Job Specific Context
The Infrastructure Advisor is responsible for ensuring the technical compliance and quality of UNOPS infrastructure engagements. Guided by the Head of Programme (HoP) and working with Project Managers, the Advisor monitors project teams to ensure all infrastructure products meet the expectations and requirements of UNOPS, clients, and donors.
Role Purpose
In addition to responsibilities for Quality Assurance, Design and Procurement Oversight, Project and Programme Management, and Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) compliance, the Advisor - working closely with the Country Director, Head of Programme, and partnerships colleagues - provides strategic leadership for the identification and development of new infrastructure opportunities. This includes ensuring alignment with corporate, regional, and country strategies. A core function of the role is to deliver technical leadership and guidance on all new infrastructure proposals, ensuring they are technically sound, compliant with UNOPS requirements, responsive to stakeholder expectations, and appropriately resourced in terms of scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and quality management.
The Advisor also champions the mainstreaming of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive principles across all UNOPS infrastructure initiatives, coordinating closely with the Regional Infrastructure Advisor and the HQ Strategic Initiatives team to ensure coherence and impact.
Functions / Key Results Expected
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Quality Assurance, Design, and Procurement Oversight
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Support the conduct of overall quality control of works and ensure compliance with UNOPS’ quality standards.
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Counter-sign all statements of works advancements issued by companies and undersigned by the project managers and site supervisors.
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Review product quality and ensure products are accepted.
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Specific support to design management, including design review, in order to manage risks related to quality, cost, and time.
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Specific support to the procurement of infrastructure-related activities, in order to manage risks related to quality, cost and time.
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Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers.
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Project & Programme Management
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Ensure that projects are in line with UNOPS procedures and requirements defined by HQ and supported by the AFCO Programme Management Office (PMO).
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Provide surge capacity and temporarily take on the Project Manager role for infrastructure projects, should the PM and deputy be unavailable, including during project closure stages.
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Ensure approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) remain within tolerances set by project boards.
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In conjunction with Project Managers, facilitate the production of required products, monitoring progress and use of resources and, in consultation with the HoP, initiating corrective action where necessary.
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Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE)
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Monitor and support Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental aspects in UNOPS offices and projects, in liaison with the HQ HSE team, Regional office HSSE Specialist, and AFCO HSSE colleagues
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Strategic Alignment and Advisory
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Collaborate with HoP and partnerships team to ensure all proposals are aligned with AFCO strategy, as well as UNOPS requirements, partner expectations, and have sufficient resources and planning to be implemented effectively
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Provide technical evaluations and analysis to enable senior management and stakeholders to make informed decisions.
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Advise the HoP on all infrastructure related matters and any deviations from project/programme plans.
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Knowledge Management and Innovation
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Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
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Actively interact with other PMs and the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices on the Knowledge System.
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Strengthen AFCO knowledge and culture of UNOPS infrastructure approach through regular knowledge sharing events and platforms
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Contribute to regional knowledge sharing activities where appropriate
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Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
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Complete lessons learned as per reporting format, and take the lead on Lessons Learnt workshops related to infrastructure and infrastructure projects in AFCO.
Skills
Contract Management, Engineering, Engineering Design, Information Technology Infrastructure Management, Project Management, Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment, Risk Management
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education Requirements
Required
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Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in civil, water, electrical, mechanical, structural or other applicable engineering disciplines with 9 years of relevant experience OR
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Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above with 7 years of relevant experience is required.
Desired
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Project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMI, PEng, CEng, etc) is desired.
Experience Requirements
Required
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Relevant experience is work in implementing and managing infrastructure projects (e.g. roads, dams, bridges, irrigation, health, windmills, solar power, ports, etc.), all or some in developing countries, post-conflict environments, or emergency contexts.
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Experience in defining technical and design requirements is required..
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Knowledge of infrastructure quality assurance methodologies and tools is required.
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Experience in managing infrastructure project risks in a multi-stakeholder context is required
Desired
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Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
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Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
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Experience in contract management is desired.
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Experience in supporting the development of procurement strategies is desired.
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Knowledge of FIDIC contracts is desired.
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Experience of planning and applying health and safety procedures is desired
Language Requirements
Language Proficiency Level Requirement
English Fluent Required
