Asociado/a Senior de Sostenibilidad en Infraestructura

Organizational Context

UNOPS in Latin America and the Caribbean focuses on high-impact development solutions, particularly in resilient infrastructure like roads, bridges, and sanitation, to improve quality of life and foster inclusive growth. The Panama office executes infrastructure projects promoting sustainability and innovation, working with institutions to strengthen capacities and analyze regulations. A key initiative involves research and transformation for sustainable pavements, serving as a model for circular economy integration in road infrastructure.

Job Purpose

The Senior Infrastructure Sustainability Associate (Retainer) provides technical and analytical support for UNOPS Panama's infrastructure projects. This flexible role allows for future assignments across various initiatives, leveraging expertise in sustainability, market analysis, and impact assessment. The initial focus is on deliverables related to sustainable, resilient, and efficient pavements and road infrastructure in Panama. This position is designed to strategically complement the office's engineering and technical specialists, reporting to the Project Manager or their designee.

Responsibilities

Conduct market research and institutional diagnostics to assess the availability of sustainable technologies and practices for infrastructure, with an initial focus on pavements. Systematize regulatory frameworks and technical specifications in Panama, identifying institutional gaps for sustainable technologies and circular economy adoption. Evaluate the technical capacities of institutional counterparts, analyzing resources and recyclable material management. Support technical workshops and validation sessions, and conduct field visits to assess local industry capabilities. Develop economic analyses and cost-benefit estimations for sustainable infrastructure solutions. Quantify environmental impacts and sustainability benefits using key performance indicators. Consolidate findings into reports and executive presentations for decision-makers. Collaborate on integrating sustainability and circular economy criteria into tender documents and project specifications. Process technical data and field metrics for impact reports. Support communication with market suppliers and government counterparts. Assist in monitoring, quality control, and risk mitigation. Contribute to knowledge building and sharing through training sessions and documenting lessons learned.

Work Experience

Requires 3-7 years of experience in sustainability analysis, environmental impact quantification, or road infrastructure project analysis. Experience in calculating CO2 reduction metrics and financial efficiencies for infrastructure projects is desirable. Practical knowledge of sustainable asphalt alternatives and Panamanian road construction regulations is highly valued.

Skills

Asphalt, Carbon Footprinting, Data Analysis, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, Highways, Market Research, Road, Sustainable Design

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