Programme Management & Infrastructure Advisor

Organizational Context

UNOPS operates in Africa, supporting governments and partners in delivering infrastructure, procurement, and project management services. The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) in Dakar, Senegal, extends these services across 16 countries, focusing on peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. This role is integral to the Programme/PMO team, providing strategic guidance and technical oversight for all infrastructure projects within the region.

Job Purpose

The Programme Management & Infrastructure Advisor will provide strategic direction for the timely, quality, and cost-efficient performance of UNOPS' infrastructure projects in West Africa. This role is crucial in shaping the infrastructure and project management strategy, shifting focus from reactive monitoring to proactive assurance. The incumbent will strengthen performance monitoring, portfolio risk analysis, and quality assurance to enhance governance, predictability, and efficiency. By promoting alignment with UNOPS' Project, Programme and Portfolio Management (P3M) framework and Risk Management Framework (RMF), the advisor ensures projects meet intended outcomes, adhere to high standards, and satisfy partner expectations, ultimately contributing to the successful delivery of results across the sub-regional portfolio.

Responsibilities

The role encompasses strategic leadership in portfolio management, continuity, growth, and diversification, including contributing to business strategies, partner engagement, and resource planning. It involves developing and reporting on quality and performance metrics for the infrastructure portfolio and advising on new opportunity development. A key function is ensuring effective portfolio, programme, and project delivery and performance through robust governance, risk management, and quality assurance. The advisor will lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency and recommend corrective actions for at-risk projects. Technical support and design management for infrastructure projects are critical, covering the full project lifecycle from feasibility to handover, including QHSE plan oversight and tender dossier preparation. Construction oversight and assurance ensure adherence to scope, quality, cost, and schedule. Finally, the role involves robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, alongside quality assurance and risk management across the portfolio, fostering knowledge management and innovation, and leading a team of Programme Management Officers.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience in managing civil engineering construction projects or programmes is required. This includes at least 2 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams and 2 years of experience managing portfolios of multiple projects. Experience with quality assurance methodologies and documenting business requirements is also necessary. Experience in post-conflict/fragile environments, the UN system, and development/humanitarian contexts is highly desired.

Skills

Construction Management, Engineering Design, Engineering Management, Portfolio Management, Quality Management, AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, Operational Excellence

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