Individual Contractor: Senior Coordinator for the Lebanon Reform Recovery and Reconstruction (3RF) implementation (Education), 3 Months, Lebanon Beirut

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Education

At 18:00 (GMT+3) on 4 August, two explosions, originating in the port, shook Beirut city. The second explosion, believed to be caused by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, sent shockwaves throughout the city causing multiple casualties and widespread damage in the dense residential and commercial surroundings, 200 people were killed and over 6,000 injured. According to the Beirut Governor up to 300,000 people have lost their houses and have been displaced, with up to 100,000 children directly affected.

UNICEF and UNESCO are Education Leads while the World Bank and the European Union are Co-leads in the Education Sector as per the 3RF development. Through a consultative process, inclusive of other UN agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Education Sector Note was developed then finalize during the course of September and October 2020. The Education Sector Note outlined a limited number of priorities and associated results that can be achieved within a 15-month period (October 2020 – December 2021).  The Education Sector Note summarizes challenges, needs, and a costed set of results reflecting the sector priorities.  The full 3RF is planned to be launched in France and co-hosed by the Government of France in partnership with the United Nations in December.

To strategically and technically support the  follow-up work surrounding the recently developed Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF), particularly as as it relates to the Education sector, and its implementation that will transition the humanitarian support from donors, UN and NGOS towards reform through a sector-wide approach, good governance and using evidence and public engagement.

How can you make a difference?

1.      Coordinate with UNESCO, World Bank, EU and OCHA on any amendments, i.e., incorporating feedback from MEHE and civil society organisations, to be made on the 3RF Education Sector Plan, as well support the preparation of the eventual launch efforts (tentatively December 2020).

2.     Coordinate and follow up on the rehabilitation, refurnishing, and re-equipping of the Beirut Blasts-affected schools UNICEF has committed support.

3.     Coordinate weekly with UNESCO on the overall status for reconstruction and rehabilitation with MEHE and implementing partners to avoid duplication of efforts, including resource mobilization.

4.      and to ensure the closure of needs gap, and that plan is consistent with overall target date, quality, and budget.

5.     Collaborate with UNICEF Construction Engineers, to develop reporting formats and mechanism  that will be used by the site engineers linking with reporting to UNICEF and the donors as per agreement.

6.     Support the establishment and maintainance of an appropriate humanitarian coordination mechanism in a co-leadership mode (UNICEF-UNESCO-NGO). Develop mechanism to involve all relevant parties involved in the project:  MEHE, School Management, Education Sector Co-Leads, and ensure regular meetings with all of them and report back to UNICEF LCO Senior Management.

7.    Strengthen pre-existing coordination mechanism through increased predictability and accountability.

8.    Interact with other Sectors (including through inter-Sector coordination fora), humanitarian actors, government counterparts, and relevant authorities for operational planning, engagement and active contribution of operational partners.

9.    Ensure adequate resources are mobilized and are equitably allocated for the effective functioning of the response.

10.  Ensure appropriate selection of schools for construction, and other activities as per agreement and monitor compliance.

11.  Undertake visits to the project sites in joint cooperation with UNICEF Construction Engineer(s) to (i) monitor construction works and its appropriateness, (ii) organize meeting at project sites on weekly basis with implementing partners, site engineers, MEHE counterparts, and provide feedback and have periodic reviews with UNICEF Education Section, and (iii) supervise work of site engineers.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree
• More than ten years’ experience in humanitarian response and public works construction, preferably school construction, with UNICEF or other UN/International NGO.
• Knowledge of UNICEF operational and management procedures,required.
• Previous experience in Cluster or Sector coordination, particularly in the Education Sector, is necessary
• Previous experience in construction supervision and site management. Teamwork is required.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written). Good written and spoken skills in French and/or Arabic is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only applications with all inclusive fee proposals (daily fee, travel, subsistence allowance in USD) will be accepted.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.