Closing date: Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Special Notice
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move(s) requirements, or geographical to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The post is located within the Central Support Services, Division of Administration (UNOG). As Chief of one of the Service's Sections, the incumbent reports to the Chief of the Central Support Services.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Chief of Buildings and Engineering Section is responsible for the following: Provides policy guidance to the Chief of Service and Division, on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of overall strategies and intra and interdivisional/departmental policies and procedures. Plans and oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Section; ensures that substantive work programmes and programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion, coordinating diverse projects in the Section, and, in liaison with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate. Manages, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Section under his/her responsibility. Co-ordinates the work carried out by the Section; provides programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others. Provides substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. Contributes to the reporting to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. Ensures that the outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Section under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. Prepares inputs for the work programme of the Service and Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates. Recruits staff for the Section taking due account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values. Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Section and across organizational boundaries. Represents the Organization at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive-related issues. Liaises and coordinates with the Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP) on all architectural and engineering aspects. Contributes as required to SHP reports and documents. Ensures collaboration between BES and SHP teams, and coordinates with the SHP Team to secure proper resources within BES to support the SHP project.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM
In-depth knowledge of all technical areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply relevant technical and local regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Knowledge of relevant technologies applied in the areas to be supervised. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
PLANNING & 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
MANAGING PERFORMANCE
Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff Appraises performance fairly
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in engineering, architecture or other related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in management of large facilities, including maintenance of technical installations, construction projects, space planning and management of utilities required. Experience with management of large teams is required. Relevant work experience acquired in an international organization would be an asset.
Languages
Fluency of English required with knowledge of French mandatory. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
A written test may be given followed by a competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Manuals' on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.