IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
The post is located in the Building Projects Section, Premises and Infrastructure, Central Services Division, Administration, Finance and Management Sector.
Premises and Infrastructure oversees the management and modernization of all buildings on the WIPO Campus in terms, its infrastructure, and technical facilities.
b. Purpose Statement
The main role of the Head of Section is to fully contribute to the evolving needs of the Organization’s Headquarters premises development, by adapting, renovating, and modernizing them. S/he is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and required management for premises related projects, particularly in the context of WIPO heritage building renovation projects. S/he ensures the supervision of a small internal team of staff.
c. Reporting Lines
The Head, reports to the Director of the Central Services Division, Administration, Finance and Management Sector.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent performs the following principal duties:
a. Develop and advise senior leadership on an overall building modernization strategy for the WIPO Campus at its Geneva Headquarters as well as for its External Offices. Considering building technical constraints, local and federal construction norms, rules and laws, WIPO business requirements and environmental responsibility.
b. Ensure alignment and prioritization of the Section’s portfolio of projects/works with the Organization’s strategic goals enabling the Organization to continue to respond to changing business needs as expressed by the management and the staff.
c. Define and oversee a portfolio of projects and works, guiding technical decisions, ensuring budget validation, compliance and monitoring, and leading works completion in terms of cost, quality, timeline, and security. Manage an associated risk register and implement relevant mitigation measures.
d. Lead the Building projects Section staff, developing their skills to help achieving the section’s goals.
e. Manage the Organization’s contractors related to each project, defining terms of reference, participating to their selection, and ensuring contract fulfillment by monitoring their performance.
f. As a project manager and owner’s representative, ensure that all works and premises/facilities comply with architectural and technical standards and norms, advanced environmental benchmarks, health, and safety rules and contractual commitments.
g. Systematically collaborate and proactively coordinate with the Service responsible for premises management and maintenance. Collaborate with other WIPO functions such as Budget, Finance, and Procurement to implement projects compliantly.
h. Provide information to the Member States, including to the General Assembly as well as to various internal and external audit and oversight entities, covering all areas of responsibility.
i. Develop and maintain working relationships with Host Country authorities, at federal, state and city levels in all areas of responsibility, as well as with other relevant Host Country public and private entities.
j. Build and enhance strategic partnerships with other UN agencies across areas of responsibility; represent WIPO at meetings in that context, as well as with other international stakeholders.
k. Undertake any other task as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in Architecture, Construction Science, Construction Management, Engineering, or other relevant discipline. A first-level university degree plus an additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Education (Desirable)
Additional certification and/or extensive experience as a Building Project Manager.
Experience (Essential)
At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in at least one of the following: architecture, engineering in building-related projects management, of which at least three years in a supervisory role, in an international environment (public or private sector).
Experience (Desirable)
Solid experience in leading and implementing large and/or complex office building construction or renovation projects in Switzerland, managing construction, specialists, and expert contractors.
Understanding and experience of working in compliance with SIA (and/or alike) norms, contracts, and Swiss cantonal/federal construction laws.
Experience of office modernization projects.
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and French.
Language (Desirable)
Good knowledge of other official UN languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Excellent Project Management skills in the context of construction/renovation projects and works.
Excellent ability to manage construction projects from a financial standpoint, from budget forecast to close monitoring.
Very good knowledge of building techniques and installations such as HVAC, Electrical, Sanitary, Building Management Systems (BMS), Energy Management, Fire and Life Safety Systems, as well as Drawings Management systems and tools, etc.
Ability to visualize and advise senior leadership on the impact of strategies on building- and infrastructure-related issues.
Proven ability to lead and manage diverse teams of professional and technical experts, with strong skills in inclusive leadership, team building and motivation; ability to take decisions under pressure and work under tight deadlines.
Excellent judgment with proven ability to handle complex interrelated and/or sensitive and critical issues, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to skillfully manage potentially contentious interactions and deliver difficult messages with integrity in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Demonstrated high level of diligence, responsibility, integrity, objectivity, and fairness, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive material and exercise initiative, discretion and sound, expert judgment.
Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal, public speaking and presentation skills.
Ability to manage diverse and multicultural teams.
4. Organizational Competencies