Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS Madagascar, which was established in 2022 and is currently expanding, provides services through its main office based in Antananarivo and has opened branch offices in several regions of the country. The UNOPS office responds to the support needs of the Government of Madagascar with funding from multilateral and bilateral donors. UNOPS Madagascar provides a wide range of infrastructure, procurement and project management services and aims to extend its support to diversified projects, basic service provision and other related services, particularly in economic and social infrastructure (construction and rehabilitation) and financial management in sectors such as agriculture, transport/public works, renewable energy, health, environment and climate change.
Position Information Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Design Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic and effective Infrastructure Design Management services. These services should reflect international best practices and comply with UNOPS policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
The Design Manager ensures appropriate risk management and aims to obtain the best value for money for Infrastructure Design services delivered both by external consultants and by the UNOPS infrastructure team. She is also responsible for overseeing the Design Review processes at both Government and UNOPS levels, as well as supporting the timely contracting of works.
The incumbent analyzes and interprets the respective rules and regulations and provides advice and solutions to a wide spectrum of complex issues related to the management of the Infrastructure Design process from design planning and design development through design review and construction. The role requires a deep understanding of Design Management policy and processes, and the Design Manager should be able to apply them to the appropriate situations.
In addition to being responsible for the deliverables of the work team, the incumbent focuses on strategic relationship building and demand management. This includes aggregating needs across projects and navigating complex organizational structures, preparing business cases, understanding the supply market, and sharing knowledge across projects to achieve cost reductions and savings.
Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Design Manager promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit. The Design Manager works in close collaboration with the portfolio/project colleagues in the given geographical area and with UNOPS HQ personnel, particularly with the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) , as well as the Government officials, international and national consultants, to successfully deliver services.
The Design Manager will work in close cooperation with the Infrastructure team as well as the Senior Project Manager and report to the management on central issues related to Infrastructure Design Management activities. S/he advises Infrastructure personnel to deliver work results, in close cooperation with the leadership team in the given geographical area.
Functional Responsibilities1. Technical advice regarding infrastructure design production
The Design Manager will advise the local UNOPS Infrastructure team and respective national and international consultants regarding the production of Infrastructure Design in the required quality, in a timely manner and taking into account the available budgets, throughout the whole design phase.
Lead the design team and instruct/support them in their day to day activities for further improvements.
Supervise design engineersโ inputs and outputs considering the pre-outlined work schedule and project requirements/targets.
Prepare the work plans considering the project requirements and target
Instruct and assist the design team in designing of infrastructure projects considering the site and project design requirements.
Assist the team (if required) in preparation of design calculation and drawings of assigned project activities.
2. Technical analysis of design documentation
The Design Manager will play a key role in assuring the safety and quality of designs for UNOPS infrastructure. Applying his/her technical expertise and professional experience, the Specialist will liaise with the UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG), UNOPS Peer Reviewers as well as third party reviewers regarding Design Review and approval for the designs of low, medium and high risk works.
Generate and improve required templates for the survey and scoping of infrastructure projects in line with the projectsโ nature and design.
Prepare and improve the construction and technical specifications with the consideration of projectsโ requirements and implementing areas climatic and environmental requirements.
Prepare and improve the bill of quantities template in consultation with the estimation engineers and in line with project requirements.
Ensure that all design works are in line with the UNOPS and local design manuals considering the project nature requirements.
Ensure that all design works meet the minimum HSSE and ESMP requirements.
Review the design calculation/drawings and ensure that all works are in compliance with the projectsโ requirements.
Upkeep of the design data and documents safely for easy retrievable
Coordinate with IPMG for design certification/recertification according to the pre-outlined work schedule. Prepare the design package and send it to IPMG for certification and then send it to the procurement team for tender.
Upkeep of the design data and documents safely for easy retrievable
3. Technical guidance and review of pre-engagement infrastructure
The incumbent will provide design and planning guidance for infrastructure works at the pre-engagement and subsequent stages of project cycles.
Simplify the construction technology as much as possible.
Coordinate with the Contract and Procurement Management teams on all contractual matters in the completion of the respective Contracts.
Coordinate on design changes and modifications with the project management and implementation team.
Review the design calculation/drawings and assure that all works are complied with the project requirements.
The Head of Design will play a key role in assuring the safety and quality of designs for UNOPS infrastructure.
4. Application of professional judgment
To ensure the safety and functionality of UNOPS infrastructure while recognizing the circumstances and constraints of the UNOPS operational context, the Design Manager will be required to apply professional judgment in the application of relevant codes and standards.
Education/Experience/Language requirementsEducation
Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in CEng, PE, P.Eng, MArch, or equivalent professional certification in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a similar relevant discipline.
A first-level university degree/Bachelor's Degree or equivalent (i.e., B.Eng, BArch) with a relevant combination of academic credentials and 2 years of additional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure, of which 4 years in technical infrastructure engineering/design review or design management is required;
Within these 5 years, at least 3 years of experience in rural infrastructure projects is required;
Experience in development infrastructure is essential to the role
Language
Fluency in French and English is required.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: ICA
Contract level: I-ICA-2
Contract duration: This VA is for ongoing position and may also be used to fill short-term or retainer positions, depending on the organizational need For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.