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Multi-Sectoral Engineering Specialist

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UNDP-Iraq executes, through implementing partners, a programme for the reconstruction and recovery of Iraq Infrastructure and restoration of social services in Iraq. Under this Programme the multi-Sectoral team of the UNDP Economic Recovery and Poverty Alleviation Programme (ERPA) has undertaken implementation of several multi-disciplinary projects covering multiple sectors and beneficiaries such as Health, Electricity, Water & Sanitation (WATSAN) and so forth.
Interventions in the water and sanitation sector are being implemented under the Area Based Development and Local Services Delivery sub-Cluster. UNDP has been providing support to the WATSAN sector, initially focusing on emergency assistance through rehabilitation, provision of equipment and building operation and maintenance capacity, but more recently through projects and programmes aimed at supporting enhancement capacities in planning and essential service delivery at sub-national levels, in particular, UNDP Iraq has been delegated the role as overall coordinator for a multi-agency Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) Master Planning and Capacity Building Programme funded through the UNDG Iraq Trust Fund (ITF). This programme is an integrated joint approach with other UN agencies to address complex causes and issues affecting access to potable water and adequate sanitation in several Iraqi Governorates. Building on the experience and knowledge built in this sector in Iraq, UNDP, in addition to performing the overall coordination role, is required to implement several key components, including preparation of water and sanitation master plans, and capacity building on planning.

Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives
The Multi-Sectoral Engineering Specialist (MSES) will act:
  • Under the authority of the Resident Representative, Country Director and the Deputy Country Director of UNDP Iraq;
  • Under the overall supervision of the Head of Economic, Recovery, Poverty, Aviation programme (ERPA);
  • Under the direct supervision of Water and Sanitation Project Manager.
The Multi-Sectoral Engineering Specialist will be responsible for providing necessary and timely support required for successful implementation of the ongoing water and sanitation projects of the ERPA unit. The main task will be to successfully support the coordination and provide advice on the implementation of the multi-agency Water and Sanitation Master Planning and Capacity Building Programme, as well as to support the Project Manager in the management and implementation of UNDP’s component of the Programme to obtain tangible development results as agreed by relevant partners, in addition to supporting and providing technical and analytical expert advice on the implementation of the Extension of Water Treatment Plant in Samarra Project. Other tasks have been identified based on the work required to establish some of the proposed / pipeline projects and to conceptualize a future vision for deployment of the currently available multi-sectoral capacity and expertise within ERPA.
Therefore, the MSES will have a direct impact on the successful implementation and positive outcomes of the ongoing WATSAN projects as well as establishment of future projects. Furthermore he/she will be responsible for developing a strategy for transition of the multi-sectoral unit to meet future requirements and challenges to serve Iraq. As such, this position requires a hi-caliber, senior, experienced and creative professional who will be able to provide required inputs and vision as indicated above.
Scope and expected outputs:
The Multi-Sectoral Engineering Specialist (MSES) will be primarily assisting the Project Manager (PM) on the implementation of the Water and Sanitation Master Planning Project, and the Samarra Water Treatment Plant Project. In this capacity, MSES will assist the relevant PM responsible with managing the ongoing projects through the international consultant, manufacturers, contractors and company project managers (as the case may be) supporting the implementation, handing over and closing of the projects, which entails administering the designated portfolio of projects.
The MSES shall furthermore carryout any other assignment as and when assigned and required by the supervisors, including day-to-day direction, management and control throughout the life of these projects.
The main scope of work and the expected outputs shall include the following:
  • Support all implementation aspects of all assigned projects in collaboration with the relevant Project Managers;
  • Actively participate, contribute in all projects related problem solving;
  • Carry out projects assessment phase, identifying bottlenecks, constraints, requirements, shaping UNDP’s intervention, drafting the project roadmap, project scope and thus maximizing the project net economic benefits;
  • Participate in the review of all projects technical related documents including implementation schedules, specifications, drawings;
  • Review, revise, participate, provide inputs to all other parties’ prepared project related documentation including implementation schedules, specifications, drawings;
  • Define optimum implementation modalities including identification of implementing partners and recommending optimum modalities that meet the extremely sensitive projects environment, highly demanding project and within the deteriorated security context;
  • Participate and advice in defining breakdown of procurement packages that best respond to the unique projects requirements;
  • Technical discussions with the counter parts in Iraq and the manufacturers;
  • Liaise with the local authorities for all technical clarifications required in connection with the clearance of goods from customs;
  • Technical clarifications to the manufacturers in respect of equipment and machinery contracted for counterparts;
  • Ensure effective implementation of the project through timely provision of technical inputs, effective technical and commercial clarifications, timely and effective delivery of activities and outcomes;
  • Monitor the project activities in conformity with project strategies and in accordance with UNDP Policies, programming guidelines, administrative and financial procedures;
  • Prepare detailed implementation strategy, based on the project documents and organize meetings with manufacturers and counterparts from Iraq, for effective and efficient implementation of project;
  • Provide technical advice on the procurement of international institutional consultancy services for the design and supervision of water and sanitation project;
  • Provide technical leadership and follow-up on the output of the project;
  • Provide advice to the project managers on build the capacities of local officials to enable their effective participation in the preparation of technical development documents by arranging implementation and project specific training to local officials;
  • Perform any other duties as might be required for the successful implementation of the project in particular and of the UNDP strategies in general;
  • Negotiate with counterparts, contractors and other relevant partners all contracts/agreements terms, conditions, prices;
  • Identify and implement innovative community capacity building approaches through the review of the design of awareness material and methods of implementation;
  • Produce quality technical reports;
  • Perform any other task as requested by the Head of Implementation Unit.
Deliverables:
While UNDP will be responsible for the logistic costs of the participants. The Consultant will be responsible for producing the following deliverables.
  1. Efficient and effective review of all the Final Documents of the Thi-Qar Governorate and Al-Kut city Water and Sanitation Master Plan Documents - Phase I , Appraisal, Evaluation and Updating of Existing Information, especially considering technical and environmental aspects. The MSES shall provide UNDP a final report that includes approvals/ comments and recommendation on the submitted final Phase I documents submitted by the International Consultant including evaluation of the Capacity Building programme included in this phase;
  2. Efficient and effective review of all the Final Documents of the Sulaimaniyah Governorate, Tikrit city and Makhmour city Water and Sanitation Master Plan Documents - Phase I , Appraisal, Evaluation and Updating of Existing Information, and especially considering technical and environmental aspects. The MSES shall provide UNDP a final report that includes approvals/ comments and recommendation on the submitted final Phase I documents submitted by the International Consultant including evaluation of the Capacity Building programme included in this phase;
  3. Provide inputs and advice with respect to the preliminary handing over of the Water Treatment Plant in Samarra, including the revision of the operation and maintenance manuals, final invoices;
  4. Efficient and effective review of all the Draft Documents of the Thi-Qar Governorate and Al-Kut city Water and Sanitation Master Plan Documents - Phase 2, Long Term Master Plans. The MSES shall provide UNDP a final report that includes comments and recommendation on the submitted draft Phase 2 documents submitted by the International Consultant including evaluation of the Capacity Building programme included in this phase. The MSES shall discuss and thoroughly review the submitted comments and recommendations with the PM and the International Consultant on the bases of the scope of work mentioned in Item 3 of this ToR;
  5. Efficient and effective review of all the Draft Documents of the Sulimanyieh Governorate, Tikrit city and Makhmour city Water and Sanitation Master Plan Documents - Phase 2, Long Term Master Plans. The MSES shall provide UNDP a final report that includes comments and recommendation on the submitted draft Phase 2 documents submitted by the International Consultant including evaluation of the Capacity Building programme included in this phase. The MSES shall discuss and thoroughly review the submitted comments and recommendations with the PM and the International Consultant on the bases of the scope of work mentioned in Item 3 of this ToR;
  6. Efficient and effective review of all the Final Documents of the Thi-Qar and Sulimanyieh Governorates, as well as Al-Kut, Tikrit and Makhmour cities Water and Sanitation Master Plan Documents - Phase 2, Long Term Master Plans. The MSES shall provide UNDP a final report that includes approval/comments and recommendation on the submitted Final Phase 2 documents submitted by the International Consultant including evaluation of the Capacity Building programme included in this phase;
  7. Submit Final closing report for the Water and Sanitation Master Plan to the Steering Committee and Iraqi counterparts;
  8. Support the development of a strategy for transition of the Water and Sanitation Unit/ ERPA to meet future requirements and challenges to serve Iraq, in line with the UNDP mandate and objectives for capacity building, mainly focusing on the areas of Water & Sanitation, Project Management and Environment.

Competencies
Competencies
  • Strong analytical and writing skills and ability to provide guidance and coordination to the government counterparts and other involved stakeholders;
  • Ability to conceptualize analytical frameworks based on available information and resources;
  • Ability to identify and address the information gaps in a systematic manner;
  • Strong analytical and writing skills and ability to provide guidance and coordination to the government counterparts and other involved stakeholders;
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural, ethnic and religious background, different gender, and diverse political views;
  • Strong communication and organizational skills as well as team work capabilities;
  • Proficiency in English language.
Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Core and Managerial Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office through leadership and personal example;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Ability to lead project planning, results-based management and reporting;
  • Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
  • Strong IT skills;
  • Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.
Management and Leadership
  • Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Natural Sciences or Environment. Multi-disciplinary qualifications in above areas are preferred.
Work Experience:
  • Membership of professional bodies / institutions related to above disciplines or project management;
  • Relevant professional / trade certifications considered favourably;
  • Minimum 15 years experience. At least 10 years of experience in programmes / projects with multi-disciplinary work environments. Specific experience in the areas of civil / structural engineering, water and sanitation, environment, project management and capacity building programmes would be preferred.
Skills:
  • The candidate shall be fluent in the English language with excellent writing abilities;
  • The knowledge of other UN official languages would be an asset;
  • Knowledge of Arabic Language would be of added benefit.
Previous UN Experience:
  • Experience from previous UN and UNDP assignments and/or multilateral banks (World Bank, Asian Development Bank etc) and bi-lateral aid organizations would be an asset.
Related Skills:
  • Knowledge of Prince2 and other Results Based Management methodologies would be an asset;
  • UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Other:
  • Demonstrated experience working in Iraq or similar environments.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English, written and spoken;
  • The knowledge of other UN official languages would be an asset;
  • Knowledge of Arabic Language would be of added benefit.
Proposals:
Proposals should be submitted to the following e-mail address no later than COB 22nd December 2011:
ssa.undp.iraq@undp.org (It is a MUST to indicate the Procurement Notice Number in the e-mail subject box). All needed information which includes: Complete Terms of Reference, The Selection Criteria, and Required Annexes are found on the following link under Procurement Notice Number Q-IC-112/11:
Provision of CVs only will not be accepted. Documents to be included when submitting the Proposal:
Technical Proposal: (which will include the following):
  • Signed Proposal Submission Form. (Please use Annex 1).
  • Letter explaining why he/she consider himself/herself the most suitable candidate for the work.
  • A brief methodology on how he/she will approach and conduct the work.
  • Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references. Please Use the attached CV Form – Annex 2 attached. UNDP-Iraq reserves the right to disqualify any of CVs who are not compliant with the requested form.
  • Provide a sample report prepared by the applicant in the recent past.
Financial proposal: The financial proposal will specify a total lump sum amount and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. A breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems) is to be provided by the IC candidate. Total Fees: Please use Annex 3 – Financial proposal form

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Multi-Sectoral Engineering Specialist

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