered unit rates against the cost estimate in correlation with BoQs, provided by a design company, and to assess whether they are realistic.
- Provide written report about the compliance of the evaluation process with UNDP procurement procedures.
4.Oversee the implementation and successful completion of infrastructure rehabilitation works
- Follow up and oversee the implementation of all infrastructure rehabilitation works in accordance with approved design drawings, bill of quantities, technical specifications, agreed upon timeline and budget.
- Monitor day-to-day progress of infrastructure rehabilitation works and promptly report any abnormality or risk to the Head of Operations/Deputy Programme Director.
- Provide timely and regular weekly reports on progress to the Head of Programme.
- Perform quality assurance and quality control duties on construction materials by checking materials received at infrastructure rehabilitation sites against appropriate standards, technical specifications and requirements expected by UNDP.
- Discuss site issues with the Government representative and promptly report back to the Head of programme in case of problems.
- Verify final completion of work undertaken by the Government.
- If rehabilitation undertaken by UNDP contract, ensure the proper handover of completed infrastructure rehabilitation works to the local government.
- Provide technical inputs to ensure maintenance and functionality of the infrastructure facilities after rehabilitation in collaboration with the Government counterparts and other stakeholders.
5. Provides general office support
- Assist in the management of logistical support to the programme.
- Prepare and maintain status reports for projects under implementation and for completed projects.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the direct supervision of the Operation Head for Peace Support Program, The Civil Engineer will ensure effective implementation of construction related activities of Peace support programme, The civil engineer promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality, strategic, and results oriented approach to all tasks; and works in close collaboration with Operations, Programme, and project teams in peace support team at country office and regional project office level as well as with Implementing partners to successfully deliver the aforementioned duties.
Competencies
Core
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, that have a lasting impact.
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks and develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change and manage multiple competing demands.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate tasks/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate the complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
- Procurement-Stakeholder Management: Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders.
- Procurement- Sourcing: Knowledge of commonly recognized Civil Engineering Contract Conditions and its policies and procedures related to contract management.
- Procurement-Strategic Sourcing: Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles, and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
- Business management– Result-based management: Ability to manage programs and projects with a focus on improved performance, Quality Assurance, and verification of construction materials and demonstrate results.
- Business management-Operations management: Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the PSP construction-related activities, have knowledge of Procurement, tendering, and contracting regulations, and requirements of international organizations to convert its asset to the best result in an efficient manner.
- Business Management-Risk Management: Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.
- Business Direction & Strategy-System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact other parts of the system.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- A master’s degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering/ Construction/Project Management
- A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Project Management Certification (PMP or Prince 2) is an added advantage.
- Registration with professional entities (professional license).
- Certification in Procurement (CIPS level 3 minimum) is an advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum five years (With Master’s) or seven years (With Bachelor’s) of experience working as a civil engineer, preferably in a post conflict context, or in an emergency or recovery context.
- Advanced knowledge of computers, Microsoft packages, AutoCAD, experience in handling of web-based management systems.
- Experience in the design, preparation of BoQ, technical specifications and cost estimates for civil works rehabilitation including buildings, utility services, schools, clinics, water and electricity etc.
- Knowledge of international standards, specifically for civil works related to buildings.
- Experience in handling UN tender documents for contracts, including inputs/specifications for the procurement of services using the conditions as per international standards.
- Experience in working with UNDP or another UN agency is desirable.
- Proven ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and liaison with national and local authorities.
- Experience in supervising infrastructure rehabilitation works and managing contracts/ projects.
- Experience in leading a team of civil engineers and construction workers.
- Knowledge of site safety for civil engineering works and monitoring methodologies for infrastructure rehabilitation works in sites with poor accessibility (e.g., absence of roads) is an asset.
Language
- Proficiency in English, both spoken and written and knowledge of the local language of the duty station.
Application Instruction
- A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position and also mention prefer duty station from Bahir Dar (Amhara), Semra (Afar), and Mekelle (Tigray) under subject line.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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