Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The primary role of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) is to help countries achieve sustainable development, reduce poverty, and promote democratic governance, peace, and resilience. 

The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. 

Over the last 15 years, the Syrian population has suffered catastrophic losses; the displacement of 14 million citizens from their homes; a collective grief for the half a million lives lost in conflict; despair for those who were missing, detained or imprisoned for their political opposition.

In response to the evolving situation in Syria after 8 December 2024, UNDP Syria has developed a new Programme Offer, outlining targeted activities to address the needs of the immediate and mid-term transition period (1 to 3 years) in the following three priority areas: (1) Governance and Basic Services, (2) Socio-Economic Recovery, and (3) Climate and Energy.

In this context, UNDP Syria is looking for a dynamic and experienced Technical Officer under the Project Management Unit. The Technical Officer will support UNDP Syria’s interventions in Syria, ensuring coordination, effective implementation, and alignment with broader strategic frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of the assigned Project Manager, the project Technical Officer will work in close collaboration with the project team for the attainment of the following:

Support to the Project Management Unit:

  • Support the Project Manager in the implementation of projects. 
  • Engage with the government and other partners to identify new joint opportunities and provide technical support to the Partnerships Unit.
  • Provide regular reports and briefs related to project activities, as needed.
  • Assist the Project Manager in updating the risk register for risks associated with the relevant projects.
  • Document lessons learned and shared experiences with UNDP team.
  • Develop a monitoring plan and mechanisms to track projects’ activities, including site visits.
  • Prepare and share monthly performance progress reports with the Project Manager.
  • Generate a Database for local market material prices and update it regularly.
  • Provide all reports, deliverables, and communications in both English and Arabic languages as needed.
  • Provide written feedback as needed.
  • Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the project.

Participate in Needs Assessment & Project Concept Notes Development:

  • Review the initial designs of projects (activities) received from the field, evaluate them, and assess their feasibility both technically and economically.
  • Participate in the needs assessment processes of the targeted locations in order to identify the actual needs on the ground. 
  • Provide inputs for the development of project documents and concept notes.
  • Participate in conducting risk assessments as well as social and environmental assessments.

Reviews and assesses technical design documents for proposed interventions:

  • Prepare the BOQs, specifications, guarantee schedules and design documents for equipment and works  for the assigned projects.
  • Follow up on the preparation of specifications with the respective authorities or Engineering Consultant(s), verify the specifications, and coordinate with the Procurement Team before finalizing the tender documents.
  • Ensure timely submission of the specifications in coordination and cooperation with the other teams from relevant stakeholders.

Provides effective support throughout all stages of Tendering Processes:

  • Follow up technically with the local authorities and the field team to prepare proper design and tender documents.
  • Verify the specifications and coordinate with the Procurement Team before initiating the procurement process.
  • Respond to queries arising from the procurement unit and review committees related to BoQs and technical specifications.
  • Participate in pre-bid meetings and respond to queries from potential national/international bidders on the technical specifications. 
  • Participate in Technical Review Committee meetings and review all bids against the advertised evaluation criteria and submitted technical specifications. 
  • Follow up on procurement requirements, ensuring value for money, transparency, and competition in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations, including the preparation or review of terms of reference and conditions books for technical works related to the project.

Provides effective support throughout all stages of Project Implementation:

  • Attend Kick-off meetings upon the start of project implementation.
  • Monitor the physical implementation of the approved project through site visit to ensure compliance with the requirement as stated in the signed contract.
  • Supervise all targeted locations and provide updates and recommendations to UNDP accordingly.
  • Advise, monitor and manage the operational phase on behalf of UNDP and in coordination with the respective Governorate and /or the line ministries directorates.
  • Provide regular monitoring reports and inputs to the overall project progress report.
  • Check materials received at construction/renovation sites against damages, missing parts and appropriate ratings; ensuring that the materials/equipment provided by the Contractor meet UNDP requirement and standards. 
  • Discuss site issues with the Contractor and promptly report back to UNDP if a problem arises that requires UNDP input.
  • Ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project actions and the operations of the outcomes. 
  • Check and certify substantial progress/completion and the corresponding payments. Advise UNDP to withhold payment for any work which has been rejected or any work which is not in compliance with the contract documents.
  • Prepare Variation Orders that impact the Contract value.
  • Maintain project progress log and issue certificates, notices and instructions in consultation with UNDP to the contractor as may be required by the provisions of the contract requirements. 
  • Advice UNDP on the value of the works at the date of termination, in the event of the termination of the contract.
  • Manage risks at the local level and inform the Area Manager about any issues that would impede implementation.
  • Ensure that the Contractor maintains safety on site and clean the site after the completion of the rehabilitation works. 
  • Ensure all project documentation (progress reports, consultations, lessons learned and other technical reports, minutes of meetings, etc.) are properly maintained in hard and electronic copies in an efficient and readily accessible filing system. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Technical Officer will report to the assigned Project Manager.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement 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 Management Monitoring & Evaluation Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
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 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
Business Management Partnership 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
Finance Budget Management Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets
Adminstration & Operations Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)  Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements
  • Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Industrial Engineering, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical engineering,  Civil Engineering, or a related field is required Or
  • A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the fields mentioned above with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 
Min. years of relevant work experience 
  • Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Engineering, Electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • Experience in computer applications and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), with advanced knowledge of web-based management systems.
  • Experience in using engineering software, such as AutoCad.
  • Experience in design review and/or preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and cost estimates for assigned projects.
  • Experience in preparing and handling tender documents for turnkey contracts, including technical inputs/specifications for the procurement of services, in line with conditions of international lending/funding agencies.
  • Previous experience with the UN or an international organization working in a crisis environment similar to Syria; 
  • Experience with UNDP processes.
  • Previous experience working on internationally donor-funded projects.
Required Language(s)  Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.