Background
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Afghanistan is responsible for implementing a number of projects on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the aid donor community. The Afghanistan Operation Centre (AGOC) has been set up as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the Implementing Agency/Consultant.
The Government of Italy has pledged a budget of 36m Euros for the rehabilitation of the strategically important Maidan Shar-Bamyan road. An Italian Consulting Firm is the main implementing partner to the client, the Ministry of Public Works (MPW). Lot No 1 of the project involves the rehabilitation of 54 kms of an existing earth road from Maidan Shar to the Onai Pass towards Bamyan. It is located within the Maidan-Wardak Province and includes the road works required for upgrading the alignment and the road infrastructure to meet National Highway standards.
The role of UNOPS is as a Technical Assistance Agency (TAA) to act as a separate and independent body to support the activities of the Project Management Unit (PMU) in the MPW, through provision of an independent review of all documents to be submitted by the PMU to the other bodies involved in Project implementation; plus capacity building through technical assistance and training to the PMU.
In a recent review, the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development proposed additional services for UNOPS to deliver, and a proposal, budget and amendments to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement these new services are currently in preparation between UNDP and the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development – the signatories to the MOA. In particular, the fluctuating security situation has become a barrier to the timely implementation of the road construction project. Therefore, to promote community support for the project and mitigate risks to implementation, the donor and client have requested UNOPS to develop a community development service line involving labour-based minor civil works activities and humanitarian assistance to the needy households. In addition, the Donor has requested an extension of the community development service line to support the Musahi Road project, a separate Italian financed project.
Duties and Responsibilities
The overall responsibility of the Social Inclusion & Liaison Advisor is to provide technical assistance to the existing TAA team members, the Ministry of Public Works and the Donor on appropriate measures for supporting the sustainability of the project.
• Develop and implement a community development approach (includes small grants and social protection sub-components) as a complementary activity to be incorporated into the REMABAR and Musahi Road projects; • Supervise the implementation of the community development component (to both projects) to ensure timely implementation of its activities and strategic support to the rehabilitation of the road; • Develop and implement a staffing structure to facilitate the implementation of the community development component of the project. Provide training to National Consultants, MPW counterparts and the contractor on the implementation methods for the community development approach; • Promote socially inclusive construction methods to MPW and the contractor as a good practice for ensuring smooth implementation of construction activities and for risk mitigation; • Coordinate with other contributors to the REMABAR program, especially the Italian contractor Lotti, to assist MPW to build capacity to effectively manage the Maintenance Department of MPW. • Support the Project Management Unit to provide the donor with progress updates in a timely manner in accordance with the reporting requirements specified in the Grant Agreements of both projects; • Support the Project Management Unit to ensure financial statements are prepared and submitted to the Donor and Client, in line with contractual arrangements; • Ensure REMABAR and Musahi Road project activities are carried out in accordance with the approved work plan and logical frameworks; • Advise the Project Management Unit on the identification of qualitative indicators to support impact analysis and development of outcome monitoring and methods and the implementation of qualitative outcome and impact studies; • Assist MPW in carrying out a study of on-site maintenance capacity along the Maidan Shah – Bamyan road alignment taking into consideration the findings of the Italian IP Lotti. • Draft recommendations to the Ministry of Public Works on appropriate maintenance methodology for the Maidan Shah – Bamyan road based on the findings of the study.
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies• Be a good mentor, capable of working with others in a participatory and capacity building manner. • Have good analytical and communication skills. • Be competent in the use of computers and standard computer software. • Have relevant experience in development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting; • Be able and willing to travel and work in remote areas in challenging circumstances; • Be self-motivated, versatile and adaptable to different cultures and people. • The candidate will be thoroughly proficient in written and spoken English.
Education• Master’s degree in international development, public administration, business administration, public policy or other relevant social sciences
Work Experience• At least 5 years of relevant experience in rural, community or social development programmes in post-conflict or developing country environments; • Experience implementing capacity building activities targeting government officials, national consultants, community stakeholders and/or private sector contractors; • Demonstrated experience liaising with donors, government officials, communities and other stakeholders; • Community Outreach experience is highly desirable; • Previous experience in procurement of services is an advantage; • Experience developing systems, procedures and operations manuals is highly desirable; • Familiarity with road construction sector and the specific challenges to road construction and maintenance in Afghanistan is an advantage; • Previous work experience in Afghanistan preferred.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form () English Version, via e-mail to . Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.
Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. - Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. - Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. - UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at .
