Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Headquarters in New York City has embarked on a major renovation project to transform the DC1 building into the central hub for all UNDP headquarters personnel. This comprehensive renovation encompasses a range of key elements such as asbestos abatement, interior design, construction, demolition, curtain wall renovation, interior mullion refinishing, lobby renovation, electrical, mechanical and plumbing system upgrades. In addition, the project involves complete furnishing and restacking of the space in full compliance with design and construction documents.
Given the magnitude of the project, detailed coordination is crucial, demanding cohesive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, ensuring conformance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards.
General Operations (GO) as part of the Bureau of Management Services in UNDP is actively seeking a skilled Project Manager with demonstrated experience in large-scale renovation or construction projects. This individual will be instrumental in managing the project's daily activities and maintaining a harmonious relationship with Clients (internal and external), Landlord, contractors, and diverse group of consultants and vendors, including architects and engineers. The designated Project Manager will operate under the direct purview of the Director of General Operations.
Due to the functional demands of this position and to effectively manage the renovation project, the Renovation Project Manager is expected to be onsite during business days.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesContracting & Procurement:
Develop specifications, sketches, contract documents, and Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the DC1 building renovation project, to engage contractors, consultants, vendors, including commissioning services. Conduct technical evaluations of bids and proposals, that meet the requirements of the DC1 renovation project. Lead the selection process and negotiate contracts to ensure value and alignment with the unique needs of the DC1 building renovation project.
Project Management & Communication:
Oversee the daily management of the DC1 building renovation project, ensuring alignment with the contract documents and efficient workflow. Maintain continuous communication with the DC1 renovation project team and all stakeholders, providing timely updates to address concerns promptly. Adjust the DC1 renovation project plans based on real-time progress, challenges, potential risks, and unforeseen obstacles specific to the building's needs.
Financial & Quality Management:
Monitor daily expenses tied directly to the DC1 renovation, ensuring they remain within the allocated thresholds. Review change orders prior to submission for approval. Perform daily site inspections of the DC1 building to ensure project scope and quality aligns with design and construction documents. Coordinate with contractors and consultants to address any quality or scope issues.
Compliance & Regulations:
Ensure the DC1 renovation project adheres to building standards and regulations, addressing any inconsistencies when identified.
Vendor Management:
Engage with vendors, contractors, and consultants for timely service and material deliveries. Collaborate with the project team on furniture selections, ensuring alignment with the renovation's design and construction documents.
Commissioning & Handover:
Collaborate with commissioning agents to confirm systems in the DC1 building operate as envisioned post-renovation. Oversee system testing, validation, and necessary adjustments. Ensure proper post-commissioning documentation is provided and facilitate training for the DC1 building's operators and maintenance crew. Coordinate final handover, ensuring punch list items are fully addressed and issuance of completion letters in compliance with construction procedures and standards.
Institutional Arrangement
The Renovation Project Manager works under the direct guidance of Director of General Operations.
Core:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Management
Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment.
Operations Management:
Ability to effectively plan, organize and oversee the organization’s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner.
Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.
Administration & Operations Building, facilities & office space management Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data.
Finance Financial planning and budgeting Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analysing and reporting. Business Management Customer Satisfaction/Client Management Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Required Skills and Experience Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, engineering, or related fields. A first level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree. Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, implementing, and managing large-scale architectural and engineering projects with a Master's degree, or nine (9) years of such relevant experience with a first level university degree.Required skills and competencies
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft project.
Desired additional skills and competencies Experience in using architecture design software such as AutoCAD or similar programme is desirable. Familiarity with global and/or regional renovation/construction codes and standards is desirable. Prior work experience with United Nations and/or UNDP is desirable.
Required Language(s) (at working level)
Fluency (verbal and writing communication skills) of English required. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage. Professional Certificates PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 Professional certification is preferred.
Travel:
This position is project based and no official travel is associated with performing the functions.
Due to the nature of the functions, the incumbent is expected to be on-site during normal working hours.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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