Project Title: Integrated Support to Rural Development: Building Resilient Communities

Contract Type: Service Contract

Category: External

Languages Required: English, Armenian

Application Deadline: 09 Jul 2015 23:55

Contract Date: 20 Jul 2015

Background

Do you have a passion to make a difference?

Do you have a commitment to Armenian’s development and to the highest ethical standards?

If so, UNDP Armenia is looking for you.
The United Nations Development Programme in Armenia has an exciting opportunity for an Infrastructure Rehabilitation Specialist to join our team. This person will be working in a high profile integrated community development project which targets 45 bordering communities in Tavush.

The ideal candidate will bring with him/her excellent analytical and professional skills and demonstrated experience in working with communities.

Interested candidates are requested to submit online application through http://operations.undp.am/Recruitment website. Letter of motivation, CV and copies of diplomas should also be attached to the application.

The overall goal of the project is to ensure balanced development of RA regions through an integrated socio-economic approach, as well as raising the quality of life and income level of the local population in the target communities.
The project has three main components:
1. Development planning - elaboration of participatory integrated community development plans for 45 communities with consideration of socio-economic and environmental issues, including disaster risk reduction.
2. Community sustainability activities – sector-specific capacity building, e.g. construction of small greenhouses, establishment/improvement of orchards/vineyards, and establishment of collection centers, etc.
3. Community sustainability activities – construction/rehabilitation of community infrastructures with focus on energy efficiency, introduction of water saving technologies, ensuring access to safe drinking water, etc.

The objective of the post is to provide assistance to “Integrated Support to Rural Development: Building Resilient Communities” Project in providing thematic and overall coordination of the infrastructure rehabilitation activities.

Description of Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and in close cooperation with Economist/Community Development Specialist the incumbent will be responsible for:

• Preparing the workplan of the Project infrastructure component activities;
• Assisting the Project Coordinator in identification, formulation, and finalization of any sub-project documents related to infrastructure (feasibility, impact, scope, costing, timing, etc);
• Providing feasibility study and technical investigations of specific sub-projects sites;
• Assisting the Project Coordinator in establishing monitoring mechanisms and introducing performance indicators/success criteria, targets and milestones;
• Preparing the Terms of References to specify the scope of infrastructure rehabilitation works, supporting the identification/evaluation processes for the implementing, supervising and designing companies;
• Reviewing, supervising, and accepting/rejecting design works;
• Coordinating projects/tasks execution processes from needs assessment to final handover;
• On the basis of designs, elaborating Bills of Quantities and Scopes of Work;
• Developing project site supervision plan and ensuring quality assurance inspection;
• Identifying operational and financial problems and providing recommendations and solutions;
• Approving and certifying the grade of advance and progress of rehabilitation works;
• Issuing certifications of substantial and final completion of the works;
• Providing terminal assessment and evaluation of realization of objectives and results;
• Visiting project sites to monitor and assess implemented activities;
• Monitoring ongoing sub-projects to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of inputs and the realization of the targeted expenditure and delivery level;
• Preparing and presenting unit activities/outputs, periodic progress and financial status reports;
• Supporting the handover of implemented works to the beneficiaries;
• Preparing periodic reports on the progress of implemented works;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

 - Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
 - Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
 - Shares knowledge and experience
 - Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness
 - Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.
 - Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.

Leadership and Self-Management
 - Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
 - Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
 - Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
 - Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or related fields.

Experience: At least five years of relevant professional experience in infrastructure rehabilitation projects at national and/or international level.

Skills:
• Knowledge of standards, procedures and principles of national construction processes.
• High analytical and problem solving abilities coupled with strong communication and leadership ability.
• Willingness to travel extensively to the regions where the Project operates and live in Project sites if necessary.
• Good communication skills and teamwork.

Computer skills: Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software package (MS Word, Excel, Outlook), relevant professional software (Autocad).

Languages: Fluency in Armenian, working knowledge of English, knowledge of Russian is preferred.

Application Procedure

Applications shall be submitted online through http://operations.undp.am/Recruitment website. Hard copy and incomplete applications shall not be considered. A complete application form shall consist of an on-line Personal History Form (P11), a letter of motivation. CV and copies of diploma(s) can also be attached to application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.