Technical Project Officer

undp - Damascus, Syria | 2024-07-29 18:03:46

Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
 

The loss or abandonment of livelihoods and assets resulted from the crisis over the past ten year, combined with a low adaptive capacity to shocks like climate change impacts and disasters, significantly heightens vulnerability for affected populations. 

Environmental degradation and climate change have additionally heightened economic and social vulnerabilities. Syria has emerged as a hotspot for climate change, with more frequent and severe droughts exacerbated by climate-induced disasters. Climatic shifts such as decreasing rainfall, rising temperatures, an increasing number of warm days, and more frequent extreme events mainly flood and dust storms. have considerable socio-economic repercussions, compromising livelihoods, agricultural productivity, water availability, community health, and the post-crisis recovery of both urban and rural agricultural areas. 

The country`s vulnerability to environmental degradation and climate change is exacerbated by low adaptive capacity, damaged infrastructure, limited institutional capabilities, rapid and uncontrolled resettlement by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returning refugees (5.6 million registered Syrian refugees and 6.7 million IDPs) and an increased level of poverty. Many achievements in socio-economic and environmental progress achieved in the previous two decades have been severely reversed, with this vulnerability expected to intensify in the future. Hence, the imperative to build climate resilience nationwide. 

All projects within Climate Adaptation unit represents a strategic response to the pressing development challenge posed by the heightened vulnerability of the Syrian population due to environmental degradation and the impact of climate change contribute to strengthening the resilience of 14 governorates in Syria through facilitating a green early le recovery. 

The adaptation activities are strategically focused on enhancing Water, Land Resources Management and Agriculture and Rural development, improving and Solid Waste Management, supporting evidence-based planning and response, Disaster Risk Management and Early Warning systems and building the capacity of key actor at local and national level. 

In pursuit of sustainable Early Recovery, the projects aspire to achieve several overarching results as follows:

  • Enhanced capacities across the country at national and sub-national levels to improve governance and to address key climate change concerns via both the public and private sectors.
  • Syrians can return to their homes in a dignified manner whereby their rights are protected, especially the most vulnerable populations including women, children, and those with disabilities.
  • Increased opportunities for building and improving livelihoods are widely available throughout the country.
  • Increased effective resource management, particularly in water, ensures that communities have dependable access to safe drinking water sources. Natural water systems are safeguarded, and there is a concerted effort to prevent the release of untreated wastewater into these systems through implementing local wastewater treatment plant that reduce pollution. 
  • The agricultural sector is equipped to cultivate crops in a manner that reduces vulnerability to climate change-related shocks, particularly drought, thereby contributing to food security and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
  • Youth have increased access to funding to support their entrepreneurship activities and help their nascent start-ups.
  • Women’s role in local resource governance and resource management is empowered and their capacities to effectively participate in equitable and sustainable resource management is enhanced.

The design and implementation of the Climate Adaptation projects activities is guided by an inclusive and participatory approach. The initiatives not only align with climate adaptation and mitigation strategies but also bridge the gap between localized efforts and global climate goals. By addressing immediate challenges in crisis-affected communities, the project interventions simultaneously enhance resilience against future shocks, encompassing socio-economic and ecological impacts. This holistic approach places a strong emphasis on gender equality, fosters youth employment, and aligns seamlessly with broader regional and global sustainability priorities. the implementation of the projects is in partnership with local actors including UN agencies, NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs. 
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of the Team Leader for Pillar 3: Climate Change & Environment and the supervision of the Project Manager of the Climate Adaptation unit, the technical project officer will work in close collaboration with the project team for the attainment of the following:

 

  • Provide technical advice and do the technical tender evaluation for projects related to the Climate Adaptation project.
  • Provide technical follow-up on the implementation of Climate Adaptation projects, including regular travel (where security permits) to the targeted areas.
  • Review the initial designs of Climate Adaptation projects (activities) received from the field, evaluate them, and assess their feasibility both technically and economically.
  • Follow up technically with the local authorities and the field team to prepare proper design and tender documents.
  • Provide technical follow-up for implementing projects related to the Climate Adaptation project and attend meetings on-site when needed.
  • Monitor the implementation effectiveness of the projects.
  • Carry out the thematic and technical assessments in specific areas in accordance with UNDP developed “Environment, Nature and Climate Change strategy”.
  • Provide all reports, deliverables, and communications in both English and Arabic languages as needed.
  • Provide written feedback as needed.
  • Assist the Project Manager in updating the risk register for risks associated with the related projects.
  • Daily follow-up and monitoring of the progress in implementation of the works related to the project’s activities and certifying the completion through submission of technical progress reports.
  • Follow up on procurement needed ensuring value for money, transparency, and competition as per UNDP rules and regulations, including preparation or clearing the terms of references and condition books for technical works related to the project. 
  • Provide regular reports and briefs related to project activities, as needed.
  • Document lessons learned and shared experience with UNDP related team.
  • Engage with the government and other partners to identify new joint opportunities and provide technical support to the Partnership Unit.
  • Develop a monitoring plan and mechanism to track projects’ activities, including site visits.
  • Prepare and share monthly performance progress with the Project Manager.
  • Generate a Database for local market material prices for the items and works related to the climate adaptation projects and update it regularly.
  • Additional tasks may be requested subject to the workload within the unit.

Institutional Arrangement

Reporting to the Project Manager (Climate Adaptation project)
 

Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

People Management 

N.A

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area Name Definition
Procurement Procure-to-Pay Knowledge of purchase-to-pay cycles, concepts, principles and policies, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations
Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Procurement Supplier / Relationship Management Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations
Procurement Contract Management Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility Climate adaption and climate resilience, Water management, Solid Waste Management, 
2030 Agenda: Peace Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions Natural resources management and Reintegration
     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements

Advanced University Degree (master`s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or relevant related field is required

Or 

A first-level university degree (bachelor`s degree) with additional 2 relevant years of experience will be given due consideration in lieu of advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience  Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or minimum 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant qualifying working experience at the national or international level in civil engineering works, project management or any relevant field of experience is required.
Required skills 
  • Experience in the use of computers, office software (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
  • Experience in the use of engineering software such as AutoCAD, Solid Works, MATLAB, or any other similar software is required.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • At least 2 years of experience in management and implementation of environment and climate related projects (Wastewater Treatment, Water Management, Solid Wate Management, Civil Works / Mechanical Works related to these projects), bid preparation, and evaluation of similar projects is highly desirable. 
  • Relevant experience in Local/Regional/International contexts is desirable. 
  • Previous experience in the humanitarian field with UN, national or international NGO is an asset. 
  • Previous experience in business administration and management 
  • Experience in the use of Project Management Software is highly desirable. 
Required Language(s) 
  • Excellent proficiency in both English and Arabic.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disclaimer

 

 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters

 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

 
Non-discrimination

 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

 
Scam warning

 
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