Background Information – Job-specific

The Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) was formed pursuant to a tri-partite agreement between the Government of Israel (GoI), the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the UN, brokered following the 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas, to enable the entrance and use of much-needed construction and other dual-use materials for large-scale reconstruction after the conflict, taking into consideration Israel’s security concerns. The GRM is a rare example of functional cooperation between the PA and GoI, and, though not formalized in the agreement, includes day to day coordination between de facto authorities in Gaza (DFAs) and the PA. Although, in name, the GRM implies a limited reconstruction mandate, it has been widely used to facilitate the entrance and use of various dual-use materials for infrastructure and other projects that are desperately needed for both humanitarian support, early recovery and development projects in Gaza. Importantly, the GRM has, through its monitoring and facilitation system, ensured that materials and equipment intended for such projects are not diverted for military or other unintended use. It has also ensured a continued role for the PA in governmental coordination and oversight of housing, infrastructure, private sector and economic development in Gaza.

At the heart of the GRM mechanism lie several important overarching principles:

•  Access to dual use materials must be embedded in a transparent and predictable process based on needs.
•  Any dual use material entering the GRM for reconstruction or other purposes must be jointly agreed upon in advance by the GoI and the Palestinian Authority (PA).
•  Private sector businesses and individuals must have equitable access to materials in the same way as all international organizations – large or small. This is in contrast to previous mechanisms that primarily benefited only those private companies working with large organizations capable of negotiating directly with the GoI, such as UNRWA or UNDP.
•  The PA should play its rightful role as the legitimate government in Gaza in coordination and strategic overview of the projects implemented through the mechanism.
•  ‘Dual-use’ materials entering Gaza under the GRM would be subject to regular facilitation and monitoring by the UN.

The implementation of the GRM is facilitated by the Access Support Unit (ASU) which also facilitates the movement of humanitarian and development community personnel. The ASY-(Goods) team is located in Gaza and monitors the supply chain of dual-use materials. This team, consists of engineers, quantity surveyors, stock monitors, knowledge management and IT experts. , Monitoring and facilitation is managed through the Gaza Reconstruction and Materials Monitoring System (GRAMMS), which is an online tool to monitor the request, flow and use of dual-use materials. The unit is also responsible for conducting site visits to potential vendors, contractors, concrete processing plants and projects to monitor the flow and use of dual use materials as required by the GRM and report these visits.

Under the direct supervision of the ASU Coordinator and the overall guidance and supervision of the UNOPS Head of Programme and UNSCO as Project Executive, the ASY Deputy Coordinator (Goods) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the ASU (Goods) and is expected to meet and exceed the indicated ASU performance and delivery goals.

Functional Responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The ASY Deputy Coordinator (Goods) at this level will be responsible for managing a complex and high risk ASU component related to the GRM. The success of this component relies on a number of external stakeholders and suppliers requiring the ASY Deputy Coordinator (Goods) to conduct regular and sensitive engagement in coordination with UNSCO ; supervise a large team and work to firm deadlines. Under the direct supervision of the ASU coordinator and guidance from the UNOPS Head of Programme and UNSCO, the ASY Deputy Coordinator (Goods) will be responsible for the component cycle related aspects. S/he must be able to apply, the below duties and responsibilities:

Functions & responsibilities:Collaboration and Partnership Management in coordination with UNSCO

Stakeholder management

Delivery and Performance: Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Personnel management

•  Coordination and liaison

Collaboration and Partnership Management in coordination with UNSCO:

•  Liaison with partners, UN and NGO’s to ensure complementarity of efforts in the thematic areas focused on priorities identified by the AHLC including but not limited to water, energy, trade and health infrastructure.
•  Identification of bottlenecks to implementation of the ASU (GRM) which require intervention and propose solutions.
•  Conduct research for the area of potential future support in Gaza, under the guidance of UNSCO and the ASU Coordinator, in collaboration with relevant UN agencies.
•  Oversee and advise on implementation of recommendations from the May 2021 and May 2023 reviews of access mechanisms and the GRM, including but not limited to efficiency measures and diversification of GRM streams, in line with Gaza’s evolving humanitarian and economic needs.
•  Suggest additional/revised facilitation/monitoring activities to respond to the situation in Gaza.
•  Support technical meetings of the Gaza Dual Use Access group, chaired by UNSCO, and input into the same meetings at head of agency level, co-chaired by UNSCO and the head of ASU.

2. Stakeholder management

•  Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products
•  Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post requirements such as maintenance)
•  Under the guidance and supervision of the ASU Coordinator, organise for the implementation of the Project Board recommendations
•  In coordination with UNSCO – Coordination Specialist, and under the guidance of the ASU coordinator, ensure liaison as appropriate, with the Israeli Coordination and Liaison Administration to the Gaza Strip (CLA), the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Palestinian Ministry of Civil Affairs (MoCA), and other relevant Palestinian authorities for the smooth implementation and coordination.

3. Delivery & Performance

•  Develop and maintain overall plans. Where necessary work with the ASU Deputy ( People) to prepare a joint plan, reports, presentations and proposals
•  Closely monitor the GRAMMS, review and approve transactions, taking timely corrective measures, and monitor GRAMMS reports and accuracy
•  Authorize Work Packages
•  Advise the ASU Coordinator and UNSCO Gaza (Coordination Specialist) in a timely manner of any deviations from the plan or GRM SOPs
•  Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved
•  Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted
•  Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers
•  Represent ASU and UNOPS in UN Gaza and cluster meetings
•  Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor and Head of Programme
•  Comply with all organizational policy and specifically the Project Management Manual

4. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

•  Encourage routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity of staff.
•  Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that lessons learnt are shared in a timely and appropriate manner. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice
•  Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies

5. Personnel Management:

•  Lead and motivate the ASU (Goods) team
•  Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established
•  Ensure that performance reviews are conducted in collaboration with the ASU Coordinator
•  Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the Head of Programme
•  Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff)- and third party modalities (CTG). As they relate to members of the ASU (Goods) team.
•  Support the selection, recruitment and training of the team as required.
•  Perform the Team Manager role for the ASU Goods/Gaza
•  Perform Project Support role, unless appointed to another person or corporate/programme function
•  Ensure safety and security for all personnel of the ASU Goods/Gaza and comply with UNDSS standards

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

•  Advanced University Degree preferably in Social & Economic Sciences, Project Management, Business Administration, International Relations, Political/Security/Development Studies, Public Administration, Anthropology, Law or other relevant discipline.
•  University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
•  PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification or PMP – Preferred

Experience:

•  Five years (or more based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in project development and management, economic and social development, aid coordination or a related field with focus on monitoring, reporting, development and coordination in either public or private sector organizations is required.
•  Proven experience of managing large teams in complex / humanitarian environments is required.
•  Experience participating in inter-agency coordination mechanisms at the local or national level is desirable.
•  Experience in managing politically sensitive projects and handling confidential information is desirable
•  Experience working in the occupied Palestinian territory is desirable.
•  Evidence of coordination and implementation of projects is a strong advantage
•  Experience working in areas of international development, preferably with the United Nations and/ or International NGOs and donors is a strong asset
•  An in-depth understanding and familiarity of the development issues in Gaza is a strong advantage.

Language Requirements: Spoken and written fluency in in English; knowledge of Arabic is a strong advantage

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

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. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

•  Contract type :Individual contract agreement ICA
•  Contract level I-ICA 2
•  Contract duration : Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspxAdditional Information

•  Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
•  Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
•  Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
•  UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
•  Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
•  We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

•  For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
•  For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
•  All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
•  It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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