International Expert Consultant in Climate Resilient Asset Management

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO). 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 provides thought leadership, promotes multistakeholder dialogue, identifies policy options and best practices, and offers strategic advice for capacity development in key areas. The UN DESA has been operational for several decades and employs a diverse workforce across various countries, focusing on sustainable development initiatives globally.

Job Overview:
The position of International Expert Consultant in Climate Resilient Asset Management is crucial for enhancing the capacity of local and national authorities in the Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The consultant will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and sustaining climate-resilient infrastructure asset management policies and strategies. This role involves comprehensive training for public officials, equipping them with the necessary skills to develop data-driven asset management strategies that are forward-looking and resilient to climate risks. The consultant will work closely with local government officials, national consultants, and UN DESA staff to ensure that climate resilience is integrated into infrastructure asset management practices. The position requires a deep understanding of climate change impacts on infrastructure and the ability to provide expert guidance on incorporating climate risk considerations into asset management frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the International Expert Consultant include:

• Supporting diagnostic missions to assess the climate resilience of infrastructure asset management in the target countries, providing expert guidance on climate risk considerations.
• Reviewing Asset Management Profiles developed by national consultants, offering recommendations for incorporating climate resilience and adaptation measures.
• Designing training modules on climate-resilient infrastructure asset management, ensuring that training materials are contextually relevant.
• Providing substantive support for the implementation of Asset Management Action Plans (AMAPs), including reviewing and refining these plans in collaboration with national consultants.
• Contributing to workshops focused on the national enabling environment for climate-resilient asset management, adapting training materials to local contexts.
• Supporting workshops that address climate adaptation measures and presenting findings on IAM policies.
• Reviewing and complementing the draft practical guide for local authorities on developing asset management policies, ensuring integration of climate resilience considerations throughout the document.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, finance, environmental studies, civil engineering with a focus on infrastructures, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience at the international level, particularly in asset management and urban development, with a focus on climate-resilient practices at the local government level. Knowledge of the public sector infrastructure systems in the Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines is essential. Experience in managing research projects related to infrastructure and engineering systems is desirable, along with familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN IAM tools, as well as global asset management standards and geographic information systems (GIS).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as economics, finance, environmental studies, or civil engineering with a focus on infrastructures. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate-resilient asset management and the associated policy frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience at the international level. This experience should encompass both analytical and policy development work in asset management and urban development, with a specific emphasis on climate-resilient asset management practices at the local government level. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of managing projects and initiatives that align with sustainable development goals and climate adaptation strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. This position is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience in small island developing states, and the consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders throughout the project duration.