Infrastructure Manager

** Background Information – Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Background Information

The Zimbabwe projects fall under the purview of the UNOPS KEMC (Kenya Multi Country Office) Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes a large portfolio of Infrastructure, procurement and project management service projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and several Island states.
General Background of Project / Assignment

Following devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019 in Zimbabwe, the WB has allocated US$ 72 million and the African Development Bank (AFDB) has allocated a further US$ 25 million to finance recovery projects. The projects cater to both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture, WASH). UNOPS has been requested to establish multiple projects in Zimbabwe to assist with the recovery of the selected areas that were most affected by the storm. UNOPS is to implement a range of infrastructure projects in different sector going from small scale community infrastructure focusing on labor intensive approach (road, health facilities, schools, irrigation schemes, market, etc.) to larger public infrastructure using private companies for design and construction (roads, bridges, water & sanitation systems, irrigation schemes, electrical MV systems, etc.).

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Infrastructure Manager will work directly under the Senior Programme Manager’s supervision to effectively manage the delivery of the infrastructure components under the portfolio and the different field operations. He/She will be expected to maintain and strengthen relationships with key government counterparts at different levels, as well as relevant UN agencies.

** Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

1. Infrastructure Portfolio Planning, Delivery and Performance

2. Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance

3. Partnerships and Stakeholder Management

4. Knowledge Management and Innovation

5. Resources and Personnel Management

Infrastructure Portfolio Planning, Delivery and Performance

• Take responsibility for infrastructure project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Country Manager and the Senior Programme Manager.

• Mentor and assist the team members in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, including but not limited to design development, design management, design review, construction management, works supervision, contract management (FIDIC), change control, quality management, health and safety and environment, and other infrastructure related areas of expertise, ensuring incorporation of best practice of infrastructure project management processes.

• Work closely with the Programme Management Office (PMO) to ensure that project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided.

• Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the infrastructure portfolio of projects according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery.

• Establish and execute the infrastructure portfolio of projects implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and client-oriented services.

2. Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance:

• Identify and anticipate in a timely manner potential risks and issues through infrastructure expertise and knowledge, advise on mitigation measures and ensure implementation thereof, escalate critical issues / risks to the Senior Programme Manager and partners so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved .

• Oversee and advise on the preparation, quality and proper management of infrastructure portfolio of projects documents (including business cases/strategies, projects plans, risk assessments and infrastructure-related documentation such as site assessments, design package, contract management and works supervision documentation, as-build design, testing and commissioning reports, change orders, completion and handover certificate, etc.)

• Ensure and advise on compliance with all organizational policy especially those in the Project Management Manual and infrastructure-related policies .

• Ensure and advise on compliance and delivery of all legal agreements obligations, including quality and timely reporting, timely closure of infrastructure projects, compliance with audit requirements, etc.

• Provide routine oversight, track delivery progress and projects status, evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality), assist with and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system.

• Provide technical advice and support to project teams, partners, beneficiaries across the multi-country office.

3. Partnerships and Stakeholder Management:

• Build and strengthen partnerships in the infrastructure space through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in infrastructure project service delivery and management.

• Collaborate with the Partnerships Officer to prepare and develop infrastructure-related proposals and engagement.

• Establish solid working relationships with partners, clients and key stakeholders. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover infrastructure outputs and management products.

• Advise partners and clients on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as operations and maintenance)

• Identify and report to the Country Manager potential business opportunities for UNOPS

4. Knowledge Management and Innovation:

• Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology in the infrastructure space to enhance the infrastructure portfolio delivery and results.

• Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy or supporting guidance in the area of expertise to align operations with changing environment with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of infrastructure-related capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the infrastructure portfolio of projects.

• Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that case studies, lessons learned and best practices are shared and institutionalised for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

5. Resources and Personnel Management:

• Plan and propose to the Senior Programme Manager required infrastructure portfolio resources (human and financial).

• Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts for infrastructure portfolio based on UNOPS and Country Office/Multi Country Office financial goals.

• Oversee forecast, budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.

• Manage infrastructure portfolio resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability.

• Plan, recruit, manage and develop infrastructure portfolio personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encouraging the formation of diverse teams in terms of gender and geography.

• Lead and motivate the infrastructure portfolio team, promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the infrastructure portfolio team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently

• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

• Ensure safety and security for all infrastructure project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards

** Education

• Advanced University degree in Engineering or Architecture is required.

• A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

** Certifications

• Certification in PRINCE2 Foundation is required

• Knowledge and certification in Project Management (PRINCE2, PMI, etc.) is desired

• Professional certification from an accredited institution ( PEng., CEng. , etc) is an asset

• Completion of the UNOPS PMM, UNOPS PMM Infra perspective and oneUNOPS Projects training within (3) months from joining UNOPS is required

** Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in multi-sectoral infrastructure projects is required.

• Demonstrated experience in contract management (FIDIC contracts preferred).

• Demonstrated technical acumen, with the ability to understand, plan, and advice on technical project documents is desirable.

• A minimum of five years of experience in construction management is required.

• Good knowledge of internationally recognized building codes and standards is desired.

• Experience across all the life cycle of infrastructure projects including but not limited to design, procurement and works supervision is desired.

• Proficiency in MS project and schedule analysis desired.

• Experience working in middle income countries and/or developing countries and with multicultural teams is an asset.

** Languages

Fluency in written and oral English required.

** Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational 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.

** Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

** Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: IICA3
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-of…

• This position is based in a family duty station

** Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.