Mission and objectives

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Context

The newly approved UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2026–2030 presents a bold vision for sustainable, inclusive growth, aligned with national strategic plans and the 2030 Agenda. Its core priorities focus on empowering vulnerable groups, reducing rural poverty, enhancing resilience to climate change and disasters, and promoting transparency and accountability. The programme emphasizes women, youth, and rural marginalized communities, while advancing environmental sustainability through nature-based solutions. It also strengthens governance, infrastructure, livelihoods, and gender equality to foster genuine inclusivity, and reduces aid dependency via innovative financing and partnerships aligned with national objectives. Disaster management and climate and infrastructure resilience form a cornerstone of the new CPD. Timor-Leste's vulnerability to environmental pressures and natural hazards demands an integrated response. Drawing on UNDP's Signature Solution for environment, we are committed to upgrading energy, water, and sanitation infrastructure; expanding access to clean and renewable energy; and bolstering community resilience. In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Environment, UNDP constructs resilient rural roads, bridges, gabion walls, irrigation systems, and water and sanitation facilities capable of withstanding environmental shocks—while generating employment opportunities, especially for youth and women in rural areas. The programme further promotes solar energy access in public facilities such as health centers, schools, and community buildings, ensuring reliable social services in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of State Administration, and municipal authorities. Additionally, UNDP enhances community-level resilience to climate risks by strengthening preparedness, adaptation, response, and recovery efforts, working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Interior, and the Civil Protection Authority. UNDP Timor-Leste emphasizes infrastructure development as a key driver to speed up service delivery and foster sustainable growth in vital areas like public works, health, and education. The organization seeks to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for implementation and systems improvement by crafting strategic, multi-sector project ideas and optimizing its internal setup to better meet government priorities. Assignment context In this context, UNDP seeks a qualified Infrastructure Coordinator, under the direct supervision of the deputy Resident Representative, to provide technical oversight for ongoing infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations, while also advancing partner-ship development and resource mobilization efforts.

Task Description

The Infrastructure Coordinator Expert will collaborate closely with Project Managers, field civil engineers, and the Procurement team to review and approve all tender documents. These documents must encompass the full design package including the Bill of Quantities (BoQ), Scope of Works, technical drawings, and specifications to deliver complete, accurate details on required labor, materials, equipment, and transportation for seamless project execution. Compliance and Standards Ensure full adherence to UNDP rules and regulations (covering procurement processes and contract management), as well as national building codes and approval modalities and international standards. Sustainable Design Principles Verify that design services incorporate all major and minor engineering disciplines, re-sulting in a fully documented, operational facility upon project completion under any contract with architects or construction firms. Sustainability Integration Embed sustainability progressively across all operations, accounting for local market conditions and capacity-building needs. Suppliers must align with the United Nations Global Compact principles and commit to ongoing improvements in social and environ-mental performance. Engineering and Design Services Confirm that Project Engineers have thoroughly reviewed and approved all engineering and design services for each project. Supervision and Quality Assurance Guarantee that UNDP civil engineers deliver robust supervision and quality control throughout pre-construction and construction phases, including oversight of contractors. Provide regular updates on key issues to the Project Manager and Senior UNDP Man-agement. Resource Mobilization Support Assist Senior Management in identifying new partnerships and mobilizing resources, in-cluding drafting concept notes for funding opportunities. Additional Duties Conduct programmatic site visits as needed; participate in coordination meetings with service providers, local authorities, and the UNDP Operations Unit.

Competencies and values

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☐ Building Trust ☐ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☐ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☐ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☐ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Leadership ☐ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☐ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☐ Technological Awareness ☐ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Climate: The climate along the coast is relatively warm hot year-round with an annual average temperature of 30°C. There are two distinct seasons: the north-east monsoon season, which runs from November to March, constitutes the rainy season throughout the country. The southeast monsoon season, which runs from March to October, constitutes the dry season with some rain on the southern coast but otherwise dry and windy conditions in the rest of the country. The climate inland with its high mountains can be very cold with an annual average temperature of 15°C. Health: Public hospital and private clinic provide services to community. Stamford clinic in Dili serves as a recommended medical facility for UN staff. There is a national hospital with some international staff and a limited number of other private clinics in Dili (such as Dili Medical Centre). For more complex medical treatment and assessment, it is necessary to evacuate to neighbouring cities/countries such as Darwin or Singapore. Diet, Food and Water: Most staple foods can be found in the markets such as rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt and sugar. There is a variety of food ranging from Western to Southeast Asian fare. You can also find several local restaurants with less expensive meals. The price range for a meal can range from $3 to $14+. Telecommunications: There are three telecommunication providers in country, Timor Telecom, Telkomcel and Telemor. The SIM cards cost $2-3 and pre-paid/pulsa cards range from $1 to $50. Further, depending on UN Agency, you may receive a PIN code to make international phone calls that will be charged to your VLA. Hotels: The UNV Field unit in Dili will help arrange your initial accommodation in a hotel, at your expense.