CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Issued on: 18 November 2014
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT
DUTY STATION: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: DRR Architect
DURATION: 6 months (132 Days) from 19th January
CLOSING DATE: 28 November 2014
BACKGROUND
UN-Habitat in Mozambique, is carrying out since 2002 pilot demonstration activities in different districts in the form of building models adapted to floods, cyclones, drought and earthquake conditions, in order to positively influence national strategy formulation and policy-making. It advocates for a prevention approach, through Adaptive Architecture and Planning; in the response, it advocates for sustainable relief and reconstruction as opposite to emergency funds exclusively channelled for short-term solutions. In the rainy and cyclonic season 2014-2015 UN-Habitat is acting as co-chair of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and also co-lead of the Shelter Cluster with the Red Cross and is in charge of the cluster during the Early Reconstruction phase.
Also, in 12 years of work in Mozambique, the activities of UN-Habitat have progressively come to include policy-support, the revision of building codes, the support in construction of community and disaster adaptive public buildings in cities and communities of Gaza, Zambézia, Nampula, Maputo, Inhambane and Sofala provinces. Its portfolio includes national, local and community level activities, as well as the cooperation with, several sister agencies, such UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, IOM. In the case of UNDP, UN-Habitat has provided highly skilled architectural and engineering support in the construction of judiciary buildings in (e.g. Massinga and Ribaue Districts), within the framework of the One-UN and the current UNDAF. In the same line UN-Habitat has supported international NGOs such as Concern, Welhungerhilfe and Oikos.
Within this framework, UN-Habitat is implementing the Achieving Sustainable Reduction of Risks through Consolidation of Multi-Hazards Architectural DRR Solutions and Physical Planning in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique", within the IV Action Plan for the South-east African and South-west Indian Ocean region for disaster and emergency preparedness (DIPECHO) funded by the European Commission´s Department for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG-ECHO). The project components are:
- To Provide dedicated technical assistance to NGOs, Local Municipalities, UN agencies and Communities in the area of adaptive architecture and training and to support academia as Architecture Faculties on practical Lab and preparing and disseminating technical material
- Delivery trainings at national and sub-region level on adaptive public infra-structure and housing, with especial focus on Safety School construction and WASH.
- Providing technical guidance to the Shelter Cluster on improved reconstruction after emergencies and shelter solution, housing and public Infra-structure.
- Developing innovative Urban Risk Reduction & Resilience tools and pilot trainings in cities. Elaboration and dissemination of documentation, manual and didactic materials and on DRR/CCA architectural and shelter experience in Southern Africa.
In order to fulfil its mandate and implement the architectural components of this project and beyond, UN-Habitat requires a highly qualified Architect, will be recruited as consultant, with experience on adaptive architecture for reduction of risks, DRR and DRM shelter and improved reconstruction. The expert should be readily available in the field, with a very strong knowledge of the context, experience in dealing with both communities and national to local institutions and capacity for a normative approach
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Head of Programme of UN-Habitat in Mozambique, the expert will act as UN-Habitat DRR/ER Specialist for Architecture and Planning, and will be the leading expert in the DIPECHO IV to develop the following:
Demonstrative Architectural Solutions
Under the supervision of the Head of Programme of UN-Habitat in Mozambique, the expert will act as UN-Habitat DRR/ER Specialist for Architecture and Planning, and will be the leading expert in the DIPECHO IV to develop the following:
Demonstrative Architectural Solutions
- Lead the implementation of demonstrative alternative architectural models and constructions, with special focus on the preparation of disaster resistant School adaptive models and related documentation material;
- Prepare technical design, contracts and bills of quantity for these constructions and manage, under the financial responsibility and direct supervision of the Head of Programme, the relations with the implementing NGOs.
Assessments/Technical Analysis
- Ensuring quality analysis and relevance of the approach as concerns shelter emergency needs, housing, public and community infrastructure resistant to disasters at national and sub-region level.
- To conduct mission on School Vulnerability Assessment in Malawi in order to support the elaboration of the Preliminary School Risk Assessment at national level.
- Support the elaboration and dissemination plan for didactic material such manuals, tutorials and catalogues of relevant practices of resistant architectures to be prepared within the DIPECHO IV project in order to support different Ministries and national technical institutions.
- Providing guidance to UNDP and other UN agencies, ensuring analysis of projects of when required.
Trainings and capacity-building
- In partnership with the Faculty of Architecture and Physical Planning (FAFP-UEM), to endure coordinate the coordination for the establishment of the “Laboratory of Construction”.
- To organize and deliver technical trainings in seven 7 Provinces at the field level for communities, national institutions, NGOs and partners as per Result 2 of the DIPECHO IV and as per mandate of UN-Habitat.
- Ensure mentoring and training of junior DRR architects in UN-Habitat
- Participate in missions in the sub-region for training within DIPECHO IV (Malawi and Madagascar)
Normative Work and Project Design
- Participate in the work of School Safety Building Norms with School Assessment in the field in the sub-region area
- Ensure documentation and capitalization of practices, to be transformed in norms
Other
- To support UN-Habitat in delivering the coordination of the Shelter Cluster as co-lead and as co-chair of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in the preparedness, emergency and recovery season 2014/2015
- Support the Head of Programme and CTA to the management of projects put under her or his responsibility, through drafting AoC, TOR, MoUs and budgeting process and others
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Expert knowledge and understanding of practical disaster risk reduction architecture and adaptation. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Knowledge or understanding of countries in transition (especially Mozambique) and adaptation related challenges and priorities. Ability to conduct data collection and technical assessment using various methods, including field missions and interviews. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. •Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is 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. •Planning and 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. •Judgment/ Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Professionalism: Expert knowledge and understanding of practical disaster risk reduction architecture and adaptation. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Knowledge or understanding of countries in transition (especially Mozambique) and adaptation related challenges and priorities. Ability to conduct data collection and technical assessment using various methods, including field missions and interviews. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. •Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is 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. •Planning and 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. •Judgment/ Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
EDUCATION
Advanced University degree, (Master's degree or equivalent) in Architecture or related field of study, with a focus on development issues. A first university degree with a combination of at least five years professional experience in the field of Adaptive Architecture and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree
Advanced University degree, (Master's degree or equivalent) in Architecture or related field of study, with a focus on development issues. A first university degree with a combination of at least five years professional experience in the field of Adaptive Architecture and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- At least 8 years of working experience with relevant knowledge of housing/public building construction and reconstruction in flood, cyclone, earthquake and drought-prone areas;
- At least 5 years of architectural working experience in developing countries. In-depth knowledge of the context of Mozambique and sub-region is an important asset;
- Working experience in disaster risk reduction construction works;
- Working experience in School reconstruction and/or Emergency education;
- Experience in working with high level Institution representatives, Ministries, and National or Local Authorities
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Fluent in Portuguese is a must and working knowledge of English
Fluent in Portuguese is a must and working knowledge of English
OTHER SKILLS
- Exposure to and working experience in small towns and rural areas, including public consultation and community involvement and capacity to deal with local community representatives and builders
REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should include:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
- Educational Background (incl. dates)
- Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
- Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
- Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
- Expectations regarding remuneration
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
Please also be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the
UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
All applications should be submitted to the following e-mail: info.mz@unhabitat.org
Deadline for applications: 28 November 2014
UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org
