Temporary Appointment - Administrative Specialist, Technical Support, P-3, DFAM NY #121441

This position is part of the Field Support Unit organigramme within DFAM's Administrative Management Services (AMS) section, that will provide leadership in support of UN common premises agenda and set for our global field support priority in providing technical administrative support in the areas of constructions, engineering, EDGE certification, solar leasing, accessibility and inclusiveness in premises.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

The Administrative Specialist (Technical Support)- Field Support Unit, is responsible for supporting field offices and regional offices in the areas of office and residential leasing, space utilization and accessibility, construction and related EDGE certification, technical analysis of CAF request submissions and solar leasing, while ensuring compliance with administrative policies and procedures, to achieve concrete results according to the work plan developed by the Administrative Management Section

How can you make a difference?

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Provides technical guidance/advice and makes recommendations to field and regional offices on: Programming/Planning and Design of the Common Premises Construction Projects Including:

• Reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing all incoming technical documents submitted by UNICEFfield offices and UNCTs

• Examination and analyses of feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses

• Analysis of premises selection for rental/repair/construction and real estate market studies

• Advice on space planning in new and existing premises in the frame of new TTCP +FS guidelines.

• Evaluation of financial proposals and business cases for proposed projects

• Provide guidance on preparation of High-Level Implementation Plan {HLIP}following systematic process approach, Implementation and Procurement Strategy, Risk Analysis & Mitigation Mechanism, Quality Control Methodology etc.)

• Support Country Offices on recruitment of Construction Manager/team to manage construction projects

• Provide technical support and guidance on preparation of Terms of Reference and tendering/contract for engagement of A&E design company, and solar leasing companies.

• Review and evaluation of architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and bill of quantities (BOQs)

• Advice on lease negotiation with commercial landlords and other UN Agencies

2. Provides guidance and support to achieve Common premises objectives. Support in implementation of Common Premises Projects including:

• Advice on development of Project Schedule, indicating project phases and deliverables with milestone deadlines for the respective phases (i.e., Detailed Planning phase (pre-design); Design phase; and Construction phase).

• Provide technical support on guidance for the preparation of Terms of Reference and tender/contract documentation for contractors

• Provide on-going technical advice, site supervision and quality assurance and resolving problems on on-going projects

• Provide guidance on Project closeout and Defect liability phase

• Provide guidance to ensure defect rectification, as built drawings, guarantee certificates & Preventive Maintenance Manual of the newly constructed offices

3. Advises on accessibility on new projects and existing premises.

• Provide technical support to ensure compliance with accessibility and eco-efficiency requirements including EDGE certification in the new office construction project.

4. Provide technical support in solar leasing projects.

5. Drafts Technical Correspondence, Briefing Notes and Reports on all technical aspects of premises projects.

6. When required, undertakes field missions to evaluate field issues and provide recommendations for solutions. However, the incumbent is not vested with decision-making authority.

7. Performs other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master's) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Facilities/Construction Management is required.
•  A minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience, including a minimum of three (3) years international experience in construction projects involving Government entities, developers, municipalities, and contractors on similar projects, is required.
• Experience/knowledge of work in the UN System or a similar international organization is highly desirable.
• Experience of project management in developing countries is especially desirable.
• Proven experience of analyzing and evaluating various options of project development with a view to determining the most cost-effective and favorable solutions that meet the needs of the Organization. This includes experience of evaluating feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, spatial requirements, floor plans, technical specifications, tender/contract documentation.
• Experience in engineering studies, solar leasing and Green Building concepts is required.
• Familiarity with international construction standards.
• Familiarity with international safety, security and health standards pertaining to UN office construction and premises.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with, strong inter-personal skills: must be a good team player.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability (CRITA) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.