Traffic Management and Road Safety Officer

Job Description

Background Information - Job-specific

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Government of Afghanistan, with the support of the World Bank (WB), aims to construct the Trans-Hindukush Road Connectivity Project (THRCP). This includes improving and upgrading the 156km Baghlan to Bamyan Highway, rehabilitation of the 86km Salang Pass and developing new modalities to ensure sustainable future maintenance of this critical infrastructure. This road has a significant role to play, not only for the current traffic movement, including strategic movement of goods and freight between Northern provinces and Capital of the Country, but also as part of a wider regional resource corridor, which is already targeted as a priority to construct.

The overall objectives are to improve the Trans-Hindukush road connectivity in order to provide all year-round access and enhance local as well as international trade and regional integration. Furthermore, the improved roads will increase security by reducing the time to respond to local, regional, or national incidents, facilitate access to social services and provide new regional trade opportunities including agriculture and mining.

UNOPS has been selected as the Implementation Consultant (IC) to support the government Project Management Team (PMT) who are tasked with the design, implementation and overall management of the THRCP. This UNOPS IC remit includes technical assistance, capacity building and institutional strengthening of the PMT, along with supporting overarching strategic development needs of the Ministry of Public Works as appropriate.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the direct supervision, guidance and direction of the International Traffic Management and Road Safety Specialist and leadership of the IC Team Leader, the Traffic Management and Road Safety Officer will perform the following duties.

Specific responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Review existing design of the roads with the specific purpose of detecting and remedying any potential design deficiencies in terms of road safety.
• Preparation of training material, conduct / assist in conduct of training on road safety and traffic management of engineers at MPW. Provide necessary reports for inclusion in the capacity building component.
• Design communications and outreach campaign for road safety awareness among road users. This includes studying the effectiveness of various programs, selecting target groups for each program, and selecting of appropriate communication method for the outreach.
• Provide assistance to Traffic Management and Road Safety Specialist in promotion of road safety in MPW. This includes review of existing policies, legislations, assist in drafting new policies, legislations and curriculum etc.
• Review and evaluate the traffic management plan during and after the construction of the project in coordination with other team members and contractors.
• Support Traffic Management and Road Safety Specialist in acquisition and analysis of data on road safety and traffic management and preparation of plans for improvements.

• Coordinate stakeholders’ consultation activities on the projects. Present relevant information to stakeholders, and respond to their queries, comments and suggestions. Disseminate the outcomes among all the stakeholders.
• Undertake / assist in the review and design of the traffic control and traffic management devices. Provide technically sound suggestions for optimum utilization of resources for efficient traffic management.
• Prepare periodic inputs on traffic management and road safety aspects into project progress reports.
• Furnish fortnightly comprehensive report on all activities pertaining to traffic management and road safety to Traffic Management and Road Safety Specialist.
• Visit project site for carrying out road safety audit, inspecting implementation of traffic management plan, assessing road safety and traffic management measures, as and when necessary or instructed by Traffic Management and Road Safety Specialist / Team Leader. Prepare comprehensive reports on such visits and disseminate among the concerned stakeholders.
• Advise site staff on field data collection such as traffic data and inventory of road furniture and road markings that pertain to road safety and traffic management. Analyze such data and provide inputs for improvements to project management team for necessary improvements.
• To execute any other task related to traffic management and road safety assigned by Traffic Management and Road Safety Specialist or Team Leader.

Establish and maintain good working relationships and communication with clients, donors, site staff and other concerned organizations / personnel. Education/Experience/Language requirements

Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering is required.
• Mater Degree will be an advantage.

b. Work Experience

• At least 2 years of related experience in design and implementation of road safety and traffic management in projects.
• Proven experience of project implementation in close collaboration with the Government authorities and community organizations.
• Previous work experience with the United Nations or any of its agencies, partners and affiliates is desirable but not a requirement;
• Working knowledge of MS Word and Excel required. Knowledge of GIS and other statistical analysis software such as SPSS is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is an advantage.

c. Languages

• Fluency in English both written and verbal is required.

d. Key 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

About the Organization

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Afghanistan

UNOPS strategy for Afghanistan is aimed at providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan though the delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s own priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Operation Center (AFOC) has been established as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFOC is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads and schools) development, capacity building to various ministries, and environmental protection, among others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the donor community.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFOC is to deliver projects in an efficient and effective manner, to achieve the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan and the donor community, where capacity building is always considered and encouraged. The aim of UNOPS AFOC is to provide implementation services to the Government of Afghanistan, the donor community and partner agencies in the reconstruction and development of the country. In doing so, UNOPS aims to exceed client expectations in the delivery of quality services throughout the country.