Consultant for HLP Rights Registration System

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat, established in 1978, is the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization focuses on improving urban living conditions, enhancing urban governance, and promoting sustainable urban development practices.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for HLP Rights Registration System will play a crucial role in overseeing the installation, operation, and performance of a newly developed system designed to register and maintain housing, land, and property (HLP) rights claims in Syria. This position is vital for ensuring that the system meets the functionality requirements of UN-Habitat and satisfies the needs of end-users. The consultant will be responsible for monitoring the system's performance, supervising issue resolution, and ensuring that the system is stable and functioning effectively. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to enhancing the tenure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of citizens in the affected areas, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges faced by returnees and displaced populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for several key phases of the project: 1) Preparation Phase: a. Ensure Sound System Installation and Handover: Confirm that the system is installed correctly and functions as expected, and that all documentation, source code, training materials, user accounts, and credentials are complete. b. Ensure Training Is Completed: Facilitate training for end-users and admin users to ensure they can operate and manage the system effectively. c. Communication Channels Are Established: Set up clear communication channels for users to report technical issues and provide templates for issue reporting. 2) Operation and Maintenance Phase: a. Monitor Issues Reported by Users: Collect and categorize problems encountered by users, verify issues, and communicate them to the developer. b. Validate Fixes: Test updates or patches provided by the developer to ensure they resolve issues without causing new problems. c. Follow Up on System Performance: Regularly check the system's functionality, ensure backups are performed, and monitor system logs. d. Ensure Documentation is Updated: Maintain accurate records of fixes and changes, and update manuals as necessary. e. Manage Change Requests: Record and discuss user requests for new features, communicate decisions to the developer, and track progress on these requests. The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Housing and Cadastral Officer and the guidance of the Deputy Head of UN-Habitat Syria Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in designing, developing, and overseeing enterprise computerized systems is required for those with an advanced degree, while 4 years of experience is required for those with a first-level degree. Previous experience working with international organizations is preferred. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC), system architecture, databases, APIs, and web technologies. Additionally, the ability to review and assess code quality and system design, as well as knowledge of software testing methodologies and tools, is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively oversee the development and maintenance of the HLP rights registration system.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with an advanced university degree, or 4 years for those with a first-level university degree. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in designing, developing, and overseeing enterprise computerized systems. Previous working experience with international organizations is desired, as it indicates familiarity with the operational context and challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Arabic is required, with a UN Level III (Advanced) proficiency. Additionally, candidates must have functional proficiency in oral and written English, with a UN Level II (Intermediate) proficiency. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The consultant will be engaged under a contract that does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.