Overview
Infrastructure Advisor Jobs in Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka at UNOPS
Title: Infrastructure Advisor
Company: UNOPS
Location: Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Job Highlight
This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in international development while advancing your career in a prestigious UN organization. The position offers exposure to high-profile projects, cross-cultural collaboration, and professional development opportunities in project management, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence within the UN system.
Role Purpose
The Infrastructure Advisor will be responsible for representing all aspects of the practice within the South Asia Multi Country Office.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Technical Advice & Quality Assurance
Provide technical advice and guidance on development and implementation of a quality assurance framework within the region in relation to infrastructure projects.
Provide advice across the design development process with regards to the preparation of technical specifications, Bills of Quantities, bidding documentation, engineering drawings, construction methodologies, construction planning and programming, and assessments of contractors' technical capacity to deliver.
Regularly support and provide guidance on construction activities including Health and Safety, Quality, Environmental and other risk management activities.
Advising the UNOPS Country management teams regarding compliance with UNOPS Health and Safety and Environmental Management System.
- Implementation Support
Substantive support to the Programme/Project Managers and Team Leaders in the implementation of infrastructure projects.
Advise infrastructure practitioners on the application, interpretation and adoption of corporate policy, guidance and best practices.
Advising the Country management Teams regarding design considerations and design review requirements, and being aware of the capacity and capabilities of the various in-house units across the regions.
Support field office infrastructure teams in the identification, engagement, bid evaluation and management of local and regional consultancy firms providing infrastructure design and construction services.
- Partnerships Development Support
Support UNOPS Partnership Development & Strategic positioning agenda in the region through their expertise, regional contacts and demonstrated ability.
Represent UNOPS at appropriate regional or country level forum within Asia.
Review proposals and support the development of infrastructure projects in the region as appropriate, via the corporate engagement system and providing advice to the Hub and Country Directors and Regional Director accordingly.
S/he will provide advice and support on new initiatives, with focus on quality assurance and quality control of project documents, costing and cost implications, implementation plans, milestones and benchmark indicators.
S/he may be required and assist with technical input to proposals, including project planning, governance, and approach considerations.
- Knowledge Sharing and Technical leadership
Dissemination of training for corporate guidance and instructions that impact infrastructure practitioners, as required.
Ensure best practice guidance is disseminated and communicated throughout the region and within the organization more generally.
S/he will contribute to the knowledge of IPMG's knowledge management by capturing case studies and best practice examples from the region, making recommendations on policy and tools, as well as contributing to the development of guidance material and tools.
Undertake missions to Country Offices and project sites to review and advise with regards to quality and progress related issues, and highlight operational problems, both within and beyond the region.
S/he will provide expertise and support in implementation of standards and frameworks, procurement and contract modality selection and management, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), etc.
Education Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering ,Architecture,Structural Engineering, Infrastructure Management or Civil Engineering (Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer , P. Eng.) or related fields with 9 years of relevant experience OR
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required
Desired
- Certification in a recognized project management methodology (i.e. PRINCE 2) and knowledge of programme management methodology (e.g. MSP) is desired.
Required
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of progressive work experience in a Senior Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management roles are required including at least 7 years at senior management level.
- Experience of working in Asian countries in an international development environment.
Desired
- Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired
- Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
- Experience working in infrastructure projects with government entities in developing countries will be an asset.
- Understanding of Sustainability and Resilience concepts as they are applied within the infrastructure and development contexts is desirable.
