International Consultant - Strategic Guidance for Infrastructure Asset Management Project Implementation

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO), supports Member States in achieving the 2030 Agenda. This role supports the "Localizing the SDGs through more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure (Phase 2)" project, aiming to institutionalize Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) practices at the local government level in six countries.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to strengthen the alignment of infrastructure asset management (IAM) project interventions with national and subnational decentralization frameworks in six participating countries. The purpose is to enable more effective institutionalization of IAM practices at the local government level, contributing to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure systems that support SDG localization. The consultant will provide strategic guidance and develop a project implementation strategy based on an analysis of fiscal, administrative, and political decentralization frameworks, ensuring project activities maximize sustained institutional impact and are adapted to country-specific governance contexts. This role is crucial for enhancing the capacity of local and national governments to plan, manage, and sustain resilient infrastructure systems.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct an analysis of fiscal, administrative, and political decentralization frameworks in six project countries, examining the distribution of responsibilities for infrastructure planning, financing, maintenance, and asset management. Based on this analysis, the consultant will review the project document and assess how interventions can be implemented to maximize sustained institutional impact at the local government level. A key responsibility is to develop a concise implementation strategy aligning project activities with country-specific governance and incentive structures, focusing on practical mechanisms for institutionalizing IAM best practices and reinforcing accountability. The consultant will also participate in virtual meetings with government counterparts to discuss and adapt the implementation strategy to each country's context.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in infrastructure, IAM, local economic development, or public sector capacity development is required. Extensive hands-on experience with subnational/municipal authorities in developing countries, including understanding local governance, administrative processes, and political economy dynamics, is essential. Demonstrated field experience supporting governments in designing and implementing infrastructure or asset management systems, especially in capacity-constrained environments, is also required.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Strong analytical skills. Experience in infrastructure asset management. Understanding of local governance systems and decentralization frameworks. Capacity building and public sector development expertise. Familiarity with Sustainable Development Goals and international standards is desirable.

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