Contract Management Advisor - Infrastructure (Retainer), Multiple positions

The Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) is a unit with the purpose of serving the operations of the entities under its coverage, primarily with advice and solutions to everyday implementation challenges. The unit also acts as a mechanism, in collaboration with the relevant practice leads, for identifying areas within management and delivery practices, where policy and process enhancements can be introduced to meet implementation needs.

As part of the SSC IPAS Project Management and Infrastructure Unit (IPAS PMI), the incumbent will be responsible for the provision of expert advice to both internal and external stakeholders. Specifically, the incumbent will:

• Advise  the delivery teams on how to effectively use UNOPS FIDIC-based Professional Services / Works Contracts
• Lead the management of Claims and Variations and any subsequent dispute resolution activities
• Provide advice on contractual compliance matters

• Provide guidance on dealing with price increases and change management processes

• Provide commercial and contractual support to country offices on the development of projects particularly during the pre-engagement phase

• Provide guidance on the approach to the division of a project into its component work packages and support appropriate alignment to effective measurement of works
• Provide support in the revision and drafting of contracts with vendors

• Provide advice to the country offices on the management of contractual matters during implementation

The incumbent will also provide advice on implementation strategy and specific contract related risks that may affect the proposed approach whilst liaising with the relevant policy units (Procurement, Legal, IPMG) to align policy, rules and regulations with UNOPS construction contracts.

The incumbent will also act as the focal point for operational contract management issues when required. 

When required, the incumbent will support with the development and delivery of potential training to country offices as required as well as in the development and improvement of organizational directives and administrative instructions pertaining to infrastructure.

He/she will be expected to work independently and drive several initiatives with limited or no supervision.

Support the IPAS PMI team in establishing and maintaining a mechanism to capture key issues, challenges, gaps and possible areas of improvement.

Undertake other tasks as assigned by the IPAS Project Management and Infrastructure unit

Final Product

• Accurate, timely and professional execution of above duties.
• Proactive follow-up on duties and commitments
• Client satisfaction based on feedback and resolution of issues

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent such as MEng, MASc) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Contract Law, or similar is required.
• A combination of a Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor's or equivalent such as BEng, BASc) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Contract Law, or similar in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

• Minimum 7 years of experience managing contracts ranging from complex heavy engineering and infrastructure projects to small operation, maintenance or construction projects is required
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts is required
• Sound experience in the compilation, assessment and settlement of claims under the FIDIC form(s) of contract is required
• Working experience in construction sites is required
• Experience working in a development context is desirable
• Knowledge of other engineering contract forms is desirable

• For the positions supporting English-speaking region fluency English is required 
• For the positions supporting French-speaking countries fluency in both English and French is required  
• For the positions supporting Spanish-speaking countries fluency in both English and Spanish is required  

• Ability to understand and analyse operational obstacles, and rethink immediate and long-term solutions;
• Analytical, innovative and pro-active;
• Highly solution-oriented;
• Client-oriented
• Strong communication skills

• 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.
• 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
• 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.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.