Water Supply Development Senior Expert Somalia Programme

CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT****Issued on: 11/July/2015

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:UN-HABITAT

DUTY STATION:Nairobi, Kenya; with regular travel to Hargeisa Somaliland (and other towns in the Somali Region)

FUNCTIONAL TITLE:Water Supply Development Senior Expert Somalia Programme

DURATION:6 Months

CLOSING DATE:17/July/2015

BACKGROUND

The Hargeisa Water Supply Upgrading Project (HUWSUP) isa 42-month urban water intervention, funded by the European Union (€15 million) and the Somaliland Development Fund (USD 8.6 million), and implemented by UN-Habitat. In response to regional water scarcity and rapid urbanisation, HUWSUP is rebuilding Hargeisa’s decaying bulk-water transmission system, increasing its capacity by 122% to 20 million liters a day. The upgraded system will be managed by HUWSUP’s local counterpart and implementing partner, the Hargeisa Water Agency (HWA). In addition to planned works, HUWSUP has identified further fundraising targets to help meet the water needs of Somaliland’s growing and prosperous capital.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the CTA for the UN-HABITAT Somalia Programme, and in close collaboration with the Project Managers for HUWSUP, Shelter and Urban Roads Projects, the Senior Consultant for Water Supply Development, Service Delivery, and Shelter provision, will undertake the following tasks:

• Technical support and advice to EU-funded Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Upgrading Project and EU-funded Somaliland Urban Water Project (WHIPS) (75%)

Provide overall strategic guidance, technical advice, coordination and oversight to the Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Project (including related spin-off projects funded by the SDF and other potential new donors) and the EU-funded Somaliland Urban Water Project (WHIPS). Identify significant challenges, risks and opportunities in terms of project performance. Support donor liaison and resource mobilization efforts.

• Coordinate, oversee and monitor the HUWSUP and WHIPS projects and all their components, and ensure the timely delivery of project inputs and outputs;
• Backstop project during construction phase and provide guidance and support to the field-based Project / Contracts Manager; plan, initiate, coordinate and follow-up procurement and recruitment processes; oversee Agreements with HWA and Government counterparts, and participate in Steering Committee meetings.
• Provide technical backstopping of the field team and technical coordination at Nairobi level; liaise with senior Government counterparts, coordinate project activities with other UN agencies, urban water sector projects and initiatives, donors and international actors.
• Review and revise project strategies as required, after consultation with the donor, local counterparts (through the Project Steering Committee), and Resident Engineer.
• Liaise with UNON Procurement Section, UN-Habitat Office of Management and Somalia Programme PMO for required assistance and processing of contracts, agreements and other legal documents.
• Provide technical inputs to and follow up on the overall procurement process; Review all expressions of interest, calls for proposals, tender dossiers and draft contracts and assist in processing in direct collaboration with UNON Procurement Section.
• Prepare TORs and guide process for recruitment of international consultants; assist and advise consultants recruited for the project on administrative and technical issues,
• Support Hargeisa Water Agency in coordination efforts with other actors in the broader Hargeisa Water Supply planning, including World Bank, SDF, KfW/GIZ, etc.
• Liaise with donors and local Government counterparts on the planned activities, progress and follow-up of the project.
• Assist in resolving threats and problematic issues affecting the programme, through liaison (as required) with the donors (European Commission and SDF), UN-HABITAT administrative units, HWA, MoP, MoWR and other government authorities or local partners.
• Guide and provide inputs to additional resource mobilization for the project. Draft proposals and concept notes, liaise with government authorities, donors, multi-bilateral agencies and civil society.
• Observe financial allocations, draft certifications for expenditures, and submit for further approval.
• Provide inputs to and carry out final review of contracts and cooperation agreements; oversee payments of contractors and partner organizations;
• Support establishment of Water User Associations and Hargeisa Water User Board; facilitate HWA participation in Global Water Operators Partnerships Association activities, and peer Water Operator Partnership in collaboration with UN-Habitat Water, Sanitation & Infrastructure Branch.
• Provide inputs and consolidate narrative and financial reports on UN-HABITAT’s Urban Water activities as per the requirements of the Project, review and consolidate reporting inputs by consultants and contractors, and ensure timely submission to the donor.
• Proposal Formulation and Liaison with Donors (10%)
• Contribute to fund-raising efforts, develop proposals, concept notes and budgets for activities in the field of urban water supply, infrastructure and basic services; assist with proposals in the area of durable shelter for IDPs
• Liaise with European Union, SDF, DfID, DANIDA, World Bank, KfW, and other main donors for Urban Water, Infrastructure and Sanitation.
• Technical Support to Implementation of Shelter Projects (10%)
• Provide strategic guidance and general technical support to GoJ-funded shelter projects in Hargeisa, Burao, Boroma and Berbera, in particular in the field of contract management, certifications of completed works, implementation strategy, monitoring, reporting and donor liaison.

1.4 General Programme Support Tasks (5%):

• Support general UN-HABITAT Somalia Programme management, coordination, and strategic development
• Support coordination between the different components of the Programme and, in general, among the range of UN-HABITAT activities in Somalia;
• Contribute to continuous adaptation of the overall Programme strategy and approach to the changing context.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:International and local contractors, implementing partners, local counterparts, Government and donor representatives, , officers and technical staff in HUWSUP and the UN-Habitat Somalia Programme, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, international consultancy firms, and international and local consultants.

Results expected: Preparations for Main Construction Contract and Civil Works completed; works initiated and progress according to workplan. Borehole works in progress and completed by end of contract. Procurement for Pumps, Generators and surge vessels completed, and activities under AoC-5 with HWA in progress according to schedule. Four remaining shelter contracts completed in 4 different towns. Water and Shelter Project objectives for year 2015 achieved, monitored and documented. Appropriate coordination among implementing partners, results-based management of project activities, and effective donor relations continued. Well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., progress reports, consolidated reports, background papers, analysis, sections of reports, studies, and inputs to publications. Effective working relationships maintained. Adherence to policies and efficient use of resources.

COMPETENCIES
Professionalism:Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to water infrastructure and the water sector in general. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
Planning& Organizing:Ability to work under pressure, establish priorities and plan, develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; use time efficiently.

Communication: Excellent written communication skills and ability to articulate ideas in a clear and articulate manner including the ability to prepare and edit a variety of documents, reports and briefs.

EDUCATION
Recognized advanced degree in water engineering, water resources management, hydrogeology, geography, urban planning, project management or related relevant field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Broad knowledge and management experience in the field of water supply development, basic services delivery, and construction of public infrastructure.
• At least twelve years of experience in a senior position in project management, coordination and implementation;
• Familiarity with application of United Nations Rules for Contracts and Procurement, Project Management, Budget Preparation and Monitoring, Financial and Progress Reporting Formats for U.N. Agencies and Donor Organizations;
• At least twelve years of experience in the construction, supervision and management of water and other infrastructure projects;
• Relevant experience in utility management, basic services delivery, institutional development and capacity building;
• Additional experience with UN Procurement Procedures will be beneficial;
• Experience in Africa and Islamic countries, good knowledge of the Somali social, political, economic and cultural context.
• Relevant post-conflict field experience and familiarity with reconstruction issues
• Good communication skills and capability to work with colleagues and counterparts from a different socio-cultural environment;
• Team player and able to motivate and work in harmony with local staff and other agencies.
• Strong sense of initiative, stress resistant, and willingness to commit to long working days if needed
• Strong presentation and coordination skills

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Languages: excellent command of English and proven ability in report writing.

REMUNERATION
Remuneration will be based on established UN remuneration rates for individual consultants. 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 and satisfactory performance

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:

1. Educational Background (incl. dates)
2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
3. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
4. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
5. 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

All applications should be submitted to: un-habitat.som@unhabitat.org
UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email:

Deadline for applications: 17/July/2015

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

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