Civil Engineer

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) supports governments and development partners in Micronesia by providing practical implementation solutions in infrastructure, project management, procurement, and related technical areas to advance sustainable development priorities. Through its Pacific operations, UNOPS works with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to strengthen resilient infrastructure, improve access to essential services, and support countries in addressing challenges related to climate change, geographic isolation, and sustainable development.

Context

The implementation of the UN DESA project “Localizing the SDGs through More Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Infrastructure (Phase 2)”, implemented by the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in the Federated States of Micronesia. The project aims to accelerate the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by strengthening the capacity of local and national governments in six countries to plan, manage, and sustain resilient infrastructure systems. Building on the achievements of Phase 1, the second phase focuses on institutionalizing Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) practices and strengthening enabling policy frameworks to support sustainable, inclusive, and risk-informed infrastructure development. The project will contribute to improved infrastructure asset management practices, strengthened institutional capacity, enhanced training approaches for public officials, and increased resilience and sustainability of infrastructure systems. Key activities under Phase II include supporting the development and implementation of Asset Management Action Plans (AMAPs), strengthening IAM systems at local and national levels, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and contributing to the development of the updated United Nations Handbook on Infrastructure Asset Management through country experiences, case studies, and practical tools. In this context, the Civil Engineer will provide technical and coordination support to project implementation in close collaboration with government counterparts, local authorities, international consultants, and UN DESA and UNOPS teams. The Engineer will support the contextualization of IAM approaches to the FSM context, facilitate stakeholder engagement, contribute to diagnostic and capacity-building activities, and support the implementation, follow-up, and documentation of IAM-related activities throughout the assignment.

Task Description

Under the supervision of the Senior Economic Affairs Officer, International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch (ITDCB), and the UNOPS Pacific Small Island Developing States Advisor, the UNV will undertake the following tasks: Phase 1 (Months 1–6 – UN DESA managed component) 1. Diagnostic Missions and Asset Management Profiling • Liaise with national authorities to confirm participating local governments, participating entities, focal points, and relevant contacts; • Support the development of an implementation schedule and stakeholder engagement plan; • Review existing sectoral and national frameworks relevant to Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) in the Federated States of Micronesia; • Support the implementation of diagnostic and training missions to participating local governments, including conducting interviews, reviewing documents, and supporting self-assessments using the UN IAM diagnostic tool; • Support participating entities in identifying current practices, institutional roles, systems, and gaps related to policy, financing, climate risks, and infrastructure service delivery; • Analyze diagnostic findings and support the preparation of customized Asset Management Profiles for each participating local government, summarizing current practices, strengths, gaps, and priority areas for reform; • Incorporate feedback from participating entities and the UN IAM team into finalized Asset Management Profiles to establish a baseline for measuring progress. 2. In-Person Asset Management Action Plan (AMAP) Workshop • Support the preparation of training content, including reviewing relevant materials and coordinating inputs with the international consultant; • Identify relevant national policies, strategies, data systems, and institutional arrangements related to IAM; • Compile national examples, case studies, and challenges relevant to training topics; • Support the customization of training materials by incorporating national and local government references; • Support the organization and delivery of the in-country IAM workshop; • Provide inputs on national institutional, legal, and policy frameworks to contextualize IAM principles; • Share local examples of IAM application and challenges; • Support workshop discussions, question-and-answer sessions, peer learning, and practical exercises on Asset Management Action Plans (AMAPs), asset management policies, data management, climate risk assessments, and portfolio management. Phase 2 (Months 7–8 – UNOPS managed component) – Extension of assignment component 3. Technical Assistance for Local Governments’ AMAP Implementation • Review AMAPs developed by participating local governments with technical support from UN DESA; • Engage with local government technical focal points and leadership to support the identification, prioritization, and validation of high-priority interventions requiring technical assistance or service support; • Support the preparation of Terms of Reference and technical specifications for the procurement of services or technical assistance to implement priority actions; • Support the preparation of a summary report on AMAP implementation actions supported. 4. National IAM Enabling Environment Roadmap • Complete mandatory training on the UNOPS EnABLE-IAM methodology; • Conduct desk reviews of national development strategies, policies, sector plans, infrastructure financing mechanisms, and related documents; • Support stakeholder consultations with relevant line ministries and central oversight bodies to identify challenges and validate findings from the desk review; • Support the preparation of an enabling environment report outlining priority regulatory, institutional, and capacity development reforms; • Support the preparation of the enabling environment validation workshop, including development of methodology and presentation materials; • Support facilitation of the Infrastructure Asset Management Enabling Environment Workshop; • Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final National IAM Enabling Environment Roadmap for submission to the Government.

Competencies and values

Professionalism Communication Planning and Organizing Teamwork Stakeholder Engagement Adaptability Innovation Accountability Integrity Commitment to Continuous Learning

Living conditions and remarks

Pohnpei, the capital state of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), offers a relatively stable and comfortable living environment for international personnel. As the country’s administrative centre, it has access to basic services, including accommodation options, supermarkets, restaurants, banking facilities, telecommunications, healthcare services, and government institutions. A range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties, are available, although options may be limited and arrangements should be made in advance. The island has a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year. Transportation options are limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles, taxis, or rental cars. Basic medical services are available locally, while specialized medical care may require referral to Guam or other regional locations. Internet and mobile services are available, though connectivity may vary. Pohnpei is generally considered a safe location, with a welcoming and close-knit community. International personnel are encouraged to respect local customs and adapt to the island lifestyle, including higher costs for imported goods and the limited availability of certain supplies due to its remote location.