Infrastructure and Project Management Advisor

Copenhagen

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Copenhagen
Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - IPAS

Based in UNOPS Headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, the UNOPS Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) unit provides strategic project implementation advice and operational support services to field offices under the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR), Asia Regional Office (AR), Middle East Regional Office (MR), Africa Regional Office (AFR), the Peace and Security Cluster, and UNOPS HQ units for HR and Legal support.

IPAS provides support in the areas of Procurement, Legal, Finance, Human Resources and Admin. By collecting and analyzing information on interactions with several offices, IPAS creates training plans and makes recommendations for more efficient project implementation processes.

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to Manager, SSC, IPAS, the incumbent will work closely with and supervise the IPAS PMI (Project Management and Infrastructure) unit which includes the management of the Regional Infrastructure and Project Management advisors. The incumbent will undertake a number of other core functions, including providing advice to the field offices, regional offices and HQ-based units on Infrastructure and Project Management as well as Contract matters pertaining to infrastructure projects.

The incumbent will have a specific bias towards operational implementation but will also maintain a strong understanding of UNOPS policy, rules and regulations.

Specific Job Functions

Team Management and Operational Support

Assume management of the personnel under IPAS PMI, including regional Infrastructure and Project Management Advisors;
Take the Lead in developing, planning, and execution of the work plan for IPAS PMI .
As a member of SSC-IPAS, contributes to development, and execution of the IPAS strategy and Business Plan;
Provision of management reports to the Manger of IPAS as required;
Lead and participate in the provision of an integrated delivery support to the projects and programmes either from Copenhagen or directly within the relevant Country Offices;
In collaboration with the relevant regions, the incumbent will develop and oversee the work plan for the regional infrastructure and project management advisors;
Address issues that are escalated by the Regional Advisors to IPAS PMI
Demonstrate leadership within and contribute to the community of practice, by maintaining contact and building relationships by addressing questions, providing support and acting as an available resource;

Project Management and Infrastructure (including Contract Management) Advice

Provide infrastructure and project management advice and support throughout the engagement management process in line with corporate policy and compliance framework;
Assist with application, interpretation and adoption of corporate policy, guidance and best practices pertaining to infrastructure and project management to the field offices.
Provide infrastructure and project management expert advice and support in new engagements and amendments through the engagement acceptance process.
Provide contractual compliance advice to infrastructure projects in line with UNOPS policy, rules and regulations.
Provide infrastructure practitioners with accurate and timely advice and guidance on matters relating to the management of UNOPS FIDIC-based Professional Services / Works Contracts including management of Claims and Variations and any subsequent dispute resolution activities.
Advise country offices on the management of contractual matters during implementation including dealing with price increases and change management processes
Provide contract guidance and training to country offices and other key stakeholders where appropriate
Support review of audit responses and follow-up on the implementation of audit recommendations;
Work closely with IPMG and Procurement to ensure alignment between procurement policy, rules and regulations and/with UNOPS Works Contract Management policy and guidelines. Liaise with Legal to align MoUs and client agreements with the specific roles and responsibilities under UNOPS Works Contracts
Support the development and improvement of UNOPS Operational Directives and administrative Instructions pertaining to Contract Management

Monitoring & Progress Control

Successfully meeting deadlines based on work plan;
Completing progress reports as required;

Capacity Building

Support IPMG in providing training to personnel on the management of contracts, processes, rules/policies and systems pertaining to infrastructure projects
Actively contributes to global knowledge by maintaining knowledge systems and sharing information and knowledge across the regions
Proactively obtain client feedback/suggestions during training programs and make suggestions for long-term solutions through policy/process change

Teamwork Skills

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Commitment to Diversity

Competencies

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

An Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent such as MEng, MASc) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Contract Law, or similar is required.
A First level University degree (Bachelor's or equivalent such as BEng, BASc) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Contract Law, or similar in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience

A minimum of 7 years’ work experience in Project Management, Engineering, and Contract Management role or related field is required;
A minimum of 2 years of managerial experience is required;
Knowledge of FIDIC contracts and experience in the compilation, assessment, and settlement of claims under the FIDIC form(s) of contract is required;
Experience in managing contracts ranging from complex engineering and infrastructure projects to small operation, maintenance or construction projects
Experience in UN in particular UNOPS is highly desirable

Language requirements

Fluency in English and French, both written and verbal, is required
Working knowledge of another UN language would be an asset

Certifications

PRINCE2® Foundation is a requirement. Certification document must be attached
PRINCE2® Practitioner is an asset, but required completion within the first 6 months of onboarding.
Programme/Project Management Professional (MSP® or PMI-PgMP/PMI-PMP) is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: I-ICA 3
Contract duration: one year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

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.
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.

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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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