Job: Physical Infrastructure Assessor - UNOPS Rapid Response Roster

Location: Multiple 
Deadline: Tuesday, 22 October 2013 

Description

Vacancy code VA/2013/B0010/4037 Position title Physical Infrastructure Assessor – UNOPS Rapid Response Roster, Multiple positions Level ICS-9 Department/office Sustainable Infrastructure Duty station Multiple Contract type International ICA Contract level IICA-1 Duration between 2 weeks and 4 months Application period 07-Oct-2013 to 23-Oct-2013 Print United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity Background Information - UNOPS

The pool of experts is used as a surge capacity for short term rapid deployments (between 2 weeks and 4 months). UNOPS Rapid Response provides a capacity of specialized humanitarian personnel and trained and prepared engineers to conduct infrastructure assessments in the context of conflict, disaster and preparedness. One of the objectives of UNOPS Rapid Response is to rapidly deploy personnel to the field. To accomplish this, a pool of experts for the above mentioned position has been established. Once approved as a member of a pool, candidates remain members for a three year period, after which they will be re-assessed should they wish to remain part of the pool.

The mission of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peace-building, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. In line with its mandate UNOPS acts as a central resource for the United Nations system in procurement and contracts management as well as in civil works and physical infrastructure development, including the related capacity development activities. UNOPS has significant experience in post-conflict, post-disaster and geographically difficult environments and in the field of emergency reconstruction of disaster stricken communities. UNOPS has a solid track record of providing effective disaster response operations and continues to be called upon to conduct infrastructure assessments in both conflict and disaster contexts.

Functional Responsibilities

The rapid response Physical Infrastructure Assessor reports directly to the designated Team Leader within the context of the response mission. Under the general guidance of the Team Leader, the Physical Infrastructure Assessor is responsible for the systematic capture of relevant data in regards to the physical infrastructure sector and provides technical expertise to assist in meeting the objective(s) of the response mission. In coordination and cooperation with the infrastructure assessment team, it is the Infrastructure Assessor's responsibility to deliver on time the assessment scope designated. The Infrastructure Assessor shall provide concrete and credible outputs to assist the response mission in generating a clear understanding of the element(s) of infrastructure being assessed. It is understood that the Infrastructure Assessor can be working in complex and challenging environments with limited resources. The Infrastructure Assessor will manage the assessment assignment while coordinating and working in partnerships with the Team Leader and other team members to the best interests of the mission.

The Infrastructure Assessor shall perform the following specific duties:

• Carry out physical infrastructure assessments of designated sites, applying technical knowledge and assessment techniques and following UNOPS infrastructure assessment methodology;
• Effective and efficient co-ordination within the designated infrastructure assessment team;
• Help when needed to coordinate infrastructure assessment activities to enhance the data-collection process;
• Ensure quality control and adherence to the assessment timeframe; Ensure adherence to safety standards; Notify on anticipated delays or if any mission related issues arises;
• Liaise with other UNOPS field based units/implementation teams to ensure timely adjustment of mission scope;
• Daily reporting and updating of data collected from different sites;
• Verification of data collected; Monitor and report on the achievements of the objectives of the assignment;
• Attend and participate in meetings; Provide technical input as required; Perform any other related duties as may be assigned;

Competencies

• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural hazards and humanitarian crisis);
• Ability to work in a team and to build and sustain effective work relationship with subordinates and peers to achieve organizational goals;
• Ability to interact, establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• High level of professionalism and ability to work independently, under pressure and to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Excellent analytical, data management and decision making skills;
• Self-motivated, ability to take ownership of actions, and provide flexible and effective solutions to challenging situations;
• Willingness to learn and openness to suggestions for self-improvement;
• Strong skills in planning, and problem solving;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

A University Degree in Architecture, Engineering or other relevant discipline is required. A Bachelor's degree in combination with relevant years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience specifically in the field of engineering, with an understanding of disaster management and humanitarian emergency operations;
• Previous experience in conducting physical infrastructure assessments in rapid response settings is highly desirable.
• Must have a strong technical background in an engineering related field;
• Strong knowledge of principles and techniques of carrying out infrastructure assessments required;
• Ability to consolidate information from different sources;
• Understanding of the humanitarian emergency operations context;
• Knowledge of UN core values, rules and regulations an asset;

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement. Knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (Retainer) Contract level:I-ICA 1 Contract duration: Depending on the mission, but between 2 weeks and 4 months. The fee will be based on a daily/monthly rate to be negotiated, depending on experience and the length and complexity of the mission. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

More Info and Application