Chief of Design and Construction

Contract

This is a D-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 237,851 USD and 300,143 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This temporary position is located at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). The Chief of Design and Construction reports to the Project Director of the Strategic Heritage Plan project.

Responsibilities Under the general guidance of the Project Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the design and construction related planning and execution tasks to implement the Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP) project, entailing new construction and the ongoing renovation of the historic Palais des Nations in Geneva in line with the established project scope and key performance indicators, which include large scale relocation of the business functions on of the organization and, reallocation and reorganization of office space, while ensuring business continuity of operations at the Palais des Nations throughout the project. In this context, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

•Formulates and implements the substantive work programme under his/her supervision. Oversees the management of the SHP project related design and construction activities undertaken by the Service, including acquisition management, contracting, scheduling, cost estimating, quality control and contract administration. Ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the SHP project team, UNOG and with other Departments and entities of the United Nations System as well as with local authorities, including departments of construction, planning offices, fire departments and historical conservation department as appropriate. •Leads, supervises, and carries out the work programme of the Service under his/her responsibility. Establishes and maintains the Project Management Plan for site operations, project guidelines, policies, procedures, and performance standards. Implements the project management plan in all phases of the project. Reviews and recommends for approval all design. and construction contracts submitted. Coordinates the work carried out by the SHP project team including the consultants, the liaison staff and other UNOG entities; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the work prepared by others to ensure all resources are used properly in order to achieve all SHP project goals and objectives. •Reviews and submits for final approval of the Project Director cost estimates, cost reports, cost analysis worksheets, owner's reports, fee payments, monthly construction invoices, master cost breakdowns, general conditions estimates, and labor cost reports. Reviews and approves weekly and monthly project reports from project consultants. •Reviews and validates the quality, completeness, compliance to contractual and industry standards of deliverables and work product of professional consultants and service providers supporting the Strategic Heritage Plan. •Supports the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, and the General Assembly, as appropriate. •Ensures that the outputs produced by the Service maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Sections under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. •Assists the Project Director in preparing the work programme of the SHP project, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Coordinates the preparation of the schedule and long-term planning; monitor/control construction to ensure the project is executed-on schedule and within budget. •Oversees the programmatic tasks necessary for the implementation the SHP project, including developing, maintaining and enforcing adherence to the construction phasing and site logistics plan; and administrative tasks such as evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. •Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance. •Manages, guides, develops, and trains staff under his/her supervision. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Service and across organizational boundaries. •Represents the SHP project team at international, regional, or national meetings. •Performs additional tasks as and when requested

Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of contracting, design management, and construction management issues, particularly codes and legal requirements preferably in the host county or a European environment. Demonstrates ability to implement major capital projects effectively, on time and budget. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Competency in the use of relevant information technology and systems. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines in work situations. Ability to work with people from various cultures and professions. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results: is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in engineering, architecture, or related area is required. A first level university degree in one of the above-mentioned areas in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional certification or membership of chartered institutes is desirable.

Work Experience A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in managing large-scale· construction or renovation projects ranging from planning, design, and execution, or in overseeing and directing large-scale business relocation and rehabilitation projects is required. A track record of implementing major projects effectively is required. Experience in working with boards, public sector and external audiences is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the positions advertised, fluency in English or French is required, knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice - This position is temporarily available from 14 August 2021 until 13 August 2022. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

  United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.