Infrastructure Manager

Summary of functions:

1. Infrastructure 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 

• Develop, complete and update implementation plan(s) for infrastructure components.

• Implement the approved plan(s) in collaboration with the team and partners (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Board(s).

• Lead the timely and cost-effective implementation of the infrastructure products according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery. 

• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life span. 

• Manage the production of the required infrastructure outputs, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.

• Ensure that quality of infrastructure products comply with the quality requirements defined in the Implementation Plan.

• Act as the Employer’s Representative within the FIDIC works contracts.

• Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers.

• Manage acceptance and delivery of work packages.

• Monitor project progress ensuring that work packages are being executed properly.

• Control project and work packages changes.

• Lead contract management duties including supplier performance evaluation and accept works delivered by suppliers. 

• Identify, and anticipate in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures to the Sr. Programme Manager and Country Manager so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.

• Identify and report potential infrastructure related business opportunities for UNOPS.

• Work closely with the Sr Programme Manager and PMO to ensure that all infrastructure products comply with all organizational policies, including the Project Management Manual (PMM), UNOPS Design Review, Guidance Note on Health Infrastructure Assessment, Construction Supervision Guidance, Operational Instruction on Quality Management and HSSE, among others

• Prepare/adapt all relevant plans for approval by the Project Board.

• Actively contribute to fulfilling reporting obligations defined in the Legal Agreement(s) and in the Implementation Plan.

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

• Draft the requirements definitions for procurement processes of infrastructure products. Taking part in technical evaluation committees, if appointed to the evaluation team. 

• Ensure maintenance of the project files and lessons learned are recorded.

• Actively contribute to the implementation of financial control mechanisms as they relate to the delivery of infrastructure products, in conformity with UNOPS rules and regulations.

• Manage expenditures for infrastructure products against the budget (based on accurate financial reports).

• Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

• Identify and anticipate potential risks and issues related to the delivery of infrastructure products and advise on appropriate responses to mitigate risks and/or keep projects on track.

• Escalate critical issues / risks to the Senior Programme Manager and partners so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved.

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive quality management strategy for infrastructure products (including business cases/strategies, projects plans, risk assessments and infrastructure-related documents 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 document and knowledge management diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.

• Establish performance management tools for tracking progress and quality of infrastructure products.

• 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.  

• Work with the PMO to establish quality management system that takes into consideration segregation of role.

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

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.

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 environments 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. 

• Promote application of best practices in 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. 

• 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.

Resources and Personnel Management:

• Lead and motivate the Infrastructure and Implementation team.

• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity; providing clear direction, shared objectives and guidance to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established.

• Carry out performance reviews fairly, accurately and in a timely manner.

• Plan, recruit, manage and train the team as required, promoting best practices in infrastructure implementation, talent management and career path development.

• Take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.

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

• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasement, sexual harrasement and sexual exploitation and abuse. 

• Ensure accountability for own actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

• Support the Senior Programme Manager to identify necessary resources to successfully deliver infrastructure products

• Actively contribute to and remain accountable for forecast, budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time. 

• Mentor and coach the  team in planning, execution and delivery of infrastructure products with operational excellence.

Impact of Results: 

The effective and successful performance by the Infrastructure Manager directly impacts on achievement of project(s) results by ensuring quality delivery of infrastructure products in line with UNOPS Mandate and expertise.  Consequently, S/he reinforces the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.