Mechanical Engineer 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 a Mechanical Engineer 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.

1) Participate in the UNDP evaluation process and do quality technical evaluation of the received bids;

2) Review the specifications provided by the Local Authority and ensure completeness in all respects;

3) Develop critical analysis of the required equipment and ensure that the equipment/requirement is not favoring any brand/model and the specification is generic in nature;

4) Crucially participate in the assessment processes of the targeted locations in order to identify the needed plan including the procedures, items and equipment.

5) Ensure timely submission of the specifications of the required equipment in coordination and cooperation with the technical teams from the Local Authority.

6) Respond to queries from the Procurement Unit and review committees related to BoQs and technical specifications.

7) Participate in pre-bid meetings and respond to queries from potential national/international bidders if related to technical specifications.

8) Participate in Technical Review Committee meetings for submitted bids and review all bids against the approved technical specifications.

9) Supervise all locations where the equipment need to be installed and provide updates and recommendations to UNDP accordingly;

10) Review the additional requirements from the authorities, make a comparative analysis and develop a matrix for the additional requirements and make recommendations accordingly: a. Follow up and oversee mechanical works at site preparation and execution of the Works against the provided approved sketch and bill of quantities within the set time frame. b. Evaluate, check and verify the Contractor’s provided equipment at the site and ensure that the equipment meets requirements; c. Report to UNDP any variation made by the bidder; d. Inspect all the materials including cables and connections at site and ensure that the material is of the same standard quoted by the bidders; e. Check materials received at construction/renovation sites against damages, missing parts and appropriate ratings; ensuring that the materials/equipment provided by the Contractor meets UNDP requirements and standards. f. Materials/equipment provided by the Contractor meets accepted requirements and standards. g. Discuss site issues with the Contractor and promptly report back to UNDP if a problem arises that requires UNDP’s input. h. Advise, monitor and manage the operational phase of the facilities and procured equipment on behalf of UNDP and in coordination with the governorate and /or the line ministries directorates. i. Ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project actions and the operations of the outcomes. j. Check and certify substantial progress/completion and the corresponding payments. Advise UNDP to withhold payment for any work which has been rejected or any work which is not in compliance with the contract documents. k. Identify any Variation Order as being issued under one of the following categories: i. Variation which alters, amends or deletes items contained in the Contract and which variation does not alter the Scope of the Works and is not charged against contingencies and which does not increase the contract value. ii. Variation which increases the contract value and requires the commitment of additional funds and hence require UNDP approval in writing. l. Maintain project progress log and issue certificates, notices and instructions to the Contractor in consultation with UNDP as may be required by the provision of the contract requirements. m. Advise UNDP on the value of the works at the date of termination, in the event of the termination of the contract. n. Assist UNDP as an expert witness in litigation arising from the development or installation of equipment. o. Ensure that the Contractor maintain safety on Site and clean the site after the completion of the rehabilitation work. p. Issue certificates of Substantial Completion/final completion in coordination with UNDP and the Contractor.

11) Satisfy the reporting and monitoring requirements by UNDP CO.

12) 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 Mechanical Engineering 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 extensive operational experience including renovation and construction works. • Experience in design, preparation of BoQ, estimated costs of civil structures • Construction supervision experience of buildings, utility services, schools, etc • Experience in refurbishment/renovation of buildings and associated facilities • Knowledge of international standards, specifically for mechanical works related to buildings • Experience in handling of tender documents for turnkey contracts, including technical inputs/specifications for the procurement of services using the conditions of international lending/funding agencies • Preparation of work progress reports, daily, weekly, milestone, etc • Proven ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and liaison with authorities. • Experience in supervising rehabilitation works and managing projects. • Experience with UN or international organization working in crisis environment similar to Syria • Experience from previous UN assignments and/or multilateral organizations and bi-lateral aid organizations would be an asset. 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. • Knowledge of fund raising, project and programme drafting. • Reporting skills.

Area(s) of expertise

Engineering and construction