Consultancy   -   Programme Associate, REPAC for the “Regional Programme for the Improvement of Living Conditions of Palestinian Refugee Camps” (REPAC) at Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme (ICIP), UNRWA, Gaza

BACKGROUND

The German Government has commissioned Development Bank “KfW” to develop and execute a Regional Programme to improve the living conditions in Palestinian refugee camps and adjacent areas in the Middle East host countries Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and in the occupied Palestinian territory (Gaza). The German Government has mandated KfW to design and implement the Programme in cooperation with UNRWA. To this end UNRWA and KfW have entered into an agreement with UNRWA being the local implementing agency for the Programme. So far a total amount of EUR 94.9 million has been made available by the German Government via KfW as a grant. The following Programme phases are currently under preparation or implementation:

• REPAC IX  –  Gaza (April 2019 – September 2021)

In order to support UNRWA with the implementation of the Programme, UNRWA intends to appoint a Programme Associate, REPAC based at ICIP, UNRWA, Gaza.

To support UNRWA with the overall programme management as well as the coordination of project activities, monitoring time, budget, expenditure and report writing as detailed further below, UNRWA seeks to contract a Consultant with knowledge and experience in the region in social infrastructure programs, preferably with specific experience in education, water, infrastructure  and housing projects. Knowledge of the German Financial cooperation will be considered as an asset.

The Programme Associate, REPAC will be reporting to Senior Urban Planning Officer, Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Department (ICID) in HQ, Amman, Jordan and will provide support to Chief, ICIP, and REPAC Project Team in Gaza.                                   

Description of Duties and Responsibilities

0. 1. The duties of the Programme Associate, REPAC shall comprise to support ICIP, UNRWA regarding, but not limited to, the following activities:
1. Acquaint himself/herself with the specific conditions, ramifications and requirements in the REPAC Programme areas and within UNRWA Headquarters and Gaza Field Offices, in order to provide support to the overall REPAC Programme coordination to the Senior Urban Planning Officer, Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Department (ICID) in HQ, Amman, Jordan.
2. Assist in the selection of individual projects according to the set of selection criteria as well as documentation of the selection process.
3. Assist in the follow-up of the development of Camp Improvement Plan (CIP) in different camps and ensuring the successful application of participatory approach during planning and implementation phase. Assisting in project selection and its prioritization for the implementation.
4. Assist in the coordination and preparation of detailed time, cost, and financing schedules, regularly updated for the proper technical and financial implementation of the Project cooperation.
5. Assist in the preparation of disbursement request to KfW, including Project expenditure reconciliation and expenditure forecasts.
6. Provide support during KFW missions and support on communications and technical discussions with KfW.
7. Assist in monitoring the projects and in meeting its reporting obligations to KfW.
8. Assist in preparing relevant reports such as monthly, semi-annual, annual and final reports and information as appropriate; facilitate and coordinate in timely input for the elaboration of reports; compile needed information and in case of inconsistencies, ensure a uniform quality of the different reports.
1. Conduct regular monitoring site visits to the individual projects and project sites, in particular to remote areas / camps in Gaza.
10. Support the development of operation and maintenance concepts for the completed infrastructure by the fields, including financial forecasts for the sustainable operation and maintenance of individual projects, for the area of operation in which the individual projects are located as per the UNRWA/KfW agreement.
11. Support in coordination and cooperation, where necessary, with the local organisations/institutions/groups (e.g. relevant authorities in Gaza) in the implementation and operation of the projects.
50. Support in the preparation and execution of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).
1000. Any other duties as required by the project.

MINIMUM Qualifications and Experience

The Consultant shall have profound experience in the management, coordination and reporting of projects in the area of social and economic infrastructure in various sectors such as Education infrastructure (e.g. schools and training centres), Primary Health Care infrastructure, Shelter, Community infrastructure (e.g. playgrounds, public spaces, community centres, and sports fields), Water, Sanitation and others.

The qualifications of the Consultant should include:

• University degree in civil or environmental engineering.
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in the field of project management and coordination and construction and/or environmental management.
• Preferred experience in community-driven participatory planning and community engagements. Preferable experience in social management, occupational health and safety.
• Excellent command  in written and spoken English and Arabic; Knowledge of German language is an asset
• Flexibility to travel to remote project sites in Gaza.
• Acquaintance with environmental and social risks related to above interventions sectors and respective international (World Bank, IFC, UN) risk management standards is desirable
• Experience and knowledge of KfW’s financial cooperation procedures is desirable
• Working experience in developing countries is  an asset

Competencies

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Excellent report drafting skills;
• Ability to develop clear goals and identify priority activities and assignments;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff and outside collaborators including community; ability to interact effectively and with discretion with colleagues and external partners of differing levels of seniority and different professional and cultural backgrounds;
• Familiarity with project cycle management;
• Understanding of budgetary requirements and planning;
• Knowledge of development principles, issues and concepts;
• Ability to follow up on issues actively

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• The duration of this Consulting Services is initially for 11 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance, requirement and funds availability.
• Remuneration for this consultancy will be 3000 USD/month, all-inclusive.
• The consultant is expected to be based in UNRWA,  Gaza with travel to UNRWA’s area of operations, as required;
• The Consultant shall cooperate and closely coordinate his tasks with the Infrastructure & Camp Improvement Department staff at UNRWA HQA and ICIP, Gaza.
• UNRWA will make available to the Consultant adequate office space with access to communication free of charge at ICIP, UNRWA, Gaza. Working hours will be same as UNRWA working hours.

• The Consultant’s services shall be scheduled in accordance with the general time schedule of the Programme and harmonized with the work plan of UNRWA.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy requirements via consultancy@unrwa.org clearly indicating the title of this consultancy “Programme Associate - REPAC” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 10 December 2019 (late applications will not be considered).

UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced female candidates. Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.