UNDP Jobs - 62607- Senior Project Officer, Building Codes and Risk Se

Senior Project Officer, Building Codes and Risk Sensitive Land-use Planning (For Nepalese Nationals only)

Location :

Kathmandu with some travel to the field, NEPAL

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Mar-2016

Application Deadline :

08-Jan-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six months with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Programme (CDRMP) has been formulated as part of the Strategic Partnership Framework signed between the BCPR and UNDP, and in accordance with the Nepal Risk Reduction Consortium. The CDRMP aims to strengthen the institutional and legislative aspects of DRM in Nepal, by building the capacities of Ministry of Home Affairs, other ministries, and local governments. The CDRMP will also establish strategic linkages between DRM and development sectors. The programme’s intervention in the area of climate risk management, community-based disaster risk management, and emergency preparedness and response will strengthen the overall system of disaster risk management in Nepal. It will integrate gender equality and women empowerment as well as social inclusion issues for sustainable DRM. A knowledge management strategy will support all the programme interventions. In course of implementing the CDRMP, UNDP would build partnerships with the government, NGOs, international agencies, and academic institutions and expand the institutional and knowledge base of disaster risk management in Nepal.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (PM) of CDRMP, the incumbent will ensure that all activities related to the building codes, risk sensitive land use planning and safer housing reconstruction are implemented in a timely, efficient and politically sensitive manner. In order to fulfil this task, the Senior Project Officer (SPO) will carry out regular stakeholder consultations, field visits, liaison with the line ministries, organizations as well as target beneficiaries and end- user agencies. Detailed scope of work includes:

A. Carry out day-to-day management and quality delivery of outputs and activities related to Building Codes Control Regulations and Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning (BC & RSLUP) and safer housing reconstruction in a timely, efficient and dynamic manner. (30%)

Ensure coherent and consistent quality, timely and efficient delivery of all outputs of the CDRMP activities related to BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction, building UNDP reputation for quality design and reliable delivery, in supporting the PM
Prepare inputs and regular updates to detail work plans, action plans, calendar of events, M&E framework and plan, risk, issue and lessons learned logs in consultation with the implementing partners and stakeholders of the BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction related activities
Work closely with the PM to identify potential issues and problems related to BC & RSLUP to prepare a set of recommendations and to obtain any support/ advice required for the management, planning and control of CDRMP
Ensure execution of activities related to BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction are consistent with the CDRMP objectives and plans and relevant to DRM context of Nepal
Keep abreast of BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction related issues and dynamics in Nepal which will impact on delivery of the programme and potential follow-on programming and provide regular updates to the PM
Support and contribute to the development of contingency plans to address anticipated challenges
Actively work with implementing partners in developing and adopting replication and sustainability strategies of all approaches and results of the CDRMP, which are appropriate for Nepal context
Ensure timely mobilization and utilization of CDRMP subcontracts, training and equipment inputs to the BC & RSLUP activities with respect to Nepal’s diversity
Develop Terms of References of all required services (individuals and companies) and actively participate in the recruitment process as required by the PM
Coordinate with respective national and international consultants to ensure that contracting processes are in accordance with planned schedules and deliverables
Actively work with the gender and social inclusion team to develop and implement strategies to promote gender equality and social inclusion for sustainable DRM
Represent the CDRMP team in related events as required by the PM.

B. Develop, improve and maintain effective relations including with the partners and counterparts of the BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction of the CDRMP (20%)

Support the PM in representing the team in all relevant Country Office meetings, events, shelter cluster/Housing Recovery and Reconstruction Platform coordination, and other activities as required
In close collaboration with the PM, play a substantial role in developing appropriate working relations with national stakeholders to advance buy-in and national ownership of relevant aspects of the CDRMP
Support the PM in liaising with respective contractors and other key stakeholders that impact CDRMP delivery in order to ensure programme outcomes are met in a timely manner
In close collaboration with the PM, liaise with UNDP management and partners as necessary
Contribute to the resource mobilization efforts through preparation of quality reports, project concepts and other such documents.

C. Carry out the monitoring and evaluation, planning and reporting responsibilities related to BC & RSLUP activities and safer housing reconstruction. (15%)

Contribute to development of M&E framework and establishment and maintenance of a dynamic system of M&E as a central element of the CDRMP
Play a core role in the full implementation of the M&E system on BC & RSLUP component.
Ensure the timely reporting - both internal and external (to the Government and donors) - following UNDP and CDRMP requirements and established procedures
Support the organization of Programme Executive Board meetings and contribute to all aspects of development of progress reports and other documentation as required.

D. Coordinate all aspects of human resources to ensure a working environment conducive to optimum staff performance in support to the PM. (15%)

Supervise the work of two UN volunteers and other personnel deployed in municipalities on building code and safer housing reconstruction implementation and the work of respective service provides with implementing partners
Ensure timely mobilization and utilization of CDRMP personnel, subcontracts, training and equipment inputs related to building codes and risk sensitive land use planning with respect to Nepal’s diversity
Work closely with the PM in coordinating the relevant staff work plans and work load
Develop of Terms of References of all required consultants and staff and actively participate in the recruitment process as required by the PM
Coordinate respective national and international consultants to ensure that contracting processes are in accordance with planned schedules and deliverables
Work with the PM to address staff disputes or other conflicts within the team
Create and ensure an environment in which each staff member can achieve the objectives of their post
Represent the CDRMP team in related events as required by the PM.

E. Carry out coordination, management and monitoring of financial, administrative, procurement and logistical matters. (10%)

Work with administrative and finance team in drawing up specifications for the equipment required and follow up with the procurement procedures
Fully comply BC&RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction operations with UNDP rules, regulations and policies and monitoring of achievement of results
Ensure effective, transparent and accountable management of financial resources of BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction related activities as per UNDP rules and regulations
Prepare thenarrative and financial reports, thematic technical papers and policy notes for the UNDP Country Office and CDRMP donors in supporting the PM
Prepare accurate and reliable financial reports in close coordination with the Administrative and Finance team of the programme
Support all activities leading to the annual audit exercise and follow up of audit recommendations
Provide inputs to Atlas budget revisions and Annual Work Plans for further discussion and clearance from the PM.

F. Conduct knowledge building and knowledge sharing on BC & RSLUP. (10%)

Closely work with the knowledge management officer to generate, document and disseminate high quality information and knowledge about the CDRMP best practices and lessons learned among national and international stakeholders on an ongoing basis
Play an active role in the development of relevant knowledge products
Actively participate in and contribute to relevant knowledge networks and communities of practice
Perform any other related task as per the request of the PM and DRR Unit Head.

Competencies

Functional competencies:

Ability to conduct strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead monitoring of management projects;
Analytical and strategic thinking/results orientation;
Excellent supervisory, management and team-building skills;
Promotes sharing of knowledge and experience, and actively works towards continued personal learning and development;
Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, propose new approaches which expand the range of projects;
Builds strong relationships with all partner, focuses on impact and results and responds positively to critical feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Proven networking, team building, organizational and communication skills;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master Degree in engineering, land-use planning, housing and any related fields.

Experience:

At least seven years of extensive practical experience in the field of multi-stakeholder and comprehensive development programmes with national and international agencies
At least three years of solid experiences on BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction related activities in Nepal
Demonstrated ability to develop strategies for BC & RSLUP and safer housing reconstruction in Nepal.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Nepali at professional level are essential.