Мunicipal Infrastructure Development Specialist, NPSA-10, DS – Kyiv (National Position)

In this context, UNDP Ukraine is recruiting a Municipal Infrastructure Development Specialist, who will ensure transparent and efficient support to the selection, assessment, and implementation of local initiatives related to infrastructure rehabilitation and development (including but not limited to electricity, water, and heating supply systems, local business centers, social infrastructure facilities, etc.), as well as a broad range of partners/organizations on matters related to infrastructure rehabilitation. The Municipal Infrastructure Development Specialist will work under the matrix arrangement allocating his/her working time to projects implemented as part of the IDRPB Portfolio. The incumbent is responsible for the effective implementation of infrastructure-related components of the respective projects, consistently with the best international experiences, national standards, and UNDP rules and regulations, as part of the implementation of IDRPB-Regional Development projects and in the achievement of UNDP CO programmatic goals.

The incumbent will promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance for discriminatory and abusive behavior, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.

• Lead strategic planning of infrastructure-related projects or their components as well as formulation and periodic revisions of the project annual work plans (AWPs), including plans for budget, HR, and procurement that are developed in close coordination with UNDP’s Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. Lead development of detailed implementation plans.
• Manage, coordinate, and supervise the implementation of infrastructure-related projects or programme components to ensure their relevance and performance, the effective realization and quality of outputs within the specified constraints of time and cost as outlined in the project document, and adherence to applicable UNDP policy and program management procedures and Government standards, rules, and regulations. Act as a senior advisor on issues related to project activities.
• Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to subordinated project personnel. 
• Ensure all infrastructure-related project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows.
• Coordinate proper execution of all administrative activities associated with the implementation of infrastructure-related projects or components, including mobilizing goods and services, preparing Terms of Reference, completing contracting processes, recruiting/selecting consultants and experts, and managing financial arrangements/transactions and their correct authorization.
• Identify opportunities for synergies with other projects within UNDP and beyond, to advance the key objectives and grow its focus. 

2) Ensure timely selection and implementation of local initiatives for infrastructure rehabilitation, creation, or improvement supported within IDRPB projects. 

• Lead the development of respective programs supported under various modalities (grants, LOAs, RPAs, etc.) for infrastructure rehabilitation or development in line with UNDP programmatic goals and objectives;
• Substantially contribute to the development of respective Guidelines for applications, including but not limited to detailed selection criteria, in line with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and strategies; 
• Support the processes of infrastructure-related local initiatives selection in close collaboration with the IDRPB Programme and Project managers; 
• Review and clear the agreements (LVGAs, LOAs, RPAs, contracts for goods and services, etc.) and procurement plans for implementation of infrastructure rehabilitation or development of local initiatives;
• Oversee the implementation of respective local initiatives within the scope of the approved budgets and work plans; assess the risk for their implementation, identify and implement effective risk mitigation measures;
• Undertake technical review of project documents produced by the project team and partners, and ensure high technical standards are met. 
• Review the relevant (technical) reporting documentation from the grantees, partners and contractors following UNDP guidelines for reporting and in line with the conditions of the respective agreements (LVGAs, LOAs, RPAs, contracts for goods and services, etc.);
• Contribute to the preparation of progress and final reports for respective IDRPB projects;
• Liaise with the relevant national and local stakeholders (municipal administrations, involved engineering and construction companies, etc.) in the IDRPB Programme and Project managers.

3) Lead and coordinate capacity building for the UNDP partners supported within IDRPB projects in the areas related to infrastructure rehabilitation and development.

• Assess capacities of the partner municipalities and design capacity-building activities to address their needs and gaps (e.g. related to infrastructural projects development and effective implementation, international best practices, relevant national standards and regulations, etc.);
• Ensure implementation of capacity-building activities (workshops, training sessions, group and individual consultations, etc.) in coordination with respective colleagues within UNDP and bring specific external expertise if needed.

4) Facilitate transparent infrastructure rehabilitation and development activities monitoring.

• Ensure quality of work through technical review of the deliverables, spot checks and field visits, participation in the programme and financial monitoring, identify implementation challenges and propose possible solutions and risk mitigation measures;
• Monitor information related to contractual arrangements – on works completed, technical supervision conducted, infrastructure facilities put in operations, and all such elements in the contracts and grants;
• Maintain a database/archive of all information and documentation of all the local initiatives for infrastructure rehabilitation or development supported within the IDRPB-Regional development  projects;
• Keep the supervisor updated on progress and issues and prepare briefing materials as requested for discussions on local initiatives implementation/completion status.

5) Contribute to knowledge management and information sharing in the UNDP country office through.

• Document the best practices and lessons learned from the implemented grant programmes;
• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice where applicable.
• Proactively share information in the UNDP country office.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Municipal Infrastructure Development Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Regional Development Programme Manager and the general guidance of the IDRPB Team Leader, in close cooperation with other IDRPB-Regional Development projects personnel, as well as the UNDP CO Operations team.

 Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:   LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact  
Think Innovatively:   LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems  
Learn Continuously:   LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences 
Adapt with Agility:   LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands  
Act with Determination:   LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results 
Engage and Partner:   LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration 
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:   LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking – Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Development  – Collective Intelligence Design – Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information or ideas, and technology to design services or solutions 
Business Direction and Strategy -  Negotiation and Influence –  Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates win-win situations
Business Management  - Communication - Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
2030 Agenda: Prosperity - Inclusive Growth - Urban Community Infrastructure /Assets
2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness – Effectiveness – Social and Environmental Standards.

• Experience of work with UNDP or other UN agencies in the relevant areas will be considered an advantage.
• Proven records of experience in working and liaising with governmental and non-governmental institutions involved into infrastructure rehabilitation and development at the national and sub-national levels will be considered an advantage.
• Experience in working according to UN and/or INGO bidding procedures for procurement of civil works and services will be considered an advantage.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Ukrainian is required for local personnel.

Professional Certificates:

• Professional certificates in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or other related fields or a Valid Certificate in Infrastructural supervision would be an asset, but not a requirement. 
• A professional certificate in project management (PRINCE-II or similar) will be considered an advantage.