JOB DESCRIPTION

UNOPS has been selected as the main implementing partner on an ongoing peace project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The bilateral programme “Fund for Peacebuilding – FCP ” (Fond de Consolidation pour la Paix), which has been supported by the German Government through the KfW (German Devoleppement Bank) Development Bank since 2007, is intended to continue to help promote lasting peace, particularly in Kinshasa with PVJ (Prévention contre la Violence Juvénile) activities and in the eastern DR with FCP. The project rationale is centered around supporting the peace efforts and initiatives in Eastern DRC through social infrastructures to: 1. Facilitate access to social services and economic opportunities for the beneficiaries, and 2. Use the infrastructure as a way to build and/or reinforce peace and social cohesion within communities and regions, which will ultimately provide further economic and social opportunities for the targeted regions. For the Prevention of Juvenile Violence component in Kinshasa, the focus is on preventing youth violence and strengthening social cohesion through improved youth infrastructure, vocational training, support for entrepreneurship, and access to social services and community activities.

 

 

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, and in close coordination with national partners, local authorities, and UNOPS technical teams, the Infrastructure Specialist will provide technical support in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and closure of infrastructure projects funded by KfW. The Specialist will ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards, contractual commitments, and UNOPS procedures.

1. Planning, Implementation and Management of Infrastructure Projects

• Support the technical and operational planning of infrastructure projects (schools, health centers, community facilities, etc.), including reviewing or preparing project documents, schedules, procurement plans, and cost estimates.
• Participate in the preparation of tender documents and contribute to the technical evaluation of bids, in coordination with the procurement team.
• Monitor the performance of contractors and service providers involved in project execution, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations.
• Support technical risk analysis and the monitoring of mitigation measures throughout the project cycle.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress and ensure compliance with technical, environmental, and social standards.
• Facilitate technical coordination with local stakeholders (authorities, engineering offices, beneficiaries) to ensure smooth project implementation.

2. Quality Assurance, Technical Monitoring and Project Closure

• Ensure the application of quality and safety standards during construction works in line with UNOPS and KfW requirements.
• Support the implementation of quality control plans, environmental and social management plans (ESMPs), and HSSE measures.
• Contribute to the technical review and validation of deliverables: technical drawings, site reports, provisional and final handovers.
• Participate in documenting technical and administrative project components: progress reports, completion reports, technical datasheets, and maintenance plans.
• Assist in the handover process of completed infrastructure to beneficiaries and in preparing for technical or financial audits if required.

 

3. Coordination, Technical Communication and Capacity Building

• Provide technical advice to the Senior Project Manager and stakeholders on construction options, technical innovations, or cost optimization.
• Participate in technical coordination meetings, project review sessions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Contribute to the training and capacity building of national staff or local partners in areas such as infrastructure project management, site supervision, and quality standards.
• Support the sharing of best practices and lessons learned to foster continuous improvement.

4. Cross-Cutting Contributions and Organizational Compliance

• Mainstream resilience, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and gender sensitivity in the design and implementation of infrastructure projects.
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS policies related to project management, procurement, financial oversight, safety, and environmental and social safeguards.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical and narrative reports for the donor (KfW) and other stakeholders.

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education:

• A Master’s degree in an infrastructure related field such as engineering, architecture, and construction management or similar is required.
• Additional 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with certification in project management or infrastructure, construction or engineering management, may substitute for the master’s degree
• Additional qualifications in project management, e.g. PRINCE2® Foundation or PMP®, are highly desired.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in coordination, planning and managing of works in design and construction field is required.
• Management experience of large scale infrastructure projects in complex environments is preferable.
• Experience of administering FIDIC contract documents, preferably certified through FIDIC training courses is an asset.
• Previous experiences in developing countries is an asset
• Experience in the development of projects is preferable
• Proficiency in Gsuite , databases, and the internet is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency in French (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of Lingala or other local languages is an asset

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)

Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement, IICA2 (ICS-10)

Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• This position is based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo which is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.