UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

Chief of Infrastructure Section November 2021

UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

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About UNHCR The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global United Nations organization which mandate is to protect and assist refugees and other persons of its concern world-wide and to seek durable solutions to their plight; UNHCR is present in 134 countries with offices in 546 locations.

We work to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home.

Since 1950, we have faced multiple crises on multiple continents, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to.

We help to save lives and build better futures for millions forced from home.

UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

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The Role

Job Summary

Role: Chief of Infrastructure Section

The 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.

Location: Geneva Salary: P5 Competitive package

The Chief of Infrastructure Section provides strategic direction, functional guidance and effective leadership on Infrastructure Services. S/he/they develops and implements global strategies and models including on facilities management, engineering services, digitization of data on UNHCR offices and optimization 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 Infrastructure Section is composed of two branches: Facility Management Unit (for both global and HQ facilities), and Engineering Services Unit including Design Services and Field Support & Emergency Services.

UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

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Responsibilities • •

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Lead the Infrastructure Section delivering high-level service to headquarters locations and field operations alike.

Participate in 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. 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. In close collaboration with DESS/SMS, initiate and manage global infrastructure related contracts and frame agreements. Manage the performance of implementing partners and/or contractors performing infrastructure related activities and ensure their understanding and adherence to relevant UNHCR rules and procedures.

Direct the work of the sections under supervision to ensure compliance with established parameters, targets, rules, procedures and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Plan, organize and manage office, parking and storage facilities at HQ Geneva, and the services provided in support.

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

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Mission and external service providers and landlords.

Represent UNHCR and its facility management strategy internally and externally in relevant inter-agencies activities, group, task teams, fora and meetings.

Oversee the establishment of a social network/community of UNHCR Facility Managers for better cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

Lead the introduction of new technologies, and the development of relevant frame agreements and partnerships related to the Section’s areas.

Facilitate the provision of emergency engineering support to the Field Operations on an ad-hoc basis.

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.

Perform other related duties as required.

UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

Profile of the person we are looking for The Chief of Infrastructure Section must be creative, innovative and open to implementation of change. S/he/they must be an excellent communicator with good writing skills, able to engage people in a positive and nonconfrontational way. Working as a diplomatic consensus builder, demonstrating a high emotional intelligence.

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Requirements •

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The Chief of Infrastructure Section must have the ability to prioritize and work with energy and enthusiasm. The person for the role must demonstrate they can deliver and make positive changes while maintaining agreement and positive feedback within the organization.

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The Chief of Infrastructure Section can communicate, negotiate and convince on all levels in the organization.

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S/he/they will maintain 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 and efficient use of available resources.

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At least 10 years 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.

12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Education in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics; with certificates and/or licenses in Architecture and/or Civil Engineering.

Proven ability and experience in managing complex technical projects, preferably property related projects. Ability to interpret legal documents, surveys, construction drawings, title deed and investigative skills.

Knowledge of United Nations administrative, human resources and financial rules and procedures is desirable.

Functional skills include, but are not limited to, facility management, building maintenance, environmental footprint management, sustainable procurement, public procurement, computer literacy, strategic communication, drafting and documentation.

Core competencies include accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork & collaboration, commitment to continuous learning, and client &result orientation.

Managerial competencies include empowering and building trust, judgement and decision making, leadership, managing performance, managing resources, strategic planning and vision.

Cross-functional competencies include innovation and creativity, technological awareness, planning and organizing.

Next to impeccable English language skills, French would be an asset.

UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

How to Apply All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

The document should be saved in MS Word in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Pat-Jones-CV112021-UNHCR or Pat-Jones-CoverLetter-112021-UNHCR.

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Timeline Closing Date: First stage interviews: Final interviews:

17.01.2022 31.01.2022–07.02.2022 from mid-February 2022

Selection process All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

Equality Statement Equality and diversity are at the core of UNHCR values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email at unhcr-coi@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.

UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

About Oxford HR Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organizational development consultancy.

Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.

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UNHCR - Chief of Infrastructure Section

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