National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). The FSDO is dedicated to advancing policy and action on financing for sustainable development, supporting Member States and stakeholders in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development. The organization provides thought leadership, promotes multistakeholder dialogue, identifies policy options and best practices, and offers advice and support for capacity development in key areas. The FSDO is involved in various initiatives globally, focusing on sustainable development and infrastructure management, and aims to strengthen the capacity of local governments and public asset managers.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management is crucial for the successful implementation of project activities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The consultant will work closely with government officials, international consultants, and UN DESA staff to support the project titled 'Boosting the resilience of infrastructure assets and planned large-scale infrastructure investments in SIDS through risk-informed infrastructure asset management policies and practices.' This project aims to enhance the capacity of local government officials and future public asset managers in designing and implementing risk-informed and comprehensive infrastructure asset management strategies. The consultant will be responsible for local contextualization, stakeholder engagement, and contributing to the design, adaptation, implementation, and follow-up of all project activities. The role requires a deep understanding of local infrastructure systems and the ability to translate international best practices into locally relevant strategies.

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 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Applying the UN IAM Diagnostic Tool to support self-assessments, conducting interviews, and guiding staff in identifying current practices and gaps across various sectors.
• Analyzing diagnostic data to prepare Asset Management Profiles, summarizing practices, strengths, gaps, and recommendations for each entity.
• Providing input for training content, reviewing materials, and customizing training to ensure relevance for local officials.
• Delivering and co-facilitating workshops, introducing national frameworks, facilitating discussions, and guiding participants through practical exercises.
• Supporting the implementation of Action Management Plans (AMAPs) by reviewing and refining developed plans, conducting meetings, and providing technical advice.
• 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 demonstrated expertise in asset inventories, lifecycle planning, service delivery, public sector investment planning, or institutional capacity development. Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN IAM tools is desirable, as is knowledge of global asset management standards and geographic information systems (GIS). Knowledge of the public sector and infrastructure systems in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in a relevant field such as engineering, business, project management, public administration, urban planning, or economics. In cases where candidates possess a bachelor's degree, they must have two additional years of experience to qualify for the position. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of infrastructure asset management and the associated challenges in the context of sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to 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 contribute to the project and provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their background and knowledge.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective engagement with stakeholders, the preparation of training materials, and the delivery of workshops. While English is the mandatory language, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with local stakeholders or contributes to the project's objectives.

Additional Notes:
This is a locally recruited position, specifically open to nationals of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as well as individuals who hold valid residence status permitting employment in the country. The consultant is expected to be engaged as soon as possible and will work until 30 April 202

• The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.