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Engineering & Liaison Specialist – Baghdad (1 Position)

United Nations Children's Fund

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Since the Government of Japan’s (GoJ) announcement of USD 5 billion assistance package to support Iraq’s reconstruction at Madrid Conference in October 2003, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) concluded 33 Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreements with the Government of Iraq (GoI), amounting to approximately USD 11 billion over the period January 2008 – December 2023.

The GoI is the owner and executing agency of the Japanese ODA loan-financed projects. Key project implementation activities, such as procurement, contract management and financial management, are undertaken by the implementing ministries /agencies of the GoI. As a standing mandate, JICA promotes efficient use of the loans and needs to ensure that the project implementation is undertaken in an accountable, transparent, and efficient manner in line with JICA guidelines and procedures and that the loans are properly used for the purpose of achieving each project’s objectives expeditiously.

To ensure accountability, transparency and efficiency in project implementation and usage of the loans, GoI, GoJ and JICA agreed to establish a joint Monitoring Committee (M/C) to meet on a quarterly basis. The M/C, reports to the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by the Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission (PMAC) with membership of senior officials from the GoI and GoJ and JICA.

The Loan Management Unit (LMU) has been established within UNDP Iraq Country Office (CO) in 2009 to facilitate and accelerate implementation of the Japanese ODA loan projects in by providing fiduciary monitoring on behalf of the GoI and JICA, implementation monitoring and evaluation and capacity development support to the M/C in particular and the GoI in general.

Engineering / Liaison Specialist shall have the dual role of (i) carrying out fiduciary and project monitoring of ODA Loan projects and (ii) establishing, maintaining and liaising with senior GoI levels engaged in the ODA Loans.

Duties and Responsibilities
Scope of Work :
  • Stand as the national representative of the Loan Management Unit (LMU) to lead the establishment, strengthening and sustainment of liaison, communication and coordination with high-level key Governmental officials, such as the Chairperson of the Monitoring Committee (M/C) and the Prime Minister Advisory Committee (PMAC), Deputy Ministers and Director Generals of the Ministry of Planning (MoP), Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the implementing ministries/agencies, while delivering advanced strategic direction and high-level, complex guidance to the Directors of  Project Management Teams (PMTs) to ensure alignment with the ODA Loan strategic goals, the LMU mandate and effective project execution;
  • Perform as the national representative of the LMU to actively facilitate and expedite the identification, formulation and endorsement of new Japanese ODA Loan projects, ensuring their listing in the Annual Investment Programme and the Investment Budget component of the Federal Budget by collaborating with decision-making Government of Iraq officials from the potential implementing ministries / agencies, the MoP, and the MoF, while identifying challenges and impediments, providing recommendations on how to address them, and reporting on progress to the M/C and the LMU;
  • Advise the LMU’s Project Monitoring Team in identifying challenges and obstacles in the implementation of Japanese ODA Loan projects, applying strategic oversight and problem-solving skills to work with the PMTs and the competent GoI institutions to resolve them under the guidance of the LMU Team Leader;
  • Conduct a thorough review and analysis of the outcomes of site inspections and verification missions, monitor and report on progress in implementation, and provide well-informed, strategic insights and recommendations to JICA, the Japanese ODA loan administrator, and the M/C, while attending ODA Loan projects decision-making meetings as a fiduciary monitoring agent, including Monthly Progress Meetings and Special Meetings with the Employer, Consultant and Contractor, and provide advice and feedback;
  • Attend and monitor procurement events, including pre-qualification document openings, pre-bid meetings, and financial and technical bids opening, utilizing expertise in procurement and contract management under JICA’s guidelines, while maintaining thorough records within the LMU and reporting to JICA with detailed analysis, recommendations, and feedback on these events and the procurement process, while ensuring adherence to international competitive bidding standards;
  • Monitor and analyse performance of PMTs, identifying institutional challenges at the project implementation level, ministerial and central levels, as well as challenges within the legislative process, along with capacity gaps and development needs, and provide strategic recommendations for the LMU to effectively address these challenges and strengthen PMTs capabilities;
  • Ensure optimal collaboration and facilitate the transfer of the LMU’s knowledge and experience to the MoP’s Follow-Up Team on Grant and Loan Funded Projects, positioning the team to serve as the central body for monitoring governmental investment projects in the future.

The incumbent shall perform other duties within their functional profile, as deemed necessary, for the efficient functioning of the LMU.

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Institutional Arrangement

The LMU is situated within the Development Finance Unit of UNDP Iraq CO, to which the LMU Team Leader reports. Under the supervision and guidance of the LMU Team Leader, the Engineering Specialist / Liaison Specialist shall engage in the LMU’s fiduciary and project monitoring activities and shall work closely with the M/C, oversight ministries (MoP and MoF) and the implementing ministries/ agencies to ensure optimal coordination among and with the LMU, facilitate Japanese ODA Loan processes and procedures within the GoI and facilitate transparent, accountable and timeous implementation of ODA Loan projects.

The Engineering / Liaison Specialist shall, in the Liaison Specialist role, report directly to the LMU Team Leader, and in the Engineering Specialist role report directly to the Project Management Specialist, who heads the Project Monitoring Team under the LMU and supervises the fiduciary and project monitoring activities. S/he shall be part of professional and dynamic team of national and international experts and specialists undertaking fiduciary monitoring, implementation monitoring and facilitation, policy formulation and development financed support, as much as the Japanese ODA Loan is concerned, and capacity development for the ODA Loan Programme in Iraq.

Competencies
Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction & Strategy Systems Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Direction & Strategy Business Acumen
  • Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization
Business Direction & Strategy Negotiation and Influence Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.
Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
Business Management Partnerships Management Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
Business Management Communication
  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. 
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth SDGs/National Development Strategy, Planning and Budgeting 
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements
  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or another related field is required. OR
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Min. years of relevant work experience 
  • Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience in development planning, monitoring, evaluation and inter – governmental coordination.
Required skills 
  • Experience working within GoI ministries, including planning, formulating and budgeting national development and investment projects is required.
  • Experience in development projects’ monitoring and evaluation is required.
  • Proficiency in using computers, office software packages and advanced project management software, as well as handling web-based management systems.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • Profound knowledge of Iraq’s legislative and regulatory system for formulating and implementing development projects, including processing projects through Federal Budget Law.
  • Working experience under GoI’s inter/intra ministerial coordination for project formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Knowledge of project management and international procurement guidelines adopted for development projects.
  • Working experience in coordination with UNDP and / or international development partners to Iraq.
Required Language(s) 
  • Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
Professional Certificates N/A.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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