Chief of Infrastructure Section

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Chief of Infrastructure Section

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Infrastructure Section is one of the four pillars of the Global Mobility and Infrastructure Service (GMIS) within the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM). The Section's main aim is to achieve centrally coordinated facility & real estate property management and to provide engineering services to all UNHCR Operations, enabling the offices to become more sustainable, safe, efficient, and adequately fit for the needs of the staff.
The Chief of Infrastructure Section provides strategic direction, functional guidance and effective leadership on Infrastructure Services. S/he develops and implements global strategies and models including on facilities management, engineering services, digitisation of data on UNHCR offices and optimisation of existing processes giving due consideration to the varying needs and operating environments of each of the regions. The incumbent utilizes a holistic approach to Infrastructure Management to work in partnership with senior management, guide facilities teams within the Organization and bring sound and coherent infrastructure solutions tailored to enable the implementation of the strategic priorities.
The Infrastructure Section is composed of two branches: Facility Management Unit (for both global and HQ facilities), and Engineering Services Unit including Design Services and Field Support & Emergency Services.
The nature of the job requires maintaining close working contacts with the appropriate levels of senior management of the Bureaux and Divisions for information sharing, consultation and coordination to facilitate decision making and implementation of measures aimed at a smooth functioning of Infrastructure Services and efficient use of available resources.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Lead the Infrastructure Section delivering high-level service to headquarters locations and field operations alike.
- Participate in the development and implementation of strategies for UNHCR¿s global infrastructure services as well as continuous improvement initiatives in the area of facility management and engineering processes, policies and systems resulting in cost-efficiencies and increased client satisfaction.
- Lead the establishment of a centrally coordinated and standardized approach to real estate and facility management in UNHCR.
- Propose innovative solutions and improvement opportunities and foster the introduction of sustainability and green projects to make UNHCR¿s infrastructure services more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient, in close collaboration with the Greening and Sustainability team .In close collaboration with DESS/SMS, initiate and manage global infrastructure related contracts and frame agreements. Manage the performance of implementing partners and/or contractors performing infrastructure related activities and ensure their understanding and adherence to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Direct the work of the sections under supervision to ensure compliance with established parameters, targets, rules, procedures and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
- Plan, organise and manage office, parking and storage facilities at HQ Geneva, and the services provided in support. 
- Maintain close working contacts internally with senior management of HQ Divisions and entities for information sharing, consultation and coordination to facilitate decision making and implementation of measures aimed at a smooth functioning of HQ services and efficient use of available resources and externally with the UNOG Director of Administration and DSS, the Swiss Mission and external service providers and landlords.
- Represent UNHCR and its facility management strategy internally and externally in relevant inter-agencies activities, group, task teams, fora and meetings.
- Oversee the establishment of a social network/community of UNHCR Facility Managers for better cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
- Lead the introduction of new technologies, and the development of relevant frame agreements and partnerships related to the Section¿s areas.
- Facilitate the provision of emergency engineering support to the Field Operations on an ad-hoc basis.
- Respond to multiple requests related to infrastructure services as well as development of processes and procedures to address day to day issues within the Section.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Civil Engineering,           Architecture,           Facilities Management,
Business Administration,           Public Administration,   Economics.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Architecture, Civil Engineering
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)


Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum of 10 years in supervisory/managerial position in the area of general administration, management, engineering, technical support function, project management, construction, building maintenance, facilities management or other relevant area; preferably in a UN agency, in international capacity. Proven ability and experience in managing complex technical projects, preferably property related projects. Ability to interpret legal documents, surveys, construction drawings, title deed and investigative skills.

Desirable
Knowledge of United Nations administrative, human resources and financial rules and procedures.

Functional Skills
AD-Facility Management
GB-Building Maintenance
Ev-Environmental Footprint Management
EV-Sustainable Procurement
SC-Public Procurement
IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Strategic Communication
MS-Drafting, Documentation
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X003L4 - Technological Awareness Level 4
X002L4 - Innovation and Creativity Level 4
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

Please note that the closing date for vacancies advertised in the March 2021 Compendium is Thursday 15 April 2021 (midnight Geneva time).