UNV Urban Planner/ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spec

Job ID/Title : UNV Urban Planner/ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist
Brand : UNV
Application Deadline :12-Sep-14
Duty Station : Ramallah
Languages Required :Arabic, English,   
Duration of Initial Contract :12 months
   

Background:
The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) jointly with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) are seeking an experienced National United Nations Volunteer Specialist “Urban Planner/ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist”- one position for duration of twelve months, renewable based in Ramallah.
 
This post is a United Nations Volunteers assignment and based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically, as well as socially. It contributes to creating social cohesion and capital, through helping to build trust and reciprocity among citizens.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UNV volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.
In all assignments, UNV volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UNV volunteers even more rewarding and productive.
Description of Responsibilities:
The National Spatial Plan Office (NSP) is an independent unit from any specific ministry, currently based within the Ministry of Planning. According to the approved framework, the NSP Office has an independent management, budget and human resources that are fully associated to the project, headed by an Inter-Ministerial Committee from seven line ministries and a Technical Committee from more than 14 ministries and authorities.
 
Under the joint supervision of the NSP Office and the NSP Project Manager at UN-Habitat, the UN Volunteer will be seconded to the Ministry of Planning, and will undertake the following tasks:
-Support the overall NSP tasks as member of the NSP team;
-Update the base map of West Bank and Gaza Strip;
-Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments;
-Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, records, reports, and original maps;
-Present maps, charts to be used in spatial planning atlas and different NSP activities;
-Operate as GIS liaison officer to other PA entities and the International Community;
-Perform other duties as required by the respective Project Director and Manager.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:
-Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (e.g. in events that mark IVD);
-Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
-Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
-Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
-Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
-Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:
 
-Project/Programme development: technical inputs provided to the development of programmes and projects which are in line with the relevant Governing Council resolutions, PA Policies regarding spatial planning and territorial governance, and in line with her/his technical profile and expertise;
-Project management: the NSP Office and the relevant line ministries supported, as well all the related partners, in the effective and timely execution of the NSP Project Document annex Logical Framework by provision of appropriate technical and management support;
-Advisory services: technical inputs provided on urban planning-related matters in the NSP Project Document annex Logical Framework, drawing on UN-HABITAT’s and the partners experiences and best practices;
-A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies :
Competencies and values:
 
-Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
-Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations;
-Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;
-Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
-Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
-Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
-Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
-Technological Awareness - Fully proficient computer skills, particularly in using relevant technology and its application to archives, library, documentation and record keeping.
-Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Qualifications :
The UN Volunteer must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who wants to contribute to development in the oPt through promotion of volunteerism. The following qualifications are required:
 
Qualifications, skills, experience:
-Education: BA degree in urban planning / geography or related field;
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in spatial or urban planning in the occupied Palestinian territory, and familiarity with GIS software and management; fresh graduates are encouraged to apply, and proven experience may be sufficient (candidate may follow a practical test);
-Ability to collect and analyze spatial data;
-Proficiency in Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.);
-Language Requirements: Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic;
-Sound security awareness;
-Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

  Apply Now

Living Conditions:
As this is a national UNV assignment, the incumbent will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.
Conditions of Service:
A 12-month contract, renewable (depending on availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance) with monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to US$ 740 paid in local currency; Life, health, and permanent disability insurance; A Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event relocation is required, resettlement allowance upon satisfactory of service and assignment.


Interested and qualified candidates are kindly requested to apply on-line no later than September 12, 2014 to the following address:
http://jobs.undp.ps
UNV Programme
UNDP/PAPP Jerusalem
Equal Employment Opportunity prohibits discrimination against anyone. It attempts to ensure that all applicants, males-females and all races have a fair opportunity in a hiring process, in competing for promotions, and equal access to training/professional development opportunities.
 

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