National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The DSDG acts as the Secretariat for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing substantive support and capacity-building for the goals and their related thematic issues. The organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable development globally and has been involved in various initiatives to strengthen local and national government capacities for SDG localization, particularly in Africa. The DSDG collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including government officials and other UN entities, to ensure effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The organization is known for its commitment to fostering partnerships and enhancing the capabilities of public officials to manage sustainable infrastructure effectively. It operates in numerous countries, focusing on various aspects of sustainable development, including climate change, urbanization, and technology.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Infrastructure Asset Management is crucial for the successful implementation of infrastructure asset management activities in Ghana. The consultant will work closely with government officials and other stakeholders to strengthen local and national capacities for sustainable infrastructure management. This role involves providing comprehensive training to public officials, enabling them to design, implement, monitor, and refine data-driven asset management strategies. The consultant will engage in diagnostic missions, facilitate workshops, and support the development of Asset Management Action Plans (AMAPs) tailored to the needs of local governments. The overarching goal is to promote a risk-informed, whole-of-government approach to infrastructure asset management, ensuring that sustainability and climate resilience are integrated into practices. The consultant will also document key lessons learned and facilitate peer learning among local governments to enhance the quality of AMAPs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of senior officers in the DSDG. Key duties include conducting diagnostic missions to local governments, applying the UN IAM Diagnostic Tool, and guiding the development of Asset Management Action Plans. The consultant will facilitate workshops to assist local teams in drafting their AMAPs and support the creation and standardization of infrastructure asset registers. Additionally, the consultant will provide virtual follow-up support to refine AMAP drafts and ensure alignment with institutional roles and budgets. The consultant will also plan and facilitate a national validation workshop for local governments to present their draft AMAPs, encouraging peer-to-peer exchange and documenting lessons learned across local governments. This role requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and a commitment to enhancing the capacity of local officials in Ghana.

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. Demonstrated expertise in asset inventories, lifecycle planning, service delivery, public sector investment planning, or institutional capacity development is essential. Knowledge of the Ghanaian public sector and infrastructure systems is a prerequisite. 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).

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 and support the capacity-building efforts in Ghana.

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 demonstrated expertise in relevant fields such as asset inventories, lifecycle planning, service delivery, public sector investment planning, or institutional capacity development. This level of experience is crucial for the consultant to effectively engage with local governments and stakeholders, providing the necessary guidance and support for successful project implementation.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively is essential for engaging with stakeholders, facilitating workshops, and documenting key findings and lessons learned. While English proficiency is required, familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with local stakeholders in Ghana.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for 7 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. The consultant will work closely with government officials and other stakeholders in Ghana, focusing on the implementation of infrastructure asset management activities. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process for all applicants.