Background of VNG International
VNG International (www.vng-international.nl) is the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities. Our objective is to strengthen democratic local government, to support decentralization processes and to facilitate decentralized cooperation. We strengthen local governments, their associations, training institutes and decentralization task forces both in developing countries and in countries in transition.
Introduction to the Country Program
Sustainable Development through Improved Local Governance (SDLG) program, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by VNG International, focuses on increasing legitimacy and stability in marginalized communities in rural Palestine, in the upcoming 5 years (2022-2026). By focusing on local governance, VNG International aims to strengthen Palestine’s sovereignty and control over its territories, in Area A, B and C.
The main challenge facing Palestinian cities and communities lies in the political, spatial, and administrative divisions in the West Bank. The division of the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C, led to the emergence of the phenomenon of land fragmentation, scattering and scarcity. This resulted in a lack of established integrated service networks across local governments and insufficient representation of communities in marginalized areas by their local governments.
Therefore, the program’s main objective is: LAs in marginalized communities in rural Palestine are increasingly legitimate and stable. In order to achieve this, we will work on four outcomes:
Outcome 1: Palestinian LAs act more accountable, responsive and inclusive to resident’s needs.
Outcome 2: Palestinian LAs act in a more inclusive, sustainable and prepared manner on the basis of strategic and spatial plans.
Outcome 3: Palestinian stakeholders provide an enabling environment to the developing Village Councils.
Outcome 4: Palestinian government actors are aware of the evidence base to enhance resilience of communities in Area C.
Context for current Terms of Reference
Area C is fundamental for the viability of Palestine and its economy, as it spans 61% of the West Bank’s territory. Around 300,000 Palestinians live in area C, all of whom face territorial and administrative fragmentation and financial restrictions. In addition, the other 2.6 million Palestinians live in Area A and B depend on Area C for their own movement and that of goods, as well as for the usage of natural resources, which all remain limited due to a complex set of restrictive policies and enforcement practices of Israeli authorities.
The programme is targeting a cluster of 8 communities in the West of Ramallah and El-Bireh Governorate. These are: Shuqba, Qibya, Shabtin, Budrus, Deir Qaddis, Ni’lin, Kharbatha Bani Harith, and Al Midya. In totality the cluster is home to about 30.000 inhabitants and spans an area of almost 78.525 dunums.
Aim of this assignment
The key objective of this assignment is to deliver a variety of supported engineering, technical and facilitation services to the MoLG Urban Planning department, program advisory committee, program Clusters’ LAs, and VNGi program management team.
Specific tasks
In realization of the objective of the assignment, the- Engineering Support Officer shall perform the following tasks:
- Support SDLG program team and MoLG team in coordination with the clusters’ planning implementing partners, clusters’ LAs, relevant stakeholders through virtual / face-to-face meetings and workshops;
- Assist in communicating with the relevant Local Government Directorates and LAs to determine the final approved boundaries for the targeted clusters’ LAs;
- Assist in tracking progress on program implementation with MoLG, clusters’ plans development partners and clusters’ LAs;
- Review the developed cluster plans before the submission for objections and make sure that the required amendments made in accordance with the decision of the Higher Planning Council for approval and filing them for execution as required;
- Prepare the necessary arrangements for the establishment of a “Joint Planning and Building Committee” (forms, files, notifications, licenses, etc.);
- Prepare progress reports as / when required by the field manager include a log of meetings, discussions, field works, timesheets that he/she takes part in;
- Assist in preparing necessary presentation materials for meetings;
- Provide administrative and logistics support when needed;
- Carry out any other related project tasks assigned by MoLG team and the SDLG program team, and;
- Actively represent VNG International’s values, ethical Code of Conduct and approaches of good governance, capacity building and service delivery.
جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.
Reporting requirements
She / He will report to Field Manager at VNG International Palestine’s office on a daily basis on findings and progress of the areas she / he will be responsible for (monthly progress report is required as well). He will ensure that a proper level of information prior to, during and after the activity is provided to the Field Manager.
He / She will work in close collaboration with the local program team, the national and international experts and VNG International program team to ensure alignment of the activities.
Minimum qualifications
The Engineering Support Officer should have the following minimum requirements:
Skills:
- Excellent command of Arabic and English language;
- Excellent writing and reporting skills;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Pro-active and representative attitude;
- Effective time management skills;
Experience:
- Must have at least BA degree in civil, spatial / urban planning, or architectural engineering.
- Must have demonstrated experience in planning and demarcation of structural schemes.
- Be proficient in the use of AutoCAD, GIS and any programs used for planning purposes.
- Able to conduct field tours.
- Able to work in full time capacity.
- Familiar with Local authority’s structure and the ongoing challenges they experience.
Period of the initial contract One year, start date is 01 October 2022.
Place of the assignment
VNG Ramallah Office, V.I.P Building No.2, Al Bireh, Palestine.
Ministry on Local Government -MoLG, Department of Urban Planning and GIS, Al Bireh, Palestine.
Contact details
Qualified candidates are requested to submit their application form that consists of: cover letter, CV indicating three previous supervisors by COB Sunday, 04 September 2022.
Please indicate your ability and availability to undertake the ToR above.
Applications to be sent via email to
Mrs. Amal Odeh
Operations Manager
Email: amal.odeh@vng.nl / Saleh.k@vng.nl
Resources (background information)
- Program’s proposal
- Background information on the target area (Data sheet and contact details).
- Annual plan and workplan 2022