Technical Specialist, Common Services

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Campus in Bonn is home to 23 UN organizations, agencies, and convention secretariats, in their entirety referred to as UN Bonn.  The UN organizations in Bonn occupy two distinct locations and several buildings. Within the next couple of years more buildings will be added and will significantly increase space and capacities on the main campus.

The Common Services Section (CSS) at UN Bonn is responsible for the joint management of the premises space, central ICT infrastructures, and central services such as safety and security, mail logistics, system-wide surveys and host country liaison also dedicated conference facilities are provided to the organizations on a common basis. CSS is hosted organizationally and administratively under the framework of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme while being funded by all UN agencies in Bonn.

Campus modernization. In addition to the day to day services, there has been a significant increase of the coordination and technical engagement of Common Services for mid and large-scale modernization and renovation projects on the campus. For these projects to happen and progress on campus, continuous CSS involvement with multiple partners and their aides for needs assessment, technical planning, coordination and implementation on the UN campus is essential.

Campus Extension. The present UN campus extension III – with construction of the new high-rise building expected to be completed in 2020 and staff and agency moves expected in 2021 - adds significant additional responsibilities for CSS to manage the actual extension process as well as to integrate a significant growth of staff, workspace and premises space into the services provided by CSS. In addition, additional projects are needed to enable the technical integration of the buildings in terms of facility, ICT connectivity and security related infrastructure. Beyond the imminent campus III extension, technical planning for the next phase of campus extension is already in the making.

ICT systems and connectivity. CSS on campus takes responsibility for contract management with regards to general internet access and connectivity, access to telecommunication systems, as well as for the network systems for buildings and conference rooms. Within this role, web/network based technical solutions and systems take an increasingly prominent place within the wider campus extension process and for the provision of conference and video-conference services.

Reporting to the Chief Common Services Section, the Technical Specialist manages and co-ordinates the technical issues emerging from CSS engagement in building management (including ICT, security systems and conference facilities management), engages from UN Bonn side with multiple German partners to technically plan and coordinate major facility renovation and modernization projects and other special projects, oversees and coordinates the CSS ICT system provisions for agencies on the campus, and acts as the focal point on CSS side for the campus extension process.

The Technical Specialist closely engages and collaborates with the team leads of all core CSS service areas and supervises the facilities/logistics and the conference and ICT team.

UN campus building management, campus renovation, modernization and extension projects

• Manage the technical aspects related to functioning and operation of the main building infrastructures of the premises, and engage with respective counterparts;
• Provide technical inputs to specific projects led by German Government partners related to individual buildings, IT and conference facilities;
• Coordinate technical inputs from various CSS areas (facilities, conference, IT, security) into campus modernization, renovation and extension related projects;
• Function as CSS technical focal point for UN campus extension vis-a-vis the German partners and the involved UN agencies, including coordination, and provision of technical inputs to specific campus extension projects, and engaging in respective meetings;
• Support, as needed, UN Bonn wide technical coordination and information sharing;
• Develop, plan and coordinate related special projects on CS side (as applicable).

Planning and coordination of ICT system provision and connectivity

• Plan and coordinate the provision of common ICT and telecommunication services and systems, including the hosting of the joint UN Bonn Network, wired and wireless services, hosting of digital conference network for UN Bonn, digital signage and ICT support for common security infrastructure;
• Maintain passive infrastructure at both UN locations;
• Provide technical support and ICT related inputs to special projects, led by German Government partners, and engage in respective meetings;
• Coordinate ICT and campus conference facility upgrades and modernization;
• Engage with internal and external ICT service providers and ensure timely and effective management of ICT and voice contracts with third party providers;
• Liaise with respective UN Bonn ICT manager and focal points to ensure UN Bonn coordination and information sharing.

Administration and team management

• Supervise assigned facility, ICT and conference staff, including conducting their performance assessments, and recommending capacity development activities;
• Assist the Chief of Section in the optimization of common ICT services and systems, and develop proposals;
• Manage ICT hardware requirements for CSS staff;
• Provide technical specifications, terms of reference, contracts, and agreements for outsourced building, facility, conference management and ICT services;
• Prepare internal and external reports and other correspondence;
• Coordinate and appraise the overall performance of third-party providers to ensure timely delivery of tasks in line with established procedures;
• Participate in other technical coordination meetings and technical inter-agency panels, upon request of the Chief of Section. 

Core competencies

Innovation

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Leadership

• Ability to persuade others to follow

People Management

• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Communication

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Delivery

• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Technical/Functional competencies

Office Administration

• Ability to manage day-to-day office activities (including but not limited to facilities and asset management, policy and procedures maintenance) to meet operational needs

Service Delivery Coordination

• Ability to coordinate and deliver services in line with service level agreements and standards of excellence in UN Bonn

Results-Based Management

• Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results

Relationship Management

• Ability to engage with other parties and forge productive working relationships

Education

• Master’s degree in project management, ICT, architecture, facility management or equivalent.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in multi-stakeholder project management, preferably with significant working experience in the area of building and/or facility management;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree;
• Conceptual knowledge and practical experience with management and administration of ICT (network) systems;
• Experience in effectively supervising small technical teams;
• Ability to communicate technical matters clearly and convincingly, and experience with multi-stakeholder negotiations and consensus building;
• Prior experience working within the UN system or a similar multi stakeholder environment is an advantage.

Language requirement

• Fluency in English and German

Other

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy;
• Knowledge about the UN and Administrative Rules and Regulations is an advantage.