Background Information – Job Specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.
Background Information – Zimbabwe
Following devastation caused to life, livelihoods and. property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the WB has allocated up to US$ 72 million and the African Development Bank (AFDB) has allocated a further US$ 25 million to finance recovery projects for Zimbabwe. The projects cater to both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture). UNOPS is implementing several projects in Zimbabwe to assist with the recovery of the selected areas in Zimbabwe that were most affected by the storm, including establishing a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and implementing the rehabilitation of community infrastructure in different sector (labor intensive roads; small health facilities; schools; irrigation schemes; etc.).
Background Information – Job Specific
Infrastructure Manager is a key member of the Zimbabwe Country Office and the Implementing teams for the recovery efforts from tropical storm Idai. With funding from the World Bank and the AfDB, the projects address both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors including livelihoods, health, education, and agriculture. The Infrastructure manager will lead the team of technical and operations specialists to deliver quality, resilient infrastructure to the communities most affected by the storm.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
The Infrastructure Manager will report directly to the Senior Programme Manager to effectively manage the delivery of the infrastructure components and the different field operations. The Infrastructure Manager may be requested to deputize for the Senior Programme Manager on technical matters. The position is based in the field, either in Chimanimani or Chipinge.
S/he will be expected to to mobilize and motivate the team, maintain and strengthen relationships with key government counterparts at different levels, as well as relevant UN agencies. S/he is expected to meet the agreed delivery targets for infrastructure in both results and quality.
The Infrastructure Manager is responsible for creating the Implementation Plan for the Infrastructure components, using the Project Initiation Document (PID), the Project Operations Manual (POM), Legal Agreement and Safeguards Instruments.
S/he is responsible for having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the infrastructure products delivered by UNOPS meet the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). Success of the project(s) and hence of the Infrastructure Manager will be based on the defined Success Criteria.
Functional Responsibilities
Summary of functions:
- Infrastructure Planning, Delivery and Performance
- Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance
- Partnerships and Stakeholder Management
- Knowledge Management and Innovation
- Resources and Personnel Management Infrastructure Planning, Delivery and Performance
- 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.
Procedures
- 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.
Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance:
- 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.
Education
- An Advanced University degree in Engineering or Architecture is required.
- A combination of a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
Certification
- Professional certification from an accredited institution (PEng., CEng. , etc) is an asset.
- Certification in PRINCE2 Foundation or similar (PMI, PMP etc.) is desired.
- Completion of the UNOPS PMM, UNOPS PMM Infra perspective and oneUNOPS Projects training within (3) months from joining UNOPS is required.
Experience
- A minimum of 7 years experience working on multi-sectoral infrastructure projects is required.
- A minimum of 5 years experience in construction management is required.
- At least 1 year experience working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams in a leadership role is required.
- At least 1 year experience implementing international norms in Health and Safety is required.
- Experience managing projects with multiple sites and complex logistical dimensions in remote locations is an asset.
- Experience with the design, procurement stages of the infrastructure life cycle is a distinct advantage.
- Experience working with Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on Donor funded projects is an asset.
- Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is a distinct advantage.
- Experience in works contract management (FIDIC contracts preferred).
- Good knowledge of internationally recognized building codes and standards is desired.
- Previous field experience working in Africa is highly desirable.
Languages
- Fluency in written and oral English required.
- Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.
Competencies
Strategic Perspective – Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Integrity and Inclusion – Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and Others – Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnering – Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation – Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility – Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused – Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication – Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Additional Competencies
- 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.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
- 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.
Contarct type, Level, Duration
Contract type: ICA
Contract level: IICA3
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
- This position is based in a family duty station
Background Information UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
More Information
- Job City Zimbabwe
