Organization Mission

UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) derives its mandate from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 of 20 December 1978. Called upon by United Nations Member States in that year, UNDP was requested “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people by identifying their social and economic needs and by establishing concrete projects to that end”. UNDP/PAPP is a responsive development agency that works together with the Palestinian people to fulfil their aspiration for sustainable human development based on self-determination, equality and freedom.

Context

The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) is the central governmental body in Palestine responsible for strategic planning, policy formulation, and coordinating international cooperation efforts. Established to guide national development priorities, MoPIC plays a critical role in aligning government strategies with international standards and donor frameworks. Its mandate includes facilitating cross-sectoral planning, resource mobilization, and policy integration across various governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

As part of UNDP support to MOPIC under the Italian-funded “Supporting Gaza Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development Planning”, a Gaza Reconstruction Unit (GRU) will be established. Operating under the umbrella of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC), the GRU is tasked with translating the Gaza Recovery, Reconstruction and Development Plan (GRRP) into technical programs and projects. As part of this structure, the Infrastructure Expert will play a vital role in designing and overseeing infrastructure recovery strategies that enhance sustainability, resilience, and service delivery across Gaza.

Key Responsibilities

The Infrastructure Expert will serve as the lead technical focal point for the planning and design of infrastructure components under the GRRDP. The expert will:
• Lead the infrastructure component of the GRRDP, focusing on water, wastewater, electricity, transportation, and essential urban services.
• Conduct needs assessments and gap analyses to prioritize and sequence infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with relevant ministries, utility providers, and donors to align on design standards and implementation modalities.
• Provide technical input to program and project documents, ensuring adherence to international norms and climate-resilient standards.
• Support infrastructure-related proposal writing and donor engagement processes.
• Liaise with the National Team to ensure harmonization of infrastructure plans with broader recovery efforts.
• Monitor progress of infrastructure initiatives, identify delivery risks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to developing scalable infrastructure models for post-conflict recovery.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong technical background in infrastructure development, including planning, design, implementation, and monitoring of water, sanitation, energy, and transport systems in post-conflict or crisis contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical advice and operational guidance to senior government officials and development partners, including leading coordination across infrastructure-focused institutions.
• Familiarity with Palestinian infrastructure systems, national planning processes, procurement regulations, and local governance structures, especially in relation to public utility management and reconstruction.
• Experience working with diverse actors such as government ministries, donors, international organizations, and NGOs in the design, implementation, and evaluation of infrastructure programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Arabic and English; capacity to prepare high-quality technical documents, concept notes, policy briefs, and presentations.
• Accuracy and professionalism in producing engineering documentation, feasibility studies, and technical reports.
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills; culturally sensitive with the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with stakeholders including service providers, contractors, and affected communities.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment; demonstrated resilience and problem-solving capabilities under tight deadlines.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), email, and online collaboration tools; familiarity with GIS, AutoCAD, or infrastructure modeling software is an asset.
• Self-driven, with the ability to operate independently and ensure accountability for results.
• Desirable: Willingness to travel across the West Bank and, when feasible, to Gaza or Cairo.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Innovation and Problem Solving

Living Conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A 12-month contract with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 9,441 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service.