Infrastructure Specialist

About the Project Office

Established in 2023, UNOPS in Malawi collaborates with government bodies and development partners to support the country's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. By delivering high-quality infrastructure and procurement services, the organization aids in improving access to education and healthcare and reinforcing critical public infrastructure. Current initiatives concentrate on developing resilient systems that enhance service delivery and foster inclusive growth. Key collaborators include the Government of Malawi, the European Commission, UN Women, and the Government of Iceland, all dedicated to sustainable and lasting progress.

Role Purpose

The Infrastructure Specialist will help ensure infrastructure projects in Malawi are delivered safely, punctually, cost-effectively, and in compliance with standards, through expert technical assurance and advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer technical guidance to infrastructure project teams on priorities, schedules, interfaces, risks, and propose practical corrective measures to the Country Manager and project teams.
• Conduct thorough reviews of designs, drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities to assess completeness, coordination, constructability, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to Malawi and UNOPS standards.
• Support construction and contract management by advising project and site teams on contract-related matters including submissions, progress, delays, variations, claims, payments, testing, commissioning, handover, and defect resolution.
• Identify key technical, quality, scheduling, contractual, and HSSE risks; facilitate site inspections and reviews; and recommend mitigation strategies or escalation when needed.
• Serve as the central technical contact for infrastructure issues in Malawi, providing clear technical input to stakeholders, enabling knowledge sharing, mentoring, and capacity development.

Education Requirements

• A master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Building Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• A bachelor's degree in these disciplines with at least two additional years of related professional experience may serve as an alternative.

Experience Requirements

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, procurement, construction, or management of multi-sector infrastructure projects.
• A minimum of five years in construction management, works supervision, or administration of construction contracts.
• Proven ability in leading or coordinating multidisciplinary infrastructure teams.
• Experience reviewing and advising on architectural, engineering, specification, and bill-of-quantities project documents.
• Contract administration experience is highly valued, especially with FIDIC-based contracts.
• Experience managing infrastructure projects through feasibility, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, handover, and defect management phases is advantageous.
• Knowledge in design management, technical assurance, and multi-disciplinary design coordination.
• Expertise in managing variations, claims, extensions of time, payments, change control, and contractual disputes.
• Proficiency in monitoring construction schedules, critical paths, contractor programs, and delay implications.
• Implementation experience of quality management and construction health and safety systems.
• Familiarity with international building codes, engineering standards, construction practices, and contract management principles.
• Experience collaborating with governmental agencies, donor institutions, regulatory bodies, and beneficiary organizations.
• Experience with donor-funded or international development infrastructure projects and working in developing countries or multicultural teams is a strong asset.
• Experience in the technical and operational facets of education, training, institutional, or public-service facilities.
• Desirable proficiency with project scheduling and management software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, or equivalents.
• Experience using digital project management, reporting, document control, or construction management tools is beneficial.