Infrastructure Specialist

The EU funded Support to Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment and Trade project, STREIT, in Papua New Guinea aims to contribute to the sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas. The ILO has been tasked to implement the infrastructure development component of this project thereby contributing to the overall goal of STREIT by improving transport access into the rural areas.  It will specifically target integration with and support to the broader work of FAO and other project partners to support specific cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains.

The ILO will deliver the project activities through close collaboration with government agencies, civil society as well as other UN agencies and programmes, in the spirit of the One-UN approach.

The project will build on ILO’s mandate to promote decent work for all, ensuring an inclusive approach that takes into consideration the needs of the local communities in East Sepik and Sandaun Provinces. The ILO will make use of its existing capacity and strong presence in the Asia Pacific region to deliver proposed activities.  

In collaboration with project partners, local authorities, technical agencies, business associations and others, the Infrastructure Specialist will engage in a number of activities.

Further details can be obtained from the TOR.

• Manage and organise surveys and inventory work of existing transport infrastructure in the project area, including information on key geographical features, main rivers and water transport, ports, jetties, road network, airstrips and secure timely updates on new developments, condition of infrastructure assets and access constraints.
• Initiate and oversee the appraisal and planning of rehabilitation and maintenance of transport infrastructure where other project components are envisaged and present findings to project partners and beneficiaries in a clear and concise manner.
• Devise, organise and provide inputs to quantity surveys, preparation of designs, cost estimates of infrastructure works, preparation of bidding documents and civil works contracts and conduct tenders through national competitive bidding, local market surveys and community contracting.
• Supervise and provide inputs to the design of structural works such as bridges, culverts, drifts, jetties and other structures based on hydrological assessments and other ground conditions.
• Organise the testing of gravel, aggregate and other building materials obtained from local quarries identified during the design stage.  Review results of material testing and provide necessary design recommendations

An advanced university degree in civil engineering.

At least 10 years of hands-on experience in managing and implementing rural transport infrastructure works, of which 7 years relate to rural road works.

Proven experience in working and engaging with government agencies, private sector contractors, donors and UN agencies, and heterogeneous teams composed of consultants, specialists, and local collaborators of different educational and cultural background - in remote and difficult settings.

Extensive experience in managing and supervising local contractors engaged through public works contracts.

Solid understanding of skills development and institutional strengthening within the construction industry.

Good knowledge of community and project stakeholder consultations and mobilisation in the context of rural infrastructure works.

Excellent command of English (oral and written). 

• Ability to independently initiate and lead the preparation and management of project activities with a clear focus on reaching defined outputs in a timely manner as agreed in project documents and work plans;
• Proven effective managerial skills; ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyse challenges as a basis for finding appropriate solutions; ability to provide technical guidance and support to staff and beneficiaries;
• Proven interpersonal and organisation skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Proven ability to establish priorities and to plan, organise, coordinate and monitor project activities;
• Ability to build and maintain interrelationships and networks with government and international agencies working in related fields;
• Good understanding of gender and minority issues, gender mainstreaming and equal opportunity principles and approaches;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.
• Well-developed and effective communication skills (verbal and written), including ability to present plans, results, reports, technical manuals and guidelines, conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely conveying maximum necessary information, making and defending recommendations, ability to convey difficult issues and positions to project partners and government officials;
• Computer literacy.