Hardship LevelB
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR2
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-01-01
Job Posting End DateNovember 28, 2023
Standard Job Description
Associate Building Services Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Building Services Officer will work closely with administration, programme, shelter/wash, security and other relevant units, and will cover all civil work required in a UNHCR office. The incumbent is normally supervised by the Senior Administrative or Finance Officer, who defines the work objectives and provides direction. The incumbent may functionally supervise staff in the general service category, specifically those working in the property management.
The Associate Building Services Officer will maintain updated data on modifications, alternations and will provide technical and specialised guidance and support related to the implementation of civil engineering activities of UNHCR premises, staff housing, refugee registration centres, warehouses and other structures within the area of responsibility (AOR) in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations. Furthermore, the incumbent provides technical inputs to the development of technical documents (technical drawings, bills of quantity, technical assessment of offers, measurements of quantities of works and supply of materials, etc.).
The incumbent is responsible to maintain hard and soft copy of project and technical documentation and will have contacts with UNHCR staff, technical counterparts in other UN agencies, commercial service providers, partners, etc. on relevant subject matters in close coordination with the direct supervisor.
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
- Prepare plans and specifications for office premises, warehouses, refugee reception/registration centres and any land and building projects within the AOR according to operational needs.
- Provide civil engineering advice and technical guidance for management of office buildings including support for tendering processes as well as development of service contracts. Work closely with security and others, if necessary, in maintaining/installing technical security installations in the buildings under the AOR.
- Conduct regular periodic physical visits to UNHCR office premises, warehouses and refugee receptions/registration centres etc. to monitor their status.
- In cooperation with relevant technical units and departments, formulate proposals for disposal of premises and/or support identification, selection and alteration of new buildings/ premises considering also the environmental impact of actions.
- Conduct market research and recommend the selection of engineering / construction consultants and contractors.
- Recommend civil engineering solutions to buildings/office premises/warehouse construction projects, refugee reception/registration centres and other projects within the AOR when and as needed.
- Ensure timely delivery of civil engineering projects, according to \"best practices\" and prevailing UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Analyse relevant data and draft status reports and updates.
- Draft quotation requests and/or tenders and contribute to the evaluation of offers and proposals.
- Monitor and support the implementation of office premises projects.
- Analyse and report on the quality of services delivered by contractors in relation to premises projects with reference to contractual quality standards.
- Support the wider UN greening initiative.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Civil Engineering; Architecture; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 1 year of previous relevant professional job experience with special reference to documented construction supervision.
Good working knowledge of the following software: AutoCAD (2D), Microsoft Project, MS Office
Desirable
Experience in all disciplines of civil engineering, emergency management and environmental planning, and ability making the linkages to rehabilitation and development programmes.
Previous professional experience in the areas of urban development, natural resources and environmental management.
Familiarity with, and Field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations.
Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)
PG-UNHCR's Programmes
SP-Infrastructure Development/Construction Management/Property Management
SP-CAD 3D modelling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
MG-Project Management
SP-Environmental Assessment/Planning/Monitoring/Evaluation of integrated projects/programs
EV-Environmental Mainstreaming
EV-Sustainable Environmental Land Use Management
PR-Local/Urban Development
(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.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
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.
Desired Candidate Profile - Extensive knowledge of multi-agency projects.
- Familiarity with local and government policies pertaining to airstrip facilities.
- Ability to oversee and coordinate various stakeholders involved in such projects.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
The UNHCR Ethiopia operates in extremely challenging locations, including the Amhara, Tigray, and Somali regions. Considering the nature of these hardship areas and other regions where UNHCR operates within the country, ensuring occupational health and safety, as well as staff duty of care, becomes of paramount importance for promoting the wellbeing of our personnel. Specifically focused on civil engineering, the position of Associate Building Services Officer holds a significant role in ensuring occupational health and safety, as well as staff duty of care in the country.
The position is based in UNHCR Addis Ababa and reports directly to the Assistant Representative (Administration).The incumbent will overseeing the overall construction projects and infrastructure maintenance within Ethiopia operation (Country Office, Sub and Field Offices). The Associate Building Services Officer collaborates closely with various departments and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of construction projects and the effective maintenance of infrastructure in support of UNHCR's operations and programs.
The primary responsibility of the Associate Building Services Officer is to manage and oversee construction projects from inception to completion. This includes conducting feasibility studies, developing project plans, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, overseeing the bidding process, monitoring construction activities, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulations.
The position entails overseeing the maintenance and repair of UNHCR's infrastructure throughout Ethiopia. This involves conducting regular inspections, identifying maintenance requirements, developing maintenance plans, coordinating with relevant contractors, and ensuring adherence to quality assurance practices. The Associate Building Services Officer is responsible for implementing preventive maintenance strategies and ensuring that infrastructure meets safety and operational standards and compliant with national policies.
As a civil engineering professional, the incumbent provides technical expertise and guidance to colleagues in Addis Ababa and field offices as well stakeholders. The incumbent participates in technical assessments and provide recommendations on civil engineering design, construction methodologies, and materials. Additionally, he/she contribute to the development of technical specifications, review engineering drawings, and provide input on procurement processes related to civil engineering works.
The Associate Building Services Officer assists offices in preparing budgets for construction projects and infrastructure maintenance, monitor project expenditures, provide regular reports on budget utilization, and make recommendations to optimize resource allocation while maintaining project objectives. This includes assessing cost estimates, preparing financial justifications for project proposals, and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's financial regulations and procedures.
Effective coordination with relevant internal stakeholders (Global Infrastructure Management, Legal Affair Services, Procurement team, Head of Offices, Security, Administration,…) crucial for success in this role. The Associate Building Services Officer closely collaborates with government authorities, implementing partners, and other entities involved in construction projects and infrastructure maintenance. He/she liaises with these stakeholders to obtain necessary permits, licenses, and approvals, ensuring compliance with local regulations and building codes.
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. The city has an estimated population of 3 million inhabitants. It is where the African Union is headquartered. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations. Staff members reside in commercial accommodation available in town (cf. UNDSS TRIP WEBSITE for the list of UN recommended hotels). There are limited medical facilities in Addis that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies during the daytime. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.
The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one's adjustment to the environment. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,218 to 8,530 ft), the maximum temperature is 26 °C (78.8 °F) and minimum 4 °C (39.2 °F). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (belg) rains occur from February to April, and the large (meher) rains are from mid-June to mid-September.The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The Government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. However, the banking, telecommunication, and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by Government-owned companies.
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. The exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offense, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash in excess of US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority. ATM cash withdrawals are largely available in Addis. AMEX is generally not accepted. Payment with credit card is possible in a few selected shops and tourism areas, but this form of payment is expanding. There is acceptable access to communication means, such as the internet, telephone sim cards, etc. PAMA is also available at the Offices.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Architecture, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Civil Engineering
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance