Programme and Infrastructure Specialist

Mission and objectivesUNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories. It is one of the leading multilateral development agencies contributing to the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. It supports national processes to accelerate progress in human development. Its main areas of intervention are focused on: - Inclusive growth and sustainable development - Participatory governance and social cohesion - Environmental resilience and disaster risk reduction, and - Human capital development In Chad, UNDP works to improve inclusive growth, governance, environmental sustainability and human capital, addressing inequalities and building resilience to natural disasters and prolonged humanitarian vulnerabilities. The program is based on the idea that strong and credible governance institutions capable of managing development and conflict are the foundation for solid and inclusive economic progress, and that growth cannot be sustained without economic diversification and appropriate management of natural resources, including through extractive industries.

ContextThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, working in over 170 countries to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and support countries in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development. Since 2009, violence by extremist groups around the Lake Chad Basin has caused major suffering, killed tens of thousands of people and forced about 2.5 million to flee their homes. Over 10 million people in the region especially in northern Cameroon, the Hadjer Lamis and Lac provinces in Chad, Diffa in Niger, and Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states in Nigeria are still in urgent need of help. To respond to this crisis, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2349 in 2017, followed by international meetings like the Berlin Conference. These efforts called for better cooperationbetween countries in the region. The African Union and the Lake Chad Basin Commission worked together to create a regional plan to stabilize the area. This plan, called the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience (SSR), was adopted in 2018. It focuses on addressing the root causes of the crisis and helping communities recover in the long term. As part of the plan, a Governors' Forum was created to encourage dialogue and cooperation between the affected areas. The first meeting took place in May 2018 in Maiduguri, Nigeria, and the second in July 2019 in Niamey, Niger. These forums reviewed progress and strengthened support for the strategy. To help make the plan a reality, the Regional Stabilization Facility was launched by UNDP and its partners. It’s a funding mechanism designed to help the African Union, and the Lake Chad Basin Commission carry out the strategy in a coordinated and practical way. Its goals include:  Quickly stabilizing areas that are still unsafe and where people are at risk.  Improving cooperation between civil and military actors, and making sure human rights are respected.  Fixing essential infrastructure and restoring basic public services.  Supporting people’s livelihoods, reducing poverty, and preventing recruitment by armed groups.  Reviving the local economy.

Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Stabilization or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Programme and Infrastructure Specialist will: 1. Planning and coordination  Provides substantial support in the planning and implementation of the programme in general and infrastructure projects in particular throughout their life cycle.  Coordinates technical assistance to the programme regarding work requirements at the design, procurement, implementation, supervision and monitoring stages in accordance with international standards and best practices.  Provides programmatic management and administrative support to the Chief Stabilization Officer and the Stabilization Specialist regarding infrastructure and livelihood activities, policies, standards and procedures.  Implements programme activities for which responsibilities have been assigned in accordance with the annual work plan.  Provides technical and programmatic support to the project team in the preparation of work plans, budgets and proposals in the process of implementation of activities.  Provides support in the preparation of partnership documents, monitors their implementation based on operationalization plans and maintains good relations with the various actors involved.  Organizes, facilitates and monitors meetings, events and activities related to the implementation of the programme.  Ensures that the programme is implemented in the provinces of Lake and Hadjer Lamis in accordance with the programme document and the procedures in force.  Leads the production of needs assessments, due diligence assessments and feasibility studies, including the supervision of consultants as required. Reviews evaluations and reports and recommends follow-up actions.  Actively participates in the process of identifying innovative initiatives and approaches for populations located in the areas of intervention of the stabilization program.  Assists the Chief Stabilization Officer in identifying strategic areas of support to UNDP in the areas of stabilization and transition to recovery.  Supports and leads and/or participates in the facilitation of groups or reflection initiatives in the program's areas of intervention.  Ensures regular coordination of field activities in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders. 2. Partnership building and resource mobilization  Work closely with local authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors to ensure effective coordination and alignment of objectives.  Provides technical support and guidance for the development of strategic partnerships and resource mobilization efforts.  Contributes to the process of coordination, planning, documentation, monitoring and implementation of the Stabilization Facility relating to the management of partnerships with provincial and national organizations, UN agency partners and other humanitarian and development actors. 3. Programmatic leadership and overall management  Conducts detailed assessments to identify infrastructure and livelihood needs.  Participates in the work plans and budgets for all activities of the UNDP Regional Stabilization Facility at the level of the Lake Province/Hadjer Lamis.  Assists in the preparation of project and contract documentation, including periodic progress reports, construction work reports, minutes of meetings with stakeholders, change instructions and orders, contractor invoice verification reports, certifications, performance evaluation of partners, companies and control firms, and final work reports with lessons learned.  Identifies risks and challenges of the programme and advises the Stabilization Specialist of the UNDP Country Office in Chad on mitigation strategies.  Ensures appropriate levels of visibility and public awareness of ongoing results and activities. Innovation and Knowledge Management:  Promotes the use of innovative and sustainable technologies in the design and implementation of infrastructure.  Participates in the development and dissemination of good practices and lessons learned and ensures their integration into the planning of infrastructure and livelihoods programmes.  Supports capacity-building exercises in the areas of infrastructure and livelihoods.  Actively participates in UNDP knowledge networks and leverages good practices and lessons learned available in the province and around the world and encourages National Stabilization Window teams to do so by creating a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.  Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.  Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs  As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:  Effective planning, coordination, and implementation of infrastructure and livelihood projects in Lake and Hadjer Lamis provinces, ensuring alignment with the Regional Stabilization Facility’s goals and timelines.  Comprehensive technical support provided throughout the project cycle (design, procurement, supervision, and monitoring), resulting in timely and quality delivery of infrastructure and stabilization activities.  Strengthened collaboration and coordination mechanisms with local authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and donor partners, contributing to increased synergy and impact.  Regular production of technical assessments, feasibility studies, and due diligence reports, with clear recommendations to inform programming decisions.  Well-documented lessons learned and best practices shared within UNDP and partners, contributing to improved approaches in stabilization and recovery programming.  Quality and timely reporting on project progress, financials, risks, and partner performance, enhancing transparency and accountability.  Visible contributions to capacity-building efforts and knowledge-sharing activities, including participation in innovation platforms and UNDP learning networks.  Strengthened local ownership and community engagement through inclusive dialogue, volunteerism, and support to local initiatives aligned with the stabilization objectives.  Contribution to resource mobilization through support to strategic partnerships and development of concept notes or proposals as needed.  Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment  A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed

Competencies and valuesThe assignment requires a combination of professional integrity, strong coordination skills, adaptability, and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. The UN Volunteer will demonstrate the following competencies and values in carrying out their responsibilities: Core Competencies:  Achieving Results: Sets and aligns realistic but ambitious goals across multiple project areas (infrastructure, livelihoods, stabilization) to create lasting impact in Lake and Hadjer Lamis provinces.  Thinking Innovatively: Applies creative approaches and proactively anticipates challenges in project planning and implementation, especially in complex and rapidly changing environments.  Continuously Learning: Actively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge on stabilization and resilience programming, including infrastructure, livelihoods, and local governance.  Adapt with Agility: Effectively manages competing demands and adapts strategies in response to evolving field conditions, including security, access, and community dynamics.  Act with Determination: Remains focused on long-term outcomes, overcoming setbacks in project implementation and sustaining commitment to results.  Commit and Associate: Demonstrates political acumen and collaborates effectively with government, civil society, UN agencies, and community actors in a sensitive operating context.  Facilitate Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes and practices inclusion, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives, especially from women, youth, and marginalized communities. Technical and Transversal Skills:  Knowledge Creation and Facilitation: Ability to synthesize data from assessments and reports into actionable knowledge to inform programming decisions.  Human-Centered Design: Ensures that infrastructure and livelihood interventions are responsive to the actual needs and priorities of affected populations.  Collective Intelligence Design: Fosters inclusive dialogue and knowledge-sharing among diverse actors to co-create stabilization solutions.  Strategic Engagement & Negotiation: Builds and sustains productive relationships with local authorities and donors; effectively negotiates programmatic support and solutions.  Systems Thinking: Understands interlinkages across stabilization sectors (e.g., infrastructure, peacebuilding, governance), and considers broader impacts of interventions on the overall system. UN Values and Professionalism:  Professionalism: Demonstrates a strong understanding of UNDP operations and stabilization programming; exercises sound judgment, confidentiality, and initiative in managing tasks across infrastructure, partnerships, and field coordination.  Integrity: Upholds the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP, consistently acting in the organization’s interest and maintaining impartiality and transparency.  Teamwork and Respect for Diversity: Builds and sustains effective working relationships in multicultural settings; promotes inclusive participation and gender equality.  Commitment to Continuous Learning: Engages in lifelong learning and development, keeping pace with best practices and UNDP guidance in stabilization and recovery contexts.  Planning and Organizing: Demonstrates strong organizational skills, able to plan, prioritize, and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure and with competing deadlines.

Living conditions and remarksMassakory is a relatively small town with limited infrastructure and basic amenities, and serves as a key area for development activities. While its proximity to N'Djamena (approximately 150 km) offers some advantages in terms of access, logistics, and coordination, living and working conditions in Massakory remain challenging. Security Situation: The overall security environment in the region requires a high degree of vigilance. Although Massakory itself is not a hotspot for violence, the wider Hadjer Lamis and Lake Provinces are affected by the presence of non-state armed groups, particularly Boko Haram, and security measures are strictly enforced. UN personnel must adhere to UN security protocols and movement restrictions. Travel by road often requires clearance and sometimes armed escorts. Access and Travel: Access to Massakory from N'Djamena is mainly by road (about 3-4 hours depending on weather and road conditions). There is no functional airport in Massakory. Travel to other intervention areas may be limited or delayed during the rainy season (July to October) due to flooding and poor road conditions. Climate: Massakory has a Sahelian climate, characterized by a long dry season and a short rainy season. Temperatures can be extreme, often exceeding 40°C during the hottest months. The dry, dusty Harmattan winds can affect air quality and visibility. Chad is a unique country, and the Regional Stabilization Facility is a unique humanitarian and development operation. It offers a professionally enriching and impactful environment, where staff can contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and recovery in fragile communities. However, this context also demands a high level of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and resilience. Living and working conditions can be challenging, with limited infrastructure, harsh climate, and potential security risks. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in difficult and sometimes hazardous conditions often involving physical hardship and minimal comfort—are essential to succeed and thrive in this role. In cases where the UN Host Entity partner has requested the UN Volunteer to perform their assignment remotely, the Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) and related entitlements to be paid may be adjusted to the temporary duty station from where the UN Volunteer has been requested to work if requested by the UN Host Entity. The initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment. A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is composed of a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three). The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be calculated using by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate US$ 1,651. The VLA base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and fluctuates monthly according to cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website - http://icsc.un.org.