National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), specifically within the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO). UN DESA was established to advance policy and action on financing for sustainable development, supporting Member States and stakeholders in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization operates globally, engaging with various countries to promote multistakeholder dialogue and capacity development in key areas related to sustainable development. UN DESA is known for its commitment to providing thought leadership and shaping agendas that facilitate the implementation of sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management is crucial for the successful implementation of project activities in The Bahamas. The consultant will work closely with government officials, international consultants, and UN DESA staff to strengthen the capacity of local government officials and future public asset managers. The role involves designing and implementing risk-informed infrastructure asset management policies and practices, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring that local officials are equipped with the necessary skills to develop and implement effective asset management strategies. The consultant will be responsible for contextualizing project activities to fit the local environment and facilitating stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful execution of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Designing and implementing diagnostic activities in six local governments, confirming participating entities, developing an implementation schedule, and reviewing existing frameworks relevant to infrastructure asset management in The Bahamas.
• Applying the UN IAM Diagnostic Tool to support self-assessments, conducting interviews, and guiding staff in identifying current practices and gaps.
• Analyzing diagnostic data to prepare Asset Management Profiles, summarizing practices and recommendations for each entity.
• Providing input for training content, reviewing materials, and customizing training to ensure relevance for local entities.
• Delivering and co-facilitating workshops, introducing national frameworks, and facilitating discussions on IAM principles.
• Supporting the implementation of Action Management Plans (AMAPs) by reviewing and refining them with participating entities, providing technical advice, and drafting mission notes.
• Collaborating on workshops regarding the national enabling environment, adapting training materials, and engaging stakeholders.
• Facilitating workshops on IAM policies, identifying gaps, and supporting post-workshop follow-up.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in engineering, business, project management, public administration, urban planning, economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure, infrastructure asset management, or urban development is required, with expertise in asset inventories, lifecycle planning, and public sector investment planning. Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN IAM tools is desirable, as well as knowledge of global asset management standards and geographic information systems (GIS). Knowledge of the public sector and infrastructure systems in The Bahamas is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as engineering, business, project management, public administration, urban planning, or economics is required for this position. In cases where candidates hold a bachelor's degree, they must have two additional years of experience to qualify. This educational background is critical to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure, infrastructure asset management, or urban development. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in areas such as asset inventories, lifecycle planning, service delivery, public sector investment planning, or institutional capacity development. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively engage with local government officials and contribute to the successful implementation of the project.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, preparation of training materials, and facilitation of workshops. While English is the primary language required, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, although it is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This is a locally recruited position, open to nationals of The Bahamas as well as individuals with valid residence status permitting employment in The Bahamas. The consultant is expected to be engaged as soon as possible and will work remotely until April 30, 202

• The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.