Background Information - Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects worldwide. UNOPS supports partners in building a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peace building and humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
Project Information
The development objective of the NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE RURAL RESILIENCE PROJECT (MozNorte) is to improve access to livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities and management of natural resources in selected rural areas of Northern Mozambique. The project aims to improve the resilience of vulnerable communities in selected landscapes of Northern Mozambique. More specifically, the project will address the following drivers:
exclusion of local communities and IDP (particularly women and youth) from access to sources of livelihoods depending on renewable natural resources;
environmental degradation, climate variability and limited capacity of formal institutions to manage natural resources sustainably and inclusively; and
exclusion of local communities and IDP from managing and deciding over the use of natural resources.
Given the high vulnerability of Northern Mozambique to climate and geophysical hazards, as highlighted in the Climate and Disaster Risk Screening Report carried out for the project, the design takes an overall climate-sensitive approach to help mitigate risks and enhance the adaptive capacity of project beneficiaries. This will translate into promoting climate-smart solutions across all activities and sectors of intervention, from infrastructure to agriculture, fishery, forestry and community-driven activities. The project has four components:
Improving access to livelihoods and community infrastructure;
Improved management of natural resources;
Multi-stakeholder Coordination and Project Management; and
Contingency emergency response (CERC).
MozNorte Project provides bridge financing to stabilise rural livelihoods and to improve the management of natural resources on which most rural livelihoods depend in 18 districts of three provinces (Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa). The target districts of the intervention include:
In Niassa the districts of Lago, Chimbonila, Mecula, Sanga, Maua, Muembe;
In the province of Cabo Delgado the districts of Montepuez, Mecufi, Metuge, Ancuabe;
In the province of Nampula the districts of Memba, Erati, Mecuburi, Ribaue, Moma, Larde, Angoche and Mossuril.
One of the key approaches of the MozNorte project is the Community-Driven Development Fund (CDDF), which aims to generate sustainable livelihoods, promote inclusive and participatory development and strengthen social integration. The CDDF has two windows: the district window and the community window. The target groups are communities. While district authorities implement the district window, the community window will be implemented by community and/or local organizations/consortia/Lead Service Providers.
UNOPS will support FNDS in managing the community window that will support 300 communities across the target 18 districts with a budget allocation of a minimum of one project per community up to USD 120,000, with an average budget allocation per community of USD 90,000 (equaling a total allocation of US$ 27 Million in community grants); variations in allocations and number of projects can be made depending on the needs and the readiness of the community.
Examples of activities that can be funded under the Community window include, but are not limited to:
Climate-smart agriculture systems, including small irrigation systems
Community agro-processing, aquaculture, storage facilities
Social and WASH projects at the community level
Community agroforestry and restoration projects
Non-timber forest product value chains
Alternative livelihood strategies
Sustainable use of energy
Sustainable fisheries and fishery value chain
Community tourism and culture value chains
Integrated agriculture and forestry management
Initiatives of youth and women economic empowerment
Social cohesion activities
The projects will focus on livelihoods but also include small community infrastructure. The infrastructure components under community grants must follow UNOPS design and quality management guidelines.
The projects in each community will be selected and implemented in a participatory manner, applying the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) methodology.
The WASH Engineer will support the implementation of the WASH community infrastructure components of CDDF grants in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa under the supervision of a Construction Management Engineer and Senior project Manager. The WASH Engineer will also provide direct supervision to Implementing Partners (IPs) and Contractors regarding WASH infrastructure implemented under community grants.The WASH Engineer will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Construction Management Engineer (CME) and Senior Project Manager.
Functional Responsibilities
Development of WASH infrastructure interventions
Advise the Implementing Partners in the design of the infrastructure interventions
Develop conceptual designs and prepare design briefs related to water and sanitation works centered on the end userโs needs, which meet stakeholders' requirements, UNOPS quality standards for design and construction, the projectโs objectives, and budget constraints.
Take into account users' specific needs based on gender, age, disabilities, socio-cultural norms, etc.
Consider all stages of an infrastructure life cycle (design and planning, raw material acquisition, materials processing, construction, community training for operation, maintenance, renovation, decommissioning, and recycling) and optimize the proposed infrastructure's value for money.
Review the budgets of the proposed WASH interventions. Development of WASH capacity-building interventions
Review the IPs' WASH services/works tender documents, advising them on the best selection criteria. Support the IPs in their tender processes, includingโbut not limited toโconducting pre-bid meetings, providing clarifications to bidders, conducting site visits, participating in bid openings, etc. Participate in evaluating bids, conducting detailed and substantiated technical evaluations and verification/assessment of the references submitted by the bidders (acting in full compliance with the provision of the Procurement Manual), when needed.
Monitoring, quality assurance and reporting on WASH interventions
Contribute to setting up and managing remote supervision systems, including but not limited to the setup of remote monitoring systems based on the โUNOPS Collectโ application, the design of implementation dashboards (in collaboration with Data Analysts and ICT Specialists), and the review and acceptance/rejection of completed WASH interventions).
Conduct regular field visits of WASH interventions implemented by Implementing Partners, assess the quality of the interventions and coordinate with the IPs to address any potential issue.
Perform quality assurance and quality control for all WASH interventions.
Report timely and qualitatively on the progress of the WASH interventions, with a focus on impact, quality, risks and issues and lessons learned.
Review and approve all test results related to WASH Infrastructure.
Reporting
Ensure accurate and timely reporting of progress and conditions on-site through daily site records.
Prepare and submit to the Construction Management Engineer (CME) a monthly (or as requested) report within 5 days of month-end, summarizing the progress of IP / contractor activities, quality control issues, resourcing and scheduling issues, and any other pertinent facts as required.
Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the CME / Senior Project Manager professionally and accurately.
Liaison and relationship building with WASH stakeholders
Represent UNOPS in relevant WASH meetings and events, including UN coordination mechanisms;
Liaise with WASH government, community and Implementing Partners;
Advise the Project Manager and the Implementing Partners on strategic direction and government priorities in the WASH sector.
Knowledge building and Knowledge Sharing
Organize, facilitate, and/or deliver training and capacity-building initiatives for IPs, consultants, and Contractors on design and construction-related topics if and when required.
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in design of building infrastructure.
Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
Education/Experience/Language requirementsA Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, water, Waste, and environmental Engineering, water, Sanitation, and waste Engineering, or hydrology and water Management or an equivalent field is required. A Bachelorโs Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering; Water, Waste & Environmental Engineering; Water, Sanitation & Waste Engineering Hydrology, & Water Management or equivalent with an additional four (4) years of relevant experience may be accepted in place of a master's degree. A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in the field of Water Engineering or Water Management is required. Demonstrated experience in WASH infrastructure capacity building is required. Experience with NGOs or governmental agencies active in the WASH sector is an asset. Experience working with the UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies is an advantage. Experience in WASH infrastructure in developing countries is highly desired. Proficiency in Google Suite is desired. Working knowledge in Project planning software is an asset. Fluency in written and oral English and Portuguese in required. Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA 8
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.