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. The organization focuses on providing thought leadership, promoting multistakeholder dialogue, identifying policy options, and offering strategic advice for capacity development in key areas. UN DESA was established to facilitate international cooperation and development, and it operates in multiple countries worldwide, engaging with various stakeholders to implement sustainable development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management is crucial for the successful implementation of infrastructure asset management activities in Senegal. The consultant will work closely with government officials, stakeholders, and FSDO staff to ensure that the project aligns with the objectives of the UN DESA initiative 'Localizing the SDGs through more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure (Phase 2)'. This project aims to enhance the capacity of local and national governments in planning, managing, and sustaining resilient infrastructure systems. The consultant will be responsible for providing tailored technical assistance, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and contributing to the design and implementation of project activities. The role requires a deep understanding of infrastructure asset management practices and the ability to contextualize these practices within the local realities of Senegal.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will undertake several key responsibilities 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 to assess current practices in participating local governments, and preparing customized Asset Management Profiles. The consultant will also provide substantive input for an in-person Asset Management Action Plan (AMAP) workshop, ensuring that training content is relevant and tailored to local needs. This involves liaising with national authorities, developing implementation schedules, conducting on-site interviews, analyzing findings, and facilitating discussions during workshops. The consultant will play a pivotal role in linking international concepts with local realities and guiding participants through practical exercises related to asset management.

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, or urban development is required. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated expertise in asset inventories, lifecycle planning, service delivery, public sector investment planning, or institutional capacity development. Knowledge of Senegalese public sector and infrastructure systems is essential, while familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN IAM tools is desirable. Additionally, knowledge of global asset management standards and geographic information systems (GIS) will be considered an asset.

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. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of infrastructure asset management and the broader context of sustainable development initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to infrastructure, infrastructure asset management, or urban development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in relevant fields, demonstrating expertise in asset management practices, public sector investment planning, and institutional capacity development. Experience working with government entities and understanding the local context in Senegal will be particularly valuable.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and French are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting workshops, and preparing reports. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of one year. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates. The role is focused on providing technical assistance and support for the implementation of infrastructure asset management activities in Senegal, emphasizing the importance of local engagement and capacity building.