The Infrastructure Advisor is responsible for, inter alia, the following functions:
Procedures:
● Oversee and monitor overall implementation and operational closure of all infrastructure projects and programmes.
● Support project managers and site engineers in liaising with key stakeholders, including contractors and beneficiaries.
● Oversee the overall planning and monitoring of activities, and support the regular up-date of project plans according to actual progress.
● Immediately liaise with Project Managers regarding risk and issue management on all infrastructure projects.
● In conjunction with the QA/QC unit, support the conduct of overall quality control of works and assure compliance with UNOPS’ quality standards.
● Support, facilitate and oversee provisional and final acceptance of works within AFCO’s infrastructure projects.
● Counter-sign all statements of works advancements issued by companies and undersigned by the project managers and site supervisors.
● Provide the technical interface and coordination for the UNOPS Programme with all partners and stakeholders as required.
● Provide presentations on technical engineering aspects and assessments, as required.
● Provide technical evaluations and analysis to enable senior management and stakeholders to make informed decisions.
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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 Coordinator
Delivery and Performance:
● Collaborate with the country leadership team to ensure efficient and effective team working arrangements and communication, highlighting any potential areas for improvement.
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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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Ensure that projects are in line with UNOPS procedures and requirements defined by HQ and supported by the AFCO Programme Management Office (PMO).
● 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.
● Ensure approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) remain within tolerances set by project boards.
● 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.
● Liaise with external suppliers or account managers, as appropriate.
● Advise the HoP on all infrastructure related matters and any deviations from project/programme plans.
● Monitor management of risks and issues so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved.
● Review product quality and ensure products are accepted.
● 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 procurement of infrastructure related activities, in order to manage risks related to quality, cost and time.
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Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers.
● Identify, and report to the HoP and the Partnerships Development Unit (PDU) potential business opportunities for UNOPS and, where appropriate and necessary, support the development of such opportunities.
● Identify and report threats to UNOPS AFCO’s internal business case to the HoP and/or PMO.
Knowledge Management:
● Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
● Actively interact with other PMs and the PM community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices on the Knowledge System.
● Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
● Complete lessons learned as per reporting format, and take the lead on Lessons Learnt workshops related to infrastructure and infrastructure projects in AFCO.
● Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format.
Core Values:
● Understand and respect national ownership and capacity.
● Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into projects plans.
● Seek opportunities to recruit qualified local staff, in particular qualified females.
● Look for ways to build the capacity of local counterparts.
● Harmonization within the UN and beyond.
● Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework and projects’ place in the UN system.
● Know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seek to contribute within the deliverables of projects.
● Service to Others. As projects are representative of the United Nations it should be firmly rooted in the principle of service to others. This should be considered carefully in the development of project plans.
● Accountability for results and the use of resources.
● Champion gender, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
Additional Requirements
● Provide leadership and direction to the respective project teams on substantive and managerial aspects.
● Monitor all project activities in relation to the respective work plans and take corrective action, when necessary, to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of project outputs.
● Ensure the highest possible quality of delivery and devise strategies for increased programme delivery and quality programming.
● In consultation with the PDU, participate in business development and stakeholder relationship building.
● Undertake regular mission travel in the country when required.
● Analyse the efficiency of projects within the portfolio and develop mechanisms to improve performance as required.
● Raise awareness among AFCO staff and local counterparts on the principles of social inclusion and environmental management, and support the monitoring, evaluation and reporting on socially inclusive and environmentally responsible practices within the portfolio.
● Identify opportunities to strengthen linkages between key projects within the AFCO including mainstreaming SDGs into ongoing projects and those under development.