OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Work assignment:

The assignment is framed within the UNESCO Projects “Urgent provision of a protective roof for the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa”, funded by Italy, and “Preserving cultural heritage in Ukraine: Reinforcing monitoring, emergency response and preparedness at damaged cultural and natural heritage sites in Ukraine, including the World Heritage property ‘The Historic Centre of Odesa’”, funded by Japan.

The repeated attacks to Odesa, have directly and indirectly damaged or put at risk a consistent part of the urban historic fabric of the city. Since July 2023 these threats intensified and are increasing the vulnerability of historic buildings. In August-September 2023, the UNESCO International Expert Mission to Assess Damage to Cultural and Religious Sites in Odesa assessed 47 buildings damaged due to the repeated attacks since July 2023.

Among them, the Cathedral of Transfiguration, which represents a significant religious site of Odesa, legally protected as historical monument of local significance, was hit by a missile on 23 July 2023. The building is located on one of the city’s central squares, Soborna Square, and plays a compositional role in its urban planning scheme. The building was rebuilt (1999-2005) after its destruction (1936) in the neoclassical architectural style, in reference to its reconstruction in 1903. The overall technical conditions of the building were assessed as not suitable for normal operation. The heating and ventilation system are in need of urgent repair for which UNESCO supports the owner of the Cathedral by developing the set of construction documentation as well as the contracting of a contractor to conduct the heating system repairs. UNESCO is seeking an experienced HVAC engineer who shall technically advice the Organization and oversight the appropriate conduction of the works on the heating system repair by the contractor.

Additional priority buildings for urgent interventions in the field of HVAC will be further selected for this assignment, as progressively identified by UNESCO and local authorities.

Description of duties:

Under the direct supervision of the Liaison officer/Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine and in consultation with relevant units at the Antenna in Ukraine and the Cultural Sector in Headquarters, the Consultant shall perform the technical check of the project documentation, advice on the required procedures and agreements that UNESCO has to ensure in view of the implementation of the designed works (letters, MoUs, etc.), and perform overall direct supervision of the work performed within the Projects, assist in the procurement procedures (bill of quantity, specifications, etc.), advice and oversight the daily works at the concerned fieldworks in Odesa.

To this end, the consultant shall perform the following, but not limited to, tasks:

1. Transfiguration Cathedral:

1.1 Based on the instruction of the UNESCO Antenna’s in Kyiv staff and Odesa architect consultant, regularly coordinate with the concerned in HVAC participants of the project, including international experts.

1.2 Conduct consultations with various stakeholders in HVAC to align the work with relevant national standards and regulations.

1.3 Assess and analyze the offers provided by the various bidders and assess and analysis project documentation and oversee the implementation of works in line with the contract provisions, Bill of Quantities and technical specifications.

1.5 Visit the fieldwork in Odesa and document the developments and workplan alignments, documenting the stage of the works and providing recommendations for improvements and solving eventual bottlenecks issues.

1.6 Verify that the works are done according to the agreed workplan, ongoing operating main legislations, norms and best practices and certify the satisfactory completion of the works.

2. Additional priority buildings for urgent interventions, in HVAC systems localized interventions, as progressively identified with UNESCO and local authorities based on the outcomes of the conducted assessment:

2.1 Based on the visual and instrumental inspections, oversee the conduction of detailed conditions assessment, check the documentation for performing urgent interventions at the selected damaged cultural buildings in Odesa, and assist in defining the specifications and bill of quantity for their implementation;

2.2 Effectuate quality assurance and ensure monitoring/direct supervision of the work performance in line with the proposed timeframe and that fieldwork requirements in terms of safety and security are respected during the duration of the works;

2.3 Assist the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine and Headquarters in procurement procedures, developing technical specifications, bills of quantities, request for quotation and other relevant documents;

2.4 Conduct market surface mapping on market products availability and costs;

2.5 Additional relevant activities that may be required to ensure the success of the project;

2.6 Regularly visit the fieldwork and document the developments and workplan alignments, documenting the stage of the works and providing recommendations for improvements and solving eventual bottlenecks issues;

2.7 Certify the completion of the works and assist the project manager who is responsible for the design of the project and follow-up of the works/submission to the Ukrainian competent authorities the requested papers at completion of the works;

2.8 Document and warrant the accuracy of information, submit to UNESCO the produced documentation related to before, during and at completion of the works.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Main technical requirements for the provision of services: services shall be provided in accordance with applicable legal regulations;

• Experience in the field of HVAC (as a designer or a contractor): at least 4 years, in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, heating point, boiler room design or manteling;
• Specialized education: Master or specialist degree in HVAC or related branch;
• Requirements for research and technical products to be provided to UNESCO upon completion of the work: research and technical products shall comply with the requirements of the applicable norms and rules, shall be drawn up by the Contractor in the state language and submitted to UNESCO.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Good knowledge of English;
• Experience in working on cultural heritage sites. Experience in World heritage Sites would be an asset;
• Experience in project management.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS