UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY

FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST

UNRWA

UNRWA, the largest United Nations Agency in the Middle East, provides education, health, relief and social services and micro-credit services to approximately 4.5 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA is seeking to employ a qualified candidate as a:

Head of Housing & Infrastructure

Vacancy Announcement Number / 08-FO-LB-32
Grade / P-3
Deadline for Applications / 28 June 2008
Duty Station / Tripoli

Under the supervision of Head of Reconstruction Unit, the incumbent will:

  Supervise construction sub-unit; coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of all construction works in Nahr El-Bared Camp reconstruction project; provide technical and administrative guidance and relevant training to the subordinate staff;

  Provide consultancy management support including the preparation of construction briefs, advice on the selection of contractors, liaison, supervision and assessment of construction activities and performance of external contractors as required;

  Contribute to the overall planning process, review indicators of achievement and measures of success for the sub-contracted construction works; participate in the development of Reconstruction Plan with close involvement of the relevant consultants/contractors on the basis of participatory approach;

  Ensure coordination and implementation of the planned reconstruction activities by external contractors in an integrated fashion through site supervision and verification of works done according to the design, standards, costs and timelines provided in the project contracts;

  Provide technical advice to Head of Reconstruction Unit on the reconstruction component of the NBC project;

  Prepare and/or review and validate contractors’ interim and final payments; review and validate variation orders recommended by the consultant/contractors;

  Check, approve and update schedule of works prepared by the consultant/contractors; review technical, financial or other reports prepared by the consultant;

  Ensure that samples of materials and tests recommended by the consultant are in accordance with the contractors’ specifications;

  Submit monthly reports on the performance of the consultant and oversee the reports prepared and submitted by the consultant on the status of construction works in the projects;

  Develop and maintain contacts with local authorities, UN Agencies, NGOs and community representatives.

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

(a) University degree in civil, structural engineering or a related discipline from a recognized university; (b) At least six years of relevant post-graduate experience in the application of knowledge acquired in (a), of which three years should have been in a supervisory capacity; (c) Very good command of spoken and written English.

COMPETENCIES

(a) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and manage an effective team; (b) Good knowledge of methods of construction, planning regulations and materials in the Middle East; (c) Demonstrated ability to work independently on multiple tasks, establish priorities and meet multiple deadlines; (d) Proficiency in Agency standard PC applications.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

(a) Possession of a valid driving license; (b) The incumbent will be required to travel extensively in the Agency’s area of operations.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE & HOW TO APPLY

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $67,709 net tax free with dependants or $63,052 single, plus 47.7%, post adjustment (subject to change). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks annual leave. Initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post.

To start the application process, applicants are required to register by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form at www.unrwajobs.org. Please note that only applications received through www.unrwajobs.org will be considered.

UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced women.

Kindly note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited universities/colleges.

Only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.

Date of issue: 8 June 2008/SO