Vacancy Announcement
Architect/Physical Planner , Grade 15/ LDC
HQ Amman
Vacancy Announcement Number 19-AR-AM-32
Deadline for Applications 1 May 2019
Contract Status Option One:
Fixed-Term Appointment for (applies to internal
candidates on Fixed-Term contract only)
3 years including 1 year probation period, with the
possibility of further extension, subject to the availability of
funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need.
Contract Status Option Two:
Limited Duration Contract (applies to external
candidates and internal candidates on LDC)
Duration 1 year, renewable; Appointment subject to funding
confirmation
Department Infrastructure and Camp Improvement
UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current
UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified women.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working
across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed professionals wishing to make a
change.
The right to adequate housing for every Palestine refugee
Of the some 5 million Palestine refugees registered with our Agency, roughly one third live in 58
recognized refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Over the years, these camps have transformed from temporary 'tent cities' into hyper-congested
masses of multi-storey buildings with narrow alleys. The camps are considered to be among the
densest urban environments in the world, but because camp structures were built for temporary
use, over the decades the buildings have become overcrowded, critically substandard and in many
cases life-threatening. Launched in 2007 to address the deteriorating environments of the camps,
the Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme (ICIP) adopts an integrated,
comprehensive, participatory and community-driven improvement of the built environment of
Palestine refugee camps.
Do you want to make a lasting difference?
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most
vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.
The main responsibilities include:
Supporting the supervisor at HQ and the Fields in the formulation of pre-feasibility, feasibility
studies and camp improvement plans addressing the refugee needs in an integrated,
participatory and developmental approach;
Assisting the supervisor in defining concepts, strategies and policies for the provision of
shelter, housing and physical infrastructure; participating in developing instructions,
procedures and standards for all aspects of housing and camp improvement;
Participating in the implementation of a comprehensive, participatory, multidisciplinary and
integrated approach to camp improvement;
Supporting the supervisor at HQ and the Fields in the formulation of sound solutions for
shelter and housing projects linked to the overall camp improvement plans;
Assisting in establishing the methodologies and guidelines for carrying out general and
detailed surveys as required;
Advising the Fields in the design of a comprehensive database for each camp/location selected
and carrying out comprehensive documentation of recent camp upgrading and shelter/housing
developments;
Assisting in the collection, compilation and organization process of all relevant existing reports,
data and statistics, available from various sources including Agency records, World Bank,
NGOs, Universities; carrying out comparison studies with similar programmes in host
countries, other UN organizations, NGOs and experiences.
Additional information
The incumbent will be required to travel in the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East;
Possession of a valid driving license.
Conditions of service
Option One: Fixed Term Appointment, Grade 15
Monthly basic salary JD 927.30. Plus special occupation allowance of 60% of the basic
salary. Other benefits include monthly Provident Fund contribution (15% of basic salary paid by
the Agency), compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and dependency allowance
(if applicable).
Option Two: Limited Duration Contract (LDC- Band F)
Monthly basic salary starting from JD 977.20 depending on the professional knowledge and
experience. Other benefits include compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave pro-rated
to the duration of the contract where less than one year, and family allowance (if applicable).
To qualify for this position, you will need:
Education A university degree from an accredited educational institution in
architecture with an emphasis on urban planning;
Work
experience
Five years of relevant professional experience at national level, of which
three years should be in developing countries;
Experience in the use of standard office software and specialized
computer applications related to the construction industry in general,
including AutoCAD;
Language(s) Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.
Who we are
For almost 70 years, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) has
been working on the ground in five fields of operations in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank
and the Gaza Strip providing direct assistance and protection for some 5 million Palestine
refugees in the Middle East. UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly to provide this
assistance and its mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human
development until there is a just and lasting solution for their plight. UNRWA restores safety,
dignity and hope to millions who have been uprooted by conflict with services encompassing
education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement,
microfinance and emergency assistance.
For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/
Desirable qualifications:
Knowledge of Geographic Information System and softwares like Photoshop, In-Design
Knowledge of development, planning and architectural aspects in the Middle East;
Good knowledge of the Near East environment and cultures.
Familiarity with the culture of the refugees host countries;
You will also need to demonstrate the following competencies:
Proven management and social inter-personal skills; ability to work well in multi-cultural
contexts;
Creativity and ability to take initiative;
Excellent counseling skills and ability to engage the local community in planning and works;
Ability to work under pressure.
For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews:
https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
How to apply
Applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and
completing an UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts
degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through
http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received,
only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted via e-mail only. Please ensure
that the e-mail address indicated in your Personal History Profile is accurate.
The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process
(application, testing, interviewing, etc). The United Nations does not concern itself with
information related to bank accounts.
General Information
This vacancy notice is open to internal and external candidates. As an Area post,
preference will be given to local candidates already based in the duty station of
the post.
UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest
standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights,
for diversity, and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff
are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons
who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA
jobs. UNRWA is a non- smoking work environment.
The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a
lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
On appointment, all individuals will be asked to sign a self attestation, confirming that they
have not committed, been convicted of, or prosecuted for, any criminal offence and that
they have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of
international human rights law or international humanitarian law.
Date of issue: 18 April 2019/ RJ