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 Housing and Shelter Expert will play a key role in advancing the planning and implementation of shelter recovery efforts, responding to the massive destruction of housing infrastructure in Gaza.

Key Responsibilities

The Housing and Shelter Expert will serve as the lead technical focal point for the planning and design of housing and shelter recovery components under the GRRDP. The expert will:

• Develop and operationalize a comprehensive housing and shelter strategy for Gaza aligned with national frameworks and humanitarian standards.
• Guide the design and implementation of temporary and permanent shelter solutions, including prefabricated housing and rehabilitation schemes.
• Ensure shelter responses integrate safety, cultural relevance, gender sensitivity, and inclusivity for vulnerable populations.
• Liaise with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, international agencies, and civil society to ensure coherent and harmonized efforts.
• Advise on policy, technical standards, and innovative models for shelter reconstruction and neighborhood revitalization.
• Support MoPIC in appraising housing-related proposals and in overseeing implementation quality and impact.
• Build the technical capacities of national and local actors through training, coordination platforms, and policy dialogue.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong technical background in housing and shelter programs, including planning, design, implementation, and monitoring in post-conflict or crisis settings.
• Demonstrated experience advising on prefabricated housing, rehabilitation, and long-term shelter solutions.
• Familiarity with Palestinian housing policies, local governance, and reconstruction coordination mechanisms.
• Proven ability to work with government bodies, UN agencies, donors, and local actors on shelter responses.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills in Arabic and English; ability to produce technical documentation and presentations.
• Proficiency in engineering or architectural software and spatial planning tools (e.g., GIS, AutoCAD) is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Desirable: Willingness to travel to West Bank depending on access.

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 8,200 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.