Urban Planner (Lebanese Nationals Only)

Background ACTED is an International Non-Governmental Organization registered in France with global operations in Central and South Asia, Europe, Middle-East and Africa. ACTED has been active in Lebanon since 2006 operating mainly in the North and Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates of Lebanon. ACTED has been implementing WASH and Shelter interventions in various areas of the country. **Please note: This is a local position. Only Lebanese citizens are eligible to apply.** Assignment: The Urban Planner provides technical and strategic advice on the Shelter activities in ACTED. He/she promotes the harmonisation of Shelter activities in ACTED, supports project development with Shelter-specific inputs, identifies best practices and lessons learned, and ensures external representation of ACTED in relevant sectors.  Summary The Urban Planner provides advice, guidance and support to the Shelter activities conducted by ACTED in Lebanon. They presently include the implementation of shelter solutions in urban neighbourhoods, notably focusing on housing improvements, lease agreements and settlement management. He/she cooperates with Programmes department, Project Development department and with Coordination to ensure Shelter activities by ACTED   are consistently planned and implemented. He/she reviews Shelter programmes strategies and implementation, identifies strengths and weaknesses and provides strategic and technical advice accordingly. He/she leads the design of the Shelter component in new projects. The Urban Planner participates in Shelter sector meetings, working groups, and other external meetings when technical advice is required.   Responsibilities  1. Provide relevant technical expertise and advice to ongoing programmes, in collaboration with the Program Coordinators, Project Managers, and other staff as appropriate Provide technical inputs and advice on quality standards to be met in project implementation; Receive technical information and analyse associated opportunities and risks; Advise on technical modalities and strategies of intervention as per objective; Identify and collaborate with relevant technical authorities and partners; Analyse technical aspects of the projects in terms of added-value and project impact; Propose solutions to problems encountered; Identify areas for improvement in the projects, and advise accordingly; Advise on contracts and contract negotiations with FLAT where necessary; Advise on technical evaluation exercises during and following implementation.   2.  Harmonise Shelter activities in ACTED   Support Coordination and Programmes to ensure Shelter activities follow consistent procedures and standards throughout the different projects in the country; Fosters communication among the Shelter programme managers of the various projects and locations; Conduct background research about national and international guidelines and standards to be followed in Shelter activities; Support technical working group meetings with ACTED staff on specific topics; Advice on and develop basic benchmarks and tools to be used in Shelter activities.    3. Provide support in the development of Shelter projects, linking with Program Coordinators and Programme staff where required Participate in project development processes and advice on new strategies and activities; Lead the development of the Shelter components including BoQs and strategies of new project proposal;  Review the technical aspect of project implementation and propose improvement in case of amendments or new projects; Assess the activities undertaken and advise on efficient use of resources in further phases of the projects.   4. Identify Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Shelter programmes Identify lessons learned and best practices based on past and present projects; Share lesson learned with internal and external partners; Share such information to the Country Director, Deputy Country Director - Programmes and Area Coordinator, and to all departments concerned; Monitor and evaluate the implementation of improved processes and practices.   5. Ensure external representation of ACTED in relevant sectors Participate in technical and sectoral meetings and working groups involving NGOs and UN Agencies and all other inter-governmental institutions and pass relevant information to the relevant ACTED departments – in collaboration with the Project Development department;   Contribute to the creation of reports, ensuring the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality of internal information as required.   Additional support may be required (a) regionally for sharing of practices, strategies and lessons for similar programs, and (b) for filling gaps and supporting management if required (e.g. staff absence or leave).