TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNRWA is the largest United Nations programme in the Middle East. It provides assistance and protection to Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). It does so by offering to a population of some 5 million registered refugees a range of human development and humanitarian services in primary and vocational education, primary health care, social safety net, community support, camp improvement and microfinance. UNRWA’s role also encompasses advocacy and actions to address the human rights and protection needs of Palestine refugees.
Consultancy – Assessment of Optimal Office Space Utilization, Jordan
BACKGROUND UNRWA currently operates or sponsors over 900 installations with nearly 30,000 staff across the five fields. The majority of these staff are involved in direct service delivery to beneficiaries. Thirteen departments support the five field offices in their delivery of UNRWA’s programmes: the Executive Office, Education, Health, Relief and Social Services, Microfinance, Infrastructure and Camp Improvement, Human Resources, Administrative Support, Finance, External Relations, Legal Affairs and Internal Oversight Services. The Agency has Headquarters in Gaza and Amman.
UNRWA’s Amman Headquarters (HQ) occupies an area of approximately 9,940m2 accommodating about 400 staff. The UNRWA Jordan Field Office (JFO) occupies one building of approximately 5,500m2 with a workforce of about 250 staff. Both are located in Bayader Wadi Seer.
Space constraints have now to be effectively addressed to accommodate organizational changes and additional staffing and service support.
UNRWA is seeking the services of a qualified Consultant to work with UNRWA Facilities Management to undertake an assessment of existing facilities at the HQ and JFO locations and to propose a space utilization strategy with corresponding plans to optimize the use of space for offices, conferences and meetings, storage and placement of equipment.
PURPOSE The main objectives of this consultancy are to provide UNRWA with comprehensive plans to reorganize the use of space at its HQ and JFO with a view to optimal utilization of all that office space, storage and open spaces available within existing facilities, so as to create a cohesive work environment, taking into consideration UNRWA space allocation standards and, to the extent possible, cultural considerations.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent will conduct a comprehensive survey and assessment of the HQ and JFO facilities and develop a space utilization strategy and plans taking into consideration, but not be limited to, the optimal utilization of available space within existing facilities which shall include the relocation and regrouping of organisational work units.
Expected deliverables The incumbent will be required to deliver the following documents to UNRWA:
(i) A comprehensive assessment report, outlining the methodology and professional tools used, defining and clarifying the changes that are required to optimize the use of office space within existing facilities; and (ii) Floor plans and drawings indicating the necessary changes with marked positioning of staff workstations, conference and meeting rooms, storage space and equipment.
Deliverable and target completion The incumbent will be required to undertake and deliver the following:
(a) One (1) week to conduct a site survey and assessment of the HQ and JFO office premises; (b) Within three (3) weeks after the completion of the survey and assessment, a Report is to be submitted which should include, without limitation, the assessment results and recommendations and any other information deemed relevant by the Consultant; and (c) Submission of plans and drawings for the proposed changes at HQ and JFO facilities.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • Advanced university degree in architecture, architectural design, building and space management or a related field; • Substantial experience in providing consultancy services with specialization in optimal utilization, reorganization and relocation of office space (3 references will be required); • Expertise in organizational processes and systems; • Strong analytical skills together with proven capacity in report writing, clarity and synthesis capacity;
ADDITIONAL SKILLS • Work experience with UN agencies, corporations or governments (desirable); • Previous work experience in the Middle East would be desirable. • Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic;
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE • The duration of the consultancy will be 4 weeks (with potential for extension for additional 2 weeks). The incumbent is expected to be based in Amman, Jordan.
REMUNERATION • The monthly remuneration will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience and the level of expertise (starting at USD500.00 daily rate).
APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personnel History Form, via consultancy@unrwa.org clearly indicating the title of vacancy “Assessment of Optimal Office Space Utilization” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 31 May 2012.
UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced female candidates. Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personnel History Form, via consultancy@unrwa.org clearly indicating the title of vacancy “Assessment of Optimal Office Space Utilization” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 31 May 2012.
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