Mission and objectivesUNDPโs Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) derives its mandate from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 of 20 December 1978. Called upon by United Nations Member States in that year, UNDP was requested โto improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people by identifying their social and economic needs and by establishing concrete projects to that endโ. UNDP/PAPP is a responsive development agency that works together with the Palestinian people to fulfil their aspiration for sustainable human development based on self-determination, equality and freedom.
ContextThe UNV is assigned to the โInclusive Transitional Community Neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip (ITCN)โ project which is part of UNDP/PAPPโs broader Gaza Early Recovery Programme, a comprehensive plan that connects the urgent humanitarian needs and priorities with early recovery efforts. The Project has been developed in close consultation with the Government of Palestine and various stakeholders and will be continuously adapted to realities on the ground and rolled-out in a phased approach. Ultimately, the Project intends to contribute towards a Palestinian-led vision for Gaza, which goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure and is centered on transformative resilience, dignity, and a sustainable future. Under the Inclusive Transitional Community Neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip project, and in response to the urgent need for dignified shelter for Gaza's displaced population, the project will include the following outputs: Output 1.1: Dignified transitional housing solutions developed and implemented for internally displaced persons (IDPs), with focus on women-headed households and those with persons with disabilities (PwDs). Output 1.2: Public basic and social services restored, serving transitional community neighborhoods and adjacent locations. Output 1.3: Dignified short-term job opportunities created in public services and productive sectors, for livelihoods' restoration. Output 1.4: Social cohesion initiatives and psychosocial support provided in transitional community neighborhoods and adjacent locations, with a focus on children and youth.
Task Description Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Engineer in the Gaza Strip or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV โSite Engineerโ will: Support monitoring activities, assessments and document progress Supports knowledge building and provides technical support to the project team. Liaise with counterparts and project staff to establish proper channels for cooperation and communication. Assist the project team with all relevant site assessments and data collection related to the project site for the transitional communities, including reporting to the donor as may be deemed required. Field visits for beneficiariesโ approved lists submitted by the MoPWH and cross-check the names and family size to ensure the targeted family lies under the suitable category of the transitional prefabricated units based on the number of family members. Follow up on the progress of the supply and installation of the transitional prefabricated shelters as well as the prefabricated units for social services. Follow up on the progress of the rehabilitating and furnishing damaged schools to resume educational services and/or installation of prefabricated schools Follow up on the progress of the provision of the Transitional prefabricated Health service centers incorporating clinics and renewable energy systems Follow up and report the progress of works, including coordination of activities and solving site problems. Provide supervision tasks of the daily implemented activities to ensure that works are implemented in accordance with the designs, technical specifications, approved urban planning designs, local/municipal regulations, and other contract documents such as the environmental management plans, quality assurance plans, and health and safety plans. Supervise the contracting companiesโ technical teams and workers who will be supplying and installing the prefabricated units. Monitor the progress of works to ensure compliance with the schedules and, where needed, bring to the attention of the Project Engineer as well as the contractor if there are any delays in the schedule. Review the quantities of the executed works and check interim payment requests submitted by the contractor for completed works and submit them for review by the Project Engineer. Close monitoring of the safety measures and labour (including preventing child labour) for the different sitesโ activities. Proper filing of documents and records related to the project including approval of materials. Check the prepared daily site reports submitted by contractors and support in the development of monthly progress reports for implemented activities. Prepare substantial completion certificates and ensure all required project close-out documents are obtained. Follow up and report the progress of works including coordination of activities and solving site problems. Provide supervision tasks of the daily implemented activities to ensure that works are implemented in accordance with the designs, technical specifications, approved urban planning designs, local/municipal regulations, and other contract documents such as the environmental management plans, quality assurance plans, and health and safety plans. Supervise the skilled workers under the self-help modality or the contracting companiesโ technical teams and workers who will be implementing the Rehabilitation and/or Reconstruction works for the damaged housing units. Monitor the progress of works to ensure compliance with the schedules and, where needed, bring to the attention of the Project Engineer as well as the contractor any delays in the schedule. Review the quantities of the executed works and check payment requests submitted by the contractor for completed works and submit them for review by the Project Engineer. Close monitoring of the safety measures and labour (including preventing child labour) for the different sitesโ activities. Check the prepared daily site reports submitted by contractors and support in the development of monthly progress reports for implemented activities. Implement any other functions upon request by UNDP. Coordinate activities with relevant stakeholders Arrange daily visits to the different locations and sites under her/his responsibility. Assist the Project Engineer in the preparation of donor / partner visits. Review lists of beneficiaries approved by MoPWH and ensure that each beneficiary received the approved payment tranches upon plans and progress reports. Liaise with stakeholders and relevant authorities to ensure proper implementation of the project and to obtain any necessary approvals. Provide quality assurance of the transitional shelter / rehabilitation of damaged houses works. Conduct market surveys for construction/prefab materials, and the locations where the prefabricated units will be stored. Follow up on the supply of required materials and assist in technical support and other technical issues related to concrete testing and testing of other materials. Support the project team in the approval of payment tranches. Follow up for all the required tests for materials, or equipment. Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor. 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 taking 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.
Competencies and valuesProfessionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgment; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organizationโs interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; Teamwork and respect for diversity: the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality, and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Living conditions and remarksAs this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A 6 -month contract with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 7800 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service.