Project Implementation and Engineering Advisor

Organizational Context

The UN-Habitat is the UN agency promoting sustainable urban development and housing, implementing the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11. The Syria Programme, active since 2015, supports Syrian cities and communities in rebuilding urban resilience. It aids national and local authorities in urban damage assessment, recovery planning, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure, housing, and urban heritage across Syria.

Job Purpose

The International Consultant will support UN-Habitat Syria in enhancing its operational, administrative, and technical project delivery. This role is crucial for strengthening existing systems, procedures, and technical standards across all project phases. Key contributions include improving knowledge of and adherence to procurement systems, standards, and procedures, which are vital for transparent and efficient operations. The consultant will also focus on developing standardized specifications and comprehensive documentation, ensuring consistency and quality in project outputs. A significant aspect involves establishing robust oversight mechanisms for project implementation, including tracking tools and monitoring processes, to ensure timely and quality delivery. Furthermore, the role aims to strengthen coordination between programme, operations, and field teams, fostering a cohesive approach to project execution. This comprehensive effort will optimize project delivery, enhance accountability, and build internal capacity within UN-Habitat Syria, directly contributing to the effective recovery and resilience-building efforts in Syrian cities and communities.

Responsibilities

The Project Implementation and Engineering Advisor will establish and refine project implementation systems, reviewing existing modalities, identifying operational gaps in procurement and field execution, and developing standardized oversight mechanisms, tracking tools, and reporting templates. This includes providing technical guidance to project managers and engineers to ensure timely and quality project delivery and compliance. The role involves standardizing procurement systems by reviewing documentation, developing project-specific templates, and establishing technical specifications for construction and urban projects. Responsibilities extend to contract management, ensuring contractor compliance with terms, specifications, and UN-Habitat policies, tracking performance indicators, and addressing non-compliance issues. The advisor will also develop systems for Long-Term Agreements and vendor rosters, supporting transparent vendor selection and strengthening procurement case management. Furthermore, the role enhances operational coordination between programme, field, and operations teams, identifying bottlenecks and recommending improvements. Finally, the advisor will build capacity through developing and delivering training modules on procurement procedures, implementation standards, and contract management, fostering knowledge transfer within UN-Habitat Syria.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in project or programme management within international development, public sector, engineering, urban planning, or infrastructure is required. This must include demonstrated experience in establishing project implementation and procurement systems or technical standards. Experience with UN agencies or international organizations is desirable, as is experience in Syria or similar contexts.

Skills

Contract Management, Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Training, Infrastructure, Policies and Procedures

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