Regional consultant Infrastructure Asset Management in Costa Rica

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UN DESA - Department of Economic and Social Affairs

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 13 Jan 2023 at 23:59 UTC

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

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration The consultant will be engaged during the period from 01 November 2022 to 15 June 2024.

Duties and Responsibilities The current terms of reference support the implementation of “UN capacity development initiative on enhancing the resilience, accessibility, and sustainability of infrastructure assets in developing countries in support of the 2030 Agenda.” The project is implemented jointly by UNDESA, UNCDF and UNOPS and aims 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. The project also aims in the building of capacity at the level of central governments on how to design and implement an improved national policy, regulatory and legislative framework to support infrastructure asset management at the national and local levels. The key stakeholders include local government officials and central government ministries (finance, local government, urban development), national agencies (elected and administrative) as well as civil society and the private sector.

In this broader context, FSDO will engage services of a consultant to (1) design and implement an awareness-raising online workshop on infrastructure asset management; (2) apply the UN asset management diagnostic tool to six selected local governments under the project; (3) support the design and implementation of an in-person training of trainers (ToTs) workshop on evidence-based, risk informed and data-driven Asset Management Action Plans (AMAPs) in Costa Rica; (4) support the implementation of the UN tools to selected critical public assets (includes field trips to show how to concretely apply these materials to selected priority public assets).

Under the supervision of Senior Economic Affairs Officer, the consultant is expected to perform the following work assignments:

(1) Design and implement an awareness-raising online workshop on infrastructure asset management with separate segments on “Introduction to infrastructure asset management”; “Building data and statistical capacity for asset management” and “Crisis resilient asset management”.

Related tasks include:

- Workshop preparation:

o Support international expert instructors in preparing workshop content technically and substantively (i.e. convert information into infographics, conduct research on latest developments or insights on infrastructure asset management in Costa Rica). o Review and update teaching materials (slides, exercises, assignments) for quality, clarity, consistency and appeal. o Contribute to the implementation of targeted dissemination strategies tailored to Costa Rica to attract participation from a diverse set of local governments across the countries as well as relevant ministries and agencies.

- Workshop implementation support o Collaborate with expert instructors engaged in the delivery of the workshop by providing relevant examples and explanations and respond to participant questions in Spanish and English as necessary. o Interface with workshops instructors to ensure events run smoothly (i.e. coordinate and perform test runs a few days before). o Provide guidance to participants during individual/partner/group exercises for maximum interactivity and engagement among participants.

- Post workshop activities o Implementation of post-workshop surveys and other follow-up materials to send out to all participants. o Implementation comprehensive outreach strategy to promote sustained awareness of national and local governments in developing countries on the UN toolkits on infrastructure asset management following the workshop.

(2) Apply the UN asset management diagnostic tool to six selected local governments. Related tasks include: - Implement the UN asset management diagnostic tool in six selected local governments through field missions including interviews of relevant local government officials. - Propose changes to the diagnostic tool considering the lessons learned in its application at the local level to make it more effective for future assessments of asset management needs of local governments in Costa Rica.

- Prepare asset management profiles based on the insights gained through the application of the diagnostic tool for the selected local governments, including an evaluation of their asset management practices in the areas of land, buildings and infrastructure. The profiles should also include priority areas (a “menu of options”) for interventions and technical assistance.

(3) Support for the design and implementation of an in-person Training of Trainers workshop on evidence-based, risk informed and data-driven Asset Management Action Plans (AMAPs) in Costa Rica.

Related tasks include:

- Preparatory activities: o Provide substantive feedback and inputs to the training material prepared by expert instructors on its relevance and impact for local governments in Costa Rica. o Facilitate feedback on training material from local governments and UNV staff working with local governments in Costa Rica on infrastructure asset management. o Support logistical preparations of the workshop by working with local UNDESA partners on securing venue; helping identify and invite workshops participants and coordinating technical support to the workshop (e.g., AV; interpretation). o Work directly with local workshop organizers to ensure that all participants have access to the latest training materials both in hardcopy and electronic format. o Participate in and facilitate breakout sessions with municipal officials. o Respond to ad hoc requests for organizational and substantive assistance by the conference organizers. o Develop a power point presentation on how national policies, guidelines, and regulations affect municipal asset management in Costa Rica. The presentation should focus on the following guiding questions: ¿ What are the major national policies that govern municipal asset management? ¿ What are the main challenges in the implementation of these policies and measures at the municipal level? ¿ What policies and measures could lead to more coordinated and effective asset management at the national and local levels? ¿ What are relevant efforts put forward by the government/development partners in the area of infrastructure asset management? - Implementation support o Collaborate with instructors in the delivery of the workshop by providing relevant examples and explanations and respond to participant questions in Spanish and English as necessary. o Provide guidance to participants of individual/partner/group exercises. - Post workshop: o Implementation of post-workshop surveys and other follow-up materials to send out to all participants. o Collaborate closely with local experts/consultants/UNVs supervised by co-implementing partners in advising local governments on the implementation of AMAPs and strengthening of integrated asset management plans at the local governments. o Collaborate with partners including UNCDF/UNOPS among others on the advocacy and policy support, drawing from the lessons arising from implementation in the pilot municipalities and engagement with government counterparts. o Prepare workshop report summarizing key insights and key elements of AMAPs designed by local governments.

(4) Following the in-person ToTs workshop, the consultant is expected to support the implementation of the UN tools to selected critical public assets (includes field trips to show how to concretely apply these materials to selected priority public assets).

Related tasks include:

- Conduct one field visit to six target local governments to provide on-site technical assistance in implementing UN tools (mentioned in the UN Handbook on infrastructure asset management) on selected critical public assets. - Work closely with asset management focal points of target local governments to identify bottlenecks and challenges in the implementation of AMAPs. - Set up monthly calls with asset management focal points of all six local governments to discuss the status of implementation of their AMAPs. - Provide individual mentoring and on-the-job training responding to demand of focal points involved in the implementation of AMAPs in the target local governments.

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. Familiarity with the work of Financing for Sustainable Development, SDGs/the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is desirable. Language: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in the Spanish and English languages 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. 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.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org