Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

Hardship LevelH (no hardship)

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradePR5

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional

* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Remote work acceptedNo

Target Start Date2024-01-24

Job Posting End DateFebruary 14, 2024

Standard Job Description

Chief of Global Infrastructure Section


Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Global 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 Section also leads the procurement and design of promotional and visibility items for UNHCR Operations.

The Chief of the Global Infrastructure Section provides strategic direction, functional guidance and effective leadership on Infrastructure Services at HQ and Global levels. 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 Global Infrastructure Section is composed of three branches: the HQ Facilities Team, the Global Facilities Support Team, which supports UNHCR Operations with engineering and Design Services and the UNHCR Shop, which leads on promotional and visibility items for the organisation globally.

The nature of the job requires a good understanding of UNHCR’s mandate and UNHCR operations globally while 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, provision of visibility items 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 Global Infrastructure Section delivering high-level service to headquarters locations and UNHCR operations alike.

  • Lead 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 .

  • Plan, organise and manage office, parking and storage facilities at HQ Geneva, and the services provided in support. Identify opportunities to improve the facilities and infrastructure of UNHCR HQ and renovate common areas for the benefit of UNHCR colleagues.

  • 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, task teams, fora and meetings.Establish a social network/community of UNHCR Facility Managers for better cooperation and knowledge-sharing. Encourage effective communication and engagement and the implementation of actions to facilitate a healthy, collaborative, accessible, equitable and inclusive office workspaces globally.

  • Establish, in coordination with the Emergency Division, a mechanism to support the provision of emergency engineering services to the UNHCR Operations in need, including through reviewing contingency plans, attending in-country missions, and supporting the implementation of ready to deploy office solutions.

  • Promote the implementation of occupational safety and health standards for HQ and Global Office premises and lead the introduction of new technologies, and the development of relevant frame agreements and partnerships related to the Section’s areas.

  • Revamp, optimise and manage the UNHCR Shop in an innovative and profitable manner that improves UNHCR’s overall visibility, raises awareness of refugee rights and supports emergency operations worldwide.

  • Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.

  • Perform other related duties as required.


    Minimum Qualifications

    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.

    Certificates and/or Licenses

    Architecture, Civil Engineering

    (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

    Relevant Job Experience

    Essential

    Relevant experience 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 communicate clearly, 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

    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.


    Competency Requirements

    All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

    Core Competencies

    Accountability

    Communication

    Organizational Awareness

    Teamwork & Collaboration

    Commitment to Continuous Learning

    Client & Result Orientation

    Managerial Competencies

    Empowering and Building Trust

    Judgement and Decision Making

    Leadership

    Managing Performance

    Managing Resources

    Strategic Planning and Vision

    Cross-Functional Competencies

    Innovation and Creativity

    Technological Awareness

    Planning and Organizing

    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 Ideally the candidate should have:

    - Understanding of global operations and demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction and effective leadership on infrastructure matters. Experience in managing and leading dynamic teams and proven capability to design and implement multi-year strategies on infrastructure and visibility services.

    - Strong communication skills, ability to implement change management projects, marketing strategies and engage staff on innovative solutions. Understanding of office dynamics and interest in improving office space and supporting DHR’s flexible working arrangements policy.

    - Ability to represent the section internally and externally with credibility. Experience in dealing with senior level staff, internal divisions, external suppliers, other UN agencies, and local authorities.

    - Competence in optimizing processes, monitoring programme/project implementation, budgets, inventory, contracts, frame agreements for efficient financial management. Understanding and experience in procurement, recruitment and administrative processes.

    - Creative capacities and proven ability to design and launch innovative and green solutions to increase efficiencies and benefit staff. Ability to oversee the development and roll-out of online systems/databases/platforms and manage project communications.

    Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

    ,

    ,

    Desired languagesFrench

    ,

    ,

    Operational context

    Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

    To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

    Nature of Position:

    The Chief of the Global Infrastructure Section reports to the Head of the Global Mobility and Infrastructure Service within DFAM. The incumbent will provide strategic direction, guidance and effective leadership on Infrastructure and Visibility Services at HQ and Global levels. S/he develops and implements global strategies and models including on facilities management, engineering services, digitisation of data from UNHCR offices and optimisation of existing processes giving due consideration to the varying needs and operating environments of each of the regions. The incumbent will have to utilize 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. S/he will support the development and implementation of new initiatives and technology to facilitate a healthy, collaborative, accessible, equitable and inclusive office workspaces globally and promote the implementation of occupational safety and health standards for HQ and office premises globally. In coordination with the Emergency Division, s/he shall establish a mechanism to provide emergency engineering services to the operations in need, including through in-country missions and supporting ready to deploy office solutions. The incumbent will revamp and manage the UNHCR Shop in an innovative and profitable manner improving UNHCR’s overall visibility, raising awareness of refugee rights and supporting emergency operations worldwide.

    The Global Infrastructure Section is composed of three branches: the HQ Facilities Team, the Global Facilities Support Team, which supports UNHCR Operations with engineering and design services and the UNHCR Shop, which leads on promotional and visibility items for the organisation globally.

    The nature of the job requires great innovation and leadership skills and a good understanding of UNHCR’s mandate and UNHCR operations globally. Close coordination with the relevant local authorities and appropriate levels of senior management of the Bureaux and Divisions for information sharing, consultation and coordination is key to facilitate decision making and implementation of measures aimed at a smooth functioning of infrastructure services, provision of visibility items and efficient use of available resources.

    Living and Working Conditions:

    Additional Qualifications

    SkillsDM-Database Design & Development, FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), FI-Financial Accrual Accounting under internationally accepted standards (IFRS,IPSAS,etc), IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

    EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Architecture, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Facilities Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration

    CertificationsArchitecture - Other, Civil Engineering - Other

    Work ExperienceWorkforce to Supervise

    CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

    UNHCR Salary Calculator

    https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

    Compendium Add. 3 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part B

    Additional Information

    Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

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