Regional Infrastructure Advisor

UNOPS strategic focus places increased emphasis on national capacity development and sustainable approaches to project management, procurement and infrastructure services.  A key objective is to be recognized as an organization that delivers world-class infrastructure and project management, which is both economically and socially sustainable, even in the most challenging environments

Within UNOPS, the Infrastructure and Project Management Group’s objectives are to serve the organization’s personnel and partners by broadening their infrastructure and project management capabilities, while disseminating best-practices in both of these areas. Through this work, the group helps facilitate the successful delivery of programmes and projects around the world. This role will play a critical role working within the Asia Region (AR) while working closely with the Infrastructure and Project Management Group to serve the needs of the region in an Infrastructure Regional Advisory position.

Working with both the Asia Region (AR) and the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG), the successful incumbent can be expected to be responsible for providing Infrastructure Advisory services to Country Office senior management and technical staff in support of regional strategies and various projects across the Asia Region, within the offices which UNOPS operates.

This role will provide regional support in quality assurance, implementation of infrastructure projects and business development.  The incumbent will support the business development agenda in the Asia Region through their expertise, regional contacts and ability to demonstrate a depth of experience in their field.

The Regional Infrastructure Advisor will be a critical link between AR and its operations in the field, as well as with IPMG. This position will report to the Asia Regional Director with a secondary reporting line to IPMG. The incumbent will be required to work in a collaborative manner, with colleagues within the Asia Regional Office, Asia Region Country Teams at all levels across the organization.

This role will be based in Bangkok, Thailand but should business needs change, the duty station may be re-located within the Asia Region

Functional Responsibilities

The Regional Infrastructure Advisor will be responsible for representing all aspects of the practice within the Asia region. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Technical Advice & Quality Assurance

• Provide technical advice and guidance on developing and implmentation of quality assurance framework within the region in relation to infrastructure projects
• Provide advice across the design development process with regards to the preparation of technical specifications, Bills of Quantities, bidding documentation, engineering drawings, construction methodologies, construction planning and programming, and assessments of contractors' technical capacity to deliver
• Regularly support and provide guidance on construction activities including Health and Safety, Quality, Environmental and other risk management activities’.
• Advising the UNOPS Country management teams regarding compliance with UNOPS Health and Safety and Environmental Management System

2. Implementation Support

• Substantive support to the Programme/Project & Team managers in the implementation of infrastructure projects
• Advise infrastructure practitioners on the application, interpretation and adoption of corporate policy, guidance and best practices
• Advising the Country management Teams regarding design considerations and design review requirements, and being aware of the capacity and capabilities of the various in-house units across the regions
• Support field office infrastructure teams in the identification, engagement, bid evaluation and management of local and regional consultancy firms providing infrasutrure design and construction services

3. Partnerships Development Support

• Support UNOPS Partnership Development & Strategic positioning agenda in the region through her/his expertise, regional contacts and demonstrated ability
• Represent UNOPS at appropriate regional or country level forum within Asia
• Review proposals and support the development of infrastructure projects in the region as appropriate, via the corporate engagement system and providing advice to the Hub and Country Directors and Regional Director accordingly.
• S/he will provide advice and support on new initiatives, with focus on quality assurance and quality control of project documents, costing and cost implications, implementation plans, milestones and benchmark indicators
• S/he may be required and assist with technical input to proposals, including project planning, governance, and approach considerations

4. Knowledge Sharing and Technical leadership

• Dissemination of training for corporate guidance and instructions that impact infrastructure practitioners, as required
• Ensure best practice guidance is disseminated and communicated throughout the region and within the organisation more generally.
• S/he will contribute to the knowledge of IPMG knowledge management by capturing case studies and best practice examples from the region, making recommendations on policy and tools, as well as contributing to the development of guidance material and tools
• Undertake missions to Country Offices and project sites to review and advise with regards to quality and progress related issues, and highlight operational problems, both within and beyond the region.
• S/he will provide expertise and support in implementation of standards and frameworks, procurement and contract modality selection and management, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, OH&S, EMS etc

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant discipline such as MEng, Architecture, MASc or  Civil Engineering (CEng, PE, P. Eng.) is required;

Work Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive work experience in a Senior Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management role is required including at least 7 years at senior management level.
• Experience of working in Asian countries in an international development environment is essential. 
• Experience of working in and providing innovative technical solutions for post-conflict, post-disaster environments will be an asset. 
• Understanding of Sustainability andResilience concepts as they are applied within the infrastructure and development contexts is desirable.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required; 
• Knowledge of local languages in the Asia region is considered an asset;

Certifications:

• Certification in a recognized project management methodology (i.e. PRINCE 2) and knowledge of programme management methodology (e.g. MSP) is desired.

• 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.
• 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.