Consultant on Infrastructure Asset Management in Costa Rica and Peru

Result of Service Successful implementation of online and on-site training workshops in introducing more sustainable infrastructure asset management practices in Costa Rica and Peru.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration The consultant will be engaged during the period from 01 October 2022 to 28 December 2023.

Duties and Responsibilities The current terms of reference support the implementation of the UN capacity development initiative on “enhancing the resilience, accessibility, and sustainability of infrastructure assets in developing countries in support of the 2030 Agenda” in Peru and Costa Rica to increase the resilience, accessibility, and sustainability of their infrastructure assets. The projects are implemented by UN DESA, in collaboration with UNCDF and UNOPS, and aim to address the lack of a sustained and systematic strategies, policies and actions at the national and local government levels to ensure that infrastructure assets support inclusive, affordable and sustainable essential public services over their entire lifespan. The project covers training of local and central government officials in beneficiary countries in designing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing forward-looking, risk-informed, and data-driven infrastructure asset management strategies, policies, and action plans in support of essential public services that leave no one behind.

In this context, FSDO of UN DESA will engage the services of an international consultant to support local governments in selected developing countries in introducing more sustainable infrastructure asset management practices.

Under the supervision of the Senior Economic Affairs Officer, International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch, Financing for Sustainable Development Office, the consultant is expected to: (1) Prepare training materials for online and on-site training on infrastructure asset management based on UN Handbook on infrastructure asset management and feedback from national consultants in beneficiary countries and project supervisor. Materials will be prepared and delivered in Spanish. (2) Conduct online trainings for national consultants on the implementation of the UN diagnostic tool on infrastructure asset management for Peru and Costa Rica. (3) Design and conduct two two-day online trainings for local government officials in Peru and Costa Rica to sensitize them to the basic tenets of infrastructure asset management and acquaint them with toolkits contained in the Handbook. Materials will be prepared and delivered in Spanish: Topics should cover the following aspects of infrastructure asset management: o The basics of asset management - What is asset management? - Basic tenets of government asset management - Benefits and challenges - Climate change impacts - Public health emergencies o The Asset Life Cycle - Plan - Acquire - Use - Dispose - Asset information o The dynamics of asset management - The big picture - Legislative framework - Policy framework - National strategy - The asset management framework - Asset management policy - Asset management strategy - Asset management direction - Portfolio management o Demand management - Current and future demand - Regulations - Level of service (LOS) o Life cycle management - Life cycle analysis - Risk management - Capital planning - Decision support o Financial management - Financial policies - Financial analysis - Financial reporting - Investment planning - Asset valuation o Asset operations - Planning and delivery - Asset performance - Performance measurement and monitoring o Organizational factors that enable asset management - Human factors - Technological factors - International standards and guidelines o Overview of UN toolkits on asset management - UN Diagnostic Tool - Asset Management Action Plan (AMAP)

(4) Design and review customized in-country Training of Trainers (ToTs) workshops based on diagnostic assessments for officials from local and central governments, national and municipal development banks as well as national training institutions for Peru and Costa Rica. The ToTs curricula must follow the chapters and toolkits of the aforementioned UN Handbook on infrastructure asset management, and should include modules on (materials will be prepared and delivered in Spanish):

• Basic tenets of asset management
• The dynamics of asset management
• Assessing asset management needs and capacity
• Taking action with asset management action plans
• Capturing and utilizing the right data and information
• Improving climate resilience
• Strengthening public health emergency preparedness and response
• Establishing and sustaining a national enabling environment

(5) Conduct customized on-site in-country Training of Trainers (ToTs) workshops based on diagnostic assessments for officials from local and central governments, national and municipal development banks as well as national training institutions in Peru and Costa Rica.

o Implement individual/partner/group exercises for maximum interactivity and engagement among participants, including exercises utilizing the UN Asset Management Diagnostic Tool and AMAP o Interact with other instructors and panel speakers o Present regional examples on asset management o Evaluate workshop assignments and provide substantive support to participants o Assess workshops assignments o Provide post workshop substantive guidance to participants for limited time period as needed

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, public administration, urban planning or related field is required. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the regional/national level, involving both analytical and policy development work in the field of asset management and urban development is required. Language: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in the English and Spanish are required.

Additional Information Professionalism- Knowledge of the work of the UN and its specialized agencies. Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development issues and infrastructure asset management. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, programming and budget. Ability to communicate effectively both verbal and in writing in English and Spanish. Familiarity with UN editorial guidelines. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating fender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.