The Portfolio Delivery Support unit as part of IPMG, provides support and an organizational oversight function and considers the application of standards, guidance and best practice throughout the execution of programmes and associated projects.
This unit delivers support and oversight functions through two technical support streams, the infrastructure and the project management streams. The Infrastructure stream includes the Design Review Team (DR).
The technical support streams are responsible for supporting delivery scale-up & speed-up by expanding the portfolio delivery support by enhancing the consultation and approval of IPMG related policy interpretations, exceptions, waivers, and policy-related advice to the field. The team also supports IPMG’s role in Operational Risk Management, including undertaking Risk Based Performance Assessment missions, leading and coordinating technical support on operational risk mitigation in Country Offices with relevant gaps. In addition to the Infrastructure Consultancy Services Global LTA Management.
The IPMG’s Design Review team fulfills a dual mandate. The first role is to verify the technical competency of all UNOPS infrastructure designs, ensuring minimum requirements for life safety and functionality are met, and promoting a consistent, effective, and efficient approach for our donors and beneficiaries. Ensuring that minimum requirements for life safety and functionality of design is maintained and to achieve a consistent, effective and efficient approach in infrastructure activities for our donors and beneficiaries. The second role is to act as a Centre of Excellence and Strategic Partner, focusing on knowledge-sharing, best practice dissemination, expert technical guidance, and cultivating informed risk management in infrastructure design. This position is within the Design Review team.
Under the direction of the Design Review Team Lead, the successful incumbent will be responsible for helping to ensure the safety and functionality of UNOPS infrastructure. More specifically, the Design Review Engineer will be responsible for:
The evaluation and review of medium and high-risk infrastructure works and verifying reviews of low risk works.
Engaging with design teams and IPMG design review technical retainers to identify and resolve technical design issues.
Providing technical guidance on design aspects of infrastructure works.
Cultivating informed risk management in infrastructure design.
1. Technical Analysis of Design
The Design Reviewer Engineer will play a support role in assuring the safety and quality of designs for UNOPS infrastructure. Applying his/her technical expertise and professional experience, directed by the Design Review Team Lead, the Engineer will liaise with third-party reviewers to review and issue reports for the designs of medium and high-risk works and verify the process of review of low-risk projects.
2. Engage with infrastructure teams on technical issues
The incumbent will regularly engage with infrastructure project teams to evaluate and support technical design development and design review processes with field office project teams, third-party design reviewers, and peer reviewers of design packages.
3. Engage with infrastructure teams on coordination of project requirements and design review
The Design Review Engineer will regularly communicate and coordinate with field office design teams to successfully resolve technical issues or designed elements that deviate from codes. When appropriate, the Engineer will also support the development of local design management activities and guide project teams on control / assurance procedures that support efficient delivery of competent design packages.
The Design Review Engineer will act primarily as the Focal Point for a Region (for example Asia / Middle East / Latin America / Central Europe / Africa). Depending on workload, the role may also engage with country offices / projects not specifically within their primary geographic area.
4. Development of Design Review reporting
The Design Review Engineer will assist the team in organizing and summarizing technical data from Design Review activities and support the development of monthly reports for senior management.
5. Application of professional judgement
To ensure the safety and functionality of UNOPS infrastructure while recognizing the circumstances and constraints of the UNOPS operational context, the Design Review Engineer will be required to apply professional judgment in the technical application of relevant engineering codes and standards and the evaluation of design packages.
6. Independence, Integrity and Opportunity
In the performance of his/her services, the Design Review Engineer will provide independent technical evaluation and recommendations, free of conflicts of interests, and be able to maintain the integrity of the technical opinion against project pressures.
7. Monitoring and Progress Control
Ongoing assessment of task completion that meets quality expectations
Successfully meeting deadlines
Completing progress reports as required
8. Center of Excellence
The incumbent shall contribute to the team’s mandate as a Center of Excellence and Strategic Partner by actively engaging in knowledge-sharing and the systematic capture and dissemination of best practices in infrastructure design across the organization. This includes providing expert technical guidance to project teams, developing guidance material, and cultivating a culture of informed risk management in the application of engineering codes and standards, thereby enhancing project quality, sustainability, and operational outcomes.
