Background

The Ministry of Transport is responsible for supervising and coordinating the implementation of the National Transportation Strategy (NTS).

NTS is a dynamic instrument to strengthen governance and public administration processes while the strategy provides guidance for operation and development of the transport sector. Further, MOT finalized a comprehensive planning manual to improve transport planning activities, and is establishing a transport data statistical system. Against this backdrop the Minister of Transport directed the setting up of the NTS Follow-up Department and instructed MOT departments on the tasks for implementing and follow-up of NTS. Resulting tasks require a high level of coordination among MOT departments and with other government agencies and demand specialized knowledge to support concerned MOT departments.

This position is located in the UNDP - Sustainable Road and Transport Management Project at the Ministry of Transport (MOT) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The expert works within a team of UN experts under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator, the Deputy Minister of Transport, and under the direction of related department heads. The expert’s main work area is related transport planning activities of MOT and implementing actions of the National Transportation Strategy. In particular the expert assists and facilitates the work of the Planning Department, drafting related report inputs and papers, reviewing reports, and researching and analyzing developments.

Duties and Responsibilities

Tasks of the incumbent include:

• Assist the planning department in preparing and implementing transport planning and other related studies, including the national transport infrastructure plan;
• Assist in developing concepts and drafting papers and terms of references related to transportation studies and transport planning actions;
• Assist the department to coordinate consultants and experts contracted for preparation of studies and plans;
• Assist the department in establishing, maintaining, and updating planning tools such as transportation models;
• Perform any other task including those requested by other departments of MOT.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating work;
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism:

• Ability to contextualize transport infrastructure and transport operations including multimodal transport within broad economic and sustainable development concepts;
• Ability to conduct independent research on transport infrastructure planning topics;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence in his work area;
• Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Planning& Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments;
• Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
• Uses time efficiently.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively including the drafting of documents and papers, listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with project staff and MOT officers to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in transport planning, economics, engineering or related field;
• A first-level university degree in combination with additional qualifying professional experience and an additional 2 years (i.e. 9 years of experience) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of progressive professional experience relevant to the work area;
• Have professional knowledge and experience in transport research, analysis and/or planning especially as applied to transport planning and modeling studies and processes;
• Have experience in drafting documents and reports;
• Experience in the work environment of a national transport administration or an international organization, and work experience in Saudi Arabia would be of additional advantage.

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required;
• Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.