National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch (ITDCB) of 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. The organization focuses on providing thought leadership, promoting multistakeholder dialogue, identifying policy options, and offering strategic advice for capacity development in key areas. The FSDO collaborates with various partners to implement projects aimed at localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing infrastructure systems.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation of the UN DESA project titled 'Localizing the SDGs through more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure (Phase 2)'. This project aims to strengthen the capacity of local and national governments in six countries, including Zambia, to effectively plan, manage, and sustain resilient infrastructure systems. The consultant will be responsible for providing tailored technical assistance and substantive support to project implementation, ensuring that infrastructure asset management (IAM) practices are institutionalized and that enabling policy frameworks are strengthened. The consultant will work closely with government officials and stakeholders to facilitate stakeholder engagement and contribute to the design and implementation of IAM project activities. The expected outcomes of the project include improved IAM practices, institutionalized training programs, and enhanced resilience and sustainability of infrastructure systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will undertake several key assignments under the supervision of the Senior Economic Affairs Officer. These include designing and co-implementing an online awareness-raising workshop on infrastructure asset management, conducting diagnostic missions and asset management profiling for local governments, and facilitating in-person workshops. The consultant will liaise with national authorities to confirm participating local governments, develop implementation schedules, and conduct diagnostic assessments using the UN IAM diagnostic tool. They will analyze findings and prepare customized Asset Management Profiles for each local government, summarizing current practices and identifying priority reforms. Additionally, the consultant will provide substantive input to training content preparation and co-facilitate workshops that contextualize IAM principles within national frameworks, ensuring relevance for participating entities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in engineering, business, project management, public administration, urban planning, economics, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure, infrastructure asset management (IAM), or urban development is required. Demonstrated expertise in areas such as asset inventories, lifecycle planning, service delivery, public sector investment planning, or institutional capacity development is essential. Knowledge of Zambian public sector and infrastructure systems is required, along with familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN IAM tools. Familiarity with global asset management standards and geographic information systems (GIS) is desirable.

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. This educational background is essential 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 5 years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure, infrastructure asset management (IAM), or urban development. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in relevant areas such as asset inventories, lifecycle planning, service delivery, public sector investment planning, or institutional capacity development. Knowledge of the Zambian public sector and infrastructure systems is also required, indicating that the consultant should have experience working within the specific context of Zambia.

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 reports, and facilitation of workshops. While English is the primary language required, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 1 year. The consultant will engage in various activities that require close coordination with government officials and other stakeholders. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.