Project Management Office (PMO) - Infrastructure Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS East and Southern Africa Multi Country Office (ESAMCO) is located in Nairobi, Kenya. It manages a growing portfolio of engagements that include strategic and operational risks across multiple countries in East and South Africa. The office collaborates primarily with UN Agencies such as UN-Habitat and UNEP, and oversees various operational projects in countries including Kenya, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and several island states. The mission of ESAMCO is to ensure effective project management and delivery in the region, focusing on sustainable development and operational excellence.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Office (PMO) - Infrastructure Specialist plays a crucial role within the ESAMCO PMO, tasked with providing the necessary structures, tools, and techniques for effective project implementation. This position is responsible for ensuring that UNOPS is engaged in the right projects, balancing operational and change priorities, and facilitating governance and decision-making processes. The PMO covers strategic planning, delivery support, and best practice support, focusing on infrastructure project management. The specialist will oversee all infrastructure projects within the ESAMCO Programme, ensuring compliance with UNOPS standards and promoting best practices in Quality, Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Management (QHSSE). The role is pivotal in achieving the mission-focused goals of the ESAMCO.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Portfolio Support: Provide programmatic management and administrative support to the Head of Programme and PMO regarding infrastructure activities, policies, and standards. Contribute to strategic oversight and advice on infrastructure project management. Support planning and development of project budgets and resource optimization across the Multi Country Office portfolio. Identify potential programme-level risks and advise on mitigation measures. Lead needs assessments and feasibility studies, and support the review of new construction requests.
• Delivery Support: Oversee the startup of new infrastructure projects, including team recruitment and preliminary activities. Develop high-level programme and project plans, and coordinate closure activities for infrastructure projects. Ensure all projects have valid monitoring plans and coordinate implementation in the absence of a Project Manager.
• Infrastructure Project and Portfolio Performance: Monitor infrastructure project performance, ensuring timely delivery within budget. Review reports from Project Managers and provide strategic advice. Identify risks specific to infrastructure delivery and escalate as necessary.
• HSSE and Safeguards: Monitor implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and HSSE plans. Conduct inspections and support the Head of Programme in risk assessments and incident reporting.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop stakeholder engagement strategies and contribute to communication plans for infrastructure projects.
• Quality Assurance and Management: Provide quality assurance through monitoring and inspections, ensuring compliance with UNOPS standards. Support the development of Quality Management Plans and ensure all projects have valid Construction Quality Assurance Plans.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Act as a focal point for infrastructure maturity enhancement initiatives and facilitate training on QHSSE policies. Lead the establishment of knowledge networks in infrastructure disciplines.
• Personnel Management: Lead performance and talent management of infrastructure practitioners, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Required Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted. A minimum of 5 years of experience in Infrastructure Project Management is required, with at least 2 years in design and procurement stages. Experience in middle-income and developing countries, delivering training workshops, and managing multiple projects is advantageous. Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is a distinct advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. A Bachelor's degree combined with additional relevant work experience may also be considered. Certification in project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or PMP is advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in Infrastructure Project Management, with at least 2 years in the design and procurement stages of the infrastructure lifecycle. Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously and working with Government Ministries on donor-funded projects is preferred. Familiarity with UNOPS procedures and experience in post-conflict environments are also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Intermediate proficiency in Portuguese is considered a distinct advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) - Retainer Contract at the ICS 10 / LICA-10 level, with a duration of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability. This is a home-based retainer position, requiring occasional travel to project sites. The contractor will be compensated based on a unit price per day worked, with no minimum guaranteed hours. Candidates must complete mandatory courses before commencing work, and UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential personnel.