Architect with UNDP Syria At UN Volunteers

Mission and objectives

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. In Syria, UNDP has adopted a highly principled approach to the delivery of its mandate in providing critical support to crisis-affected communities. Acknowledging the sensitivities of the operational context, UNDP’s activities in Syria are further informed by bespoke measures to mainstream a do-no-harm approach based on a thorough context analysis, to ensure effective safeguarding measures are applied across all areas of operation in response to the challenges of the Syrian context.

Context

UNDP has adopted a highly principled approach to the delivery of its mandate in providing critical support to crisis-affected communities. Acknowledging the sensitivities of the operational context, UNDP’s activities in Syria are further informed by bespoke measures to mainstream a do-no-harm approach based on a thorough context analysis, to ensure effective safeguarding measures are applied across all areas of operation in response to the challenges of the Syrian context. In this context, UNDP Syria is looking for an Architect who can support UNDP’s immediate interventions in socio-economic recovery and resilience. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP Syria’s efforts to promote volunteerism and ultimately increase the capacity to respond to the various technical assistance demands from its counterparts.

Additional Information: National UN Expert Volunteers in Syria are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 919 • Expertise differential USD 367.6 • Well-being differential USD 275.7 • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; • Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task description

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Area Managers, Procurement and Operations Units, the UN Volunteer will support the following tasks. Summary of key functions:

1. Conducts field visits and prepares assessment of construction interventions

2. Reviews and assesses technical design documents for construction interventions, providing substantive technical inputs and quality assurance;

3. Provides effective support throughout all stages of tendering processes;

4. Monitors and supervises construction works

5. Provides general office support.

1. Conducts field visits and prepares assessment of infrastructure interventions; • Field visits to several potential locations requiring specific technical assistance and, based on performed assessment, recommend best solution for project implementation; • Preparation of Terms of References (ToR) for detailed design for reconstruction/ rehabilitation of structures where needed;

2. Reviews and assesses technical design documents for infrastructure interventions; • Review of technical documentation (existing and future lay out, Bill of Quantities (BoQ) with estimation of costs, technical description, design and specific drawings, participate in the evaluation of bids process) for specific projects. • Review of technical drawings, specifications and Bill of Quantities,

3. Provides effective support throughout all stages of tendering processes; • 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; • Develop technical project and tender documentation (ToR, tender dossier, tender evaluation, etc.) for the implementation of specific (re)construction tasks as required/specified by the projects; • 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 reports about the compliance of the evaluation process with UNDP procurement procedures;

4. Monitors and supervises construction works • Perform a number of monitoring field/on-site visits, upon engagement of a Contractor for the provision of re/construction activities for the specific required projects during the specific assignment; • Ensure that technical documentation on construction site is maintained in accordance with relevant national laws and standards and contract for works; • Sign off the final handover documentation upon completion of all (re)construction works in each project;

5. Provides general office support • Prepare and maintain status reports for projects under implementation and for completed projects. • Follow up on the preparation of specifications with the respective authorities and verify the specifications and coordinate with UNDP’s Procurement Specialist before initiating the procurement process.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 80

Required experience

7 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

7 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, architecture or related field.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement,

Skills and experience

7 years of experience in the relevant field of civil engineering and architecture, especially in preparation of construction technical documentation; • Experience in working in complex environments and large infrastructure and/or civil works, particularly in the field of construction technical project documentation development as well as construction supervision; • Knowledge of the UNDP and the country’s rules, procedures and regulations would be a definite asset • Experience in preparing drawings, layouts, design and cost estimates of required equipment; • Experience in handling of tender documents for turnkey contracts, including technical inputs/specifications for the procurement of services using the conditions of international standards; • Preparation of work progress reports, daily, weekly, with milestone, etc. • Proven ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and liaison with authorities. • Experience with UN or international organization working in crisis environment similar to Syria Skills • Functionally-related professional management skills. • Technical related skills. • Ability to plan and prioritise work activities to meet organizational goals and organize and oversee work processes efficiently to achieve quality results. • Knowledge of strategic planning processes, programming. • Development of analytical reports and evaluation of bids against standard requirements.

Area(s) of expertise

Engineering and construction , Architecture and settlements