Infrastructure Specialist

Job Description

The Myanmar Operations Centre (MMOC) has been established to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ portfolio of programmes and projects in Myanmar and to ensure that synergies between programmes and projects are effectively developed. These are currently in post-disaster recovery, health and food security. UNOPS is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar.

The MMOC portfolio currently includes fund management of the multi-donor Three Millennium Development Goals Fund (3MDG) and the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS is the Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grants to Myanmar (PR-GFATM).

The MMOC plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to UNOPS’ partners that meet stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness. It is also responsible for liaison with Government counterparts, Donors and UN Agencies.

The Infrastructure Specialist position has been created to address the growing need for technical expertise in managing the new infrastructure activities of UNOPS in Myanmar. The Infrastructure Specialist’s role will be twofold: to manage all aspects of the infrastructure portfolio and to develop business in the infrastructure sector.

The Infrastructure Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Director and Representative of UNOPS Myanmar. The Infrastructure Specialist will coordinate with different units including, but not limited to, Finance, Procurement, Compliance and Partnerships. Externally, the Infrastructure Specialist will mainly interact with service providers, contractors and funding agencies for infrastructure.

Functional Responsibilities

The Infrastructure Specialist shall be responsible for performing the following duties:

The Infrastructure Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Infrastructure Manager of UNOPS Myanmar and and in close collaboration with the Head of Programme, Communications and Partnership Unit.

Infrastructure Programme and Project Management

• Manage the initiation, implementation and closure of new infrastructure projects through results-based management, project monitoring systems and the maintenance of logs, e.g. risk log, lessons log in close coordination with the project.
• Support the Infrastructure Manager to lead on all operational, programmatic and administrative management of infrastructure projects.
• Produce project proposals and prepare legal documents related to infrastructure projects, e.g. MOUs, Management Service Agreements, Contracts, etc. in cooperation with Legal Advisers in UNOPS and partners
• Initiate tenders, including input for preparation of bid documents and the assessment of suppliers’ proposals for contract awards, in collaboration with procurement personnel and in full compliance with UNOPS policies
• Manage implementing partners’ and contractors’ performance in the portfolio of infrastructure projects, including through monitoring missions, ensuring that progress is made according to agreed timelines and delivery of required outputs to partners
• Address issues and problems that arise from infrastructure projects, ensuring their timely resolution to the satisfaction of UNOPS partners and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Prepare periodic, annual and completion reports for external and internal clients for infrastructure projects
• Prepare project budgets in accordance with UNOPS policies, including negotiation with partners on budgetary changes
• Oversee project fund management processes, including cash-flow management. Track expenditures and prepare financial reports on time, both periodically and after completion of projects, including through use of oneUNOPS, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software
• Arrange and prepare for audits by auditors of all projects within the Programme

Infrastructure Project Design Support

• In-depth review and comment on new project designs, analysis of feasibility of projects and cost implications, providing the necessary follow-up actions for project acceptance
• As and when required, draft documentation on the infrastructure projects being managed, including evaluation of their impact, e.g. in briefs, presentations, overviews. Ensure that documents are accurate and comply with UNOPS format and style
• Represent UNOPS at relevant Inter-Agency mechanisms, national authorities and donors,
• Manage relationships with infrastructure funding agencies, contractors, service providers, ensuring they have a sound understanding of UNOPS project management rules and processes, and build local capacity, e.g. in best practices, in the process
• Coordinate with UNOPS colleagues in the portfolio team, to work on the inception of potential infrastructure projects

The Infrastructure Specialist is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Professionalism – Proven ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend solutions. Familiarity with UN and UNOPS rules, regulations and policies. Ability to work systematically, accurately and under pressure.

Planning and organizing - Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision.

Result-oriented - Ability to focus on the result for the clients and respond positively to feedback.

Client orientation - Ability to identify clients’ needs and appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients.

Communication - Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Good report writing skills.

Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment and different stake holders with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Analyzing Skills – Ability to make rational judgments for the available information and analysis and probe for further information or greater understanding of a problem and present with alternative options.

Self-reliant: Ability to act independently with a minimum of supervision. Specific assignments may be reviewed while in progress; however the majority are reviewed on completion. Routine duties are performed independently.

Technological awareness - Excellent computer skills and ability to use software tools to present data clearly and concisely; Good working knowledge of MS Office applications including proficiency in Excel, Spreadsheets & Database Software.

Education

• A Master’s degree in an infrastructure related field such as engineering, architecture, and construction management or similar is required.
• Additional 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with certification in project management or infrastructure, construction or engineering management, may substitute for the master’s degree
• Additional qualifications in project management, e.g. PRINCE2® Foundation or PMP®, are highly desired.

Work experience

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in coordination, planning and managing of works in design and construction field is required.
• Management experience of large scale infrastructure projects in complex environments is preferable.
• Experience of administering FIDIC contract documents, preferably certified through FIDIC training courses is an asset.
• Previous experiences in developing countries is an asset
• Experience in the development of projects is preferable
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office , databases, and the internet is required.

Language Skills

• Fluency in oral and written English.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• 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 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.

About the Organization

Background Information - UNOPS

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.

Background Information - Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar is under the UNOPS Asia Regional Office and was established to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ portfolio of programmes and projects in Myanmar which focus on health programmes and livelihoods and rural development. UNOPS Myanmar ensures that synergies between programmes and projects are effectively developed.

The UNOPS Myanmar portfolio currently includes fund management of the multidonor Three Millennium Development Goals Fund (3MDG) and the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS is the Principal

Recipient of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grants to Myanmar (PR-GFATM), as well as the Regional Artemisinin Resistance

Containment Initiative (RAI). UNOPS is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar, including advisory services in these areas.

UNOPS is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar.

UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to UNOPS’ partners that meet stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness. It is also responsible for liaison with Government counterparts, Donors, NGOs and UN Agencies.

More information