Campus Master Plan Project Coordinator, P5 (Temporary Job Opening)

Organization: UNECA

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Grade: P-5

Closing Date: Jun 28, 2022

Job Description

Org. Setting and Reporting

ECA’s mission, objective and strategic directions:

ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission will be guided by ECA’s five strategic directions, which are advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

Building upon the organization’s 25-year Strategic Capital Review (SCR), including ECA’s Strategic Capital Master Plan (SCMP), the ECA (Economic Commission for Africa) is currently producing a comprehensive Strategic Capital Master Plan, initially for 2024 to 2035.

The project is guided by the Secretary General’s report A/72/393 dated 15 Sep 2017 for the SCR; the West Campus/ Congo Building project dated Nov 2021 West Campus Business Case, and several dozen ongoing projects prepared with the Campus Architect (Consultant) since 2017. All of which takes into consideration security, conference facilities, accessibility, environment, medical facilities and IT.

Said Capital Master Plan (the CMP) for the ECA Campus in Addis will identify the fuller

series of investment requirements in connection with Buildings, Facilities, Conferencing, Accessibility, Environment, Safety and Security as well as ICT, noting the integration points across the same.

The ECA Campus encompasses over 13 Hectares and 20 buildings hosting over 2,500 UN system personnel. The average age of the Campus’s infrastructure is 45 years old with some buildings over 60 years old. The recapitalization of the Campus under the integrated CMP proposal will sequence the investment and renovation projects across in a prescribed timeline that will serve to assure all aspects at play, such as the ones beyond construction proper, including ICT, equipment and furniture, etc., so as to fully align ECA’s work environment to standards concerning space, work office configuration, ICT capabilities, safety, security, accessibility, and ergonomy in accommodation and facilities/ services.

The material scope of work includes over 40,000 m2 of campus buildings and infrastructure for which the related relocation of teams across ECA will be required so as to facilitate business continuity and progress of the work of the CMP in parallel.

Application of post COVID, hybrid work environment and space optimization parameters will be also consider including aspects of heritage, security and safety, accessibility, structural integrity and compliance with state-of-the-art code and standards (electrical/ mechanical/ civil/ architectural/ seismic/ safety/ security/ technology).

In addition to repairs, upgrades, and modernization proper, the CMP will also address cross- cutting mandates in connection with the whole, such as in respect of accessibility and sustainability, or in respect of evolving requirements for Clinic and related operations to be provided by ECA’s medical services, as well as for the cafeteria/ catering services, gym and parking for staff and the fuel stations in the Campus.

The CMP is also connected to ECA’s plan to increase to around 30 the number of UN System agencies that will be hosted as tenants in the Campus, which would additionally increase by at least 500 the number of personnel into the “One UN” Campus in Addis. This will serve to achieve further efficiencies of “Common Back Office” services and ICT, along with the related increase of cost recovery and funding pools thereof.

The investments to modernize and upgrade the capabilities to assure the safety and security of the organization’s staff, premises and operations in the Campus will be significant given the scope indicated above, and will include comprehensive perimeter, blast and ballistic protection, screening and detection capacities, access control and related systemic capabilities.

As for safety and security, a multi-year and multi-phased project to comprehensively upgrade the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis (UNCC) will be a core component of the CMP.

In addition to the above, the related capabilities for ICT will need significant investment efforts to align the same with the rest of the modernization and expanded operations plan.

The CMP will also have a cross-curricular scope in connection with the functionality and business requirements needed by the different programmes of the Commission.

Therefore, the scope and type of projects part of the CMP cut across various disciplines, such as engineering, architecture, technology and related project planning in connection so as to ensure that the plan effectively integrates across all components and also satisfies the specific project finance planning requirements and project management objectives in the timeline to be finalized once the detailed comprehensive plan is finalized to sequence requirements and deliverables by year along with the related resources and funding.

To that effect, ECA is establishing a temporary position for a CMP Project Coordinator in order to support the initial planning stage of the ECA’s CMP. Located at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Coordinator will have a dual reporting line to ECA’s Director of Administration as first reporting officer and Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support as second reporting officer.

Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of ECA’s Director of Administration, the incumbent will be responsible for the following responsibilities:

1. Finalize the conceptualization and design of the comprehensive CMP of the ECA Addis campus;
2. Co-design the procurement planning, tendering and related action plans required by the CMP in a timeline;
3. Assure project planning and execution of the initial implementation stage of the CMP by adherence to the General Assembly approval of the CMP financial schedule and implementation timelines in support of ECA Leadership and the UN Controller;
4. In connection with the above, assure the required day-to-day coordination of work amongst the various sections and services of ECA, primarily ECA´s Facility Management Section (FMS), the Safety and Security Service (SSS), and the Information Communications Technology Services Section (ICTSS), as well as between external contractors/ vendors (architecture, construction, materials, engineering, etc.).

To that end, the incumbent will perform the following duties and associated tasks:

• Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the CMP plan from an end- to-end sequencing of phases;
• Identifies the required arrangements to that effect, including appropriate communications and planning developments, aiming to ensure that the CMP planning progresses is on time and budget, while mitigating key project risks by applying relevant expert knowledge of the design, construction and project management phases.
Oversees the project’s design finalization in coordination with the Architect/ Engineering and other firm(s) that may be engaged to finalize the comprehensive design of the CMP, in coordination with Facility Management Section and the ICTSS/ UNCC/ SSS and other stakeholders, including in respect of programme planning across ECA, timeline for related contracting, sourcing, scheduling, cost estimating, quality control and related administration processes. Co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the project team, ECA, and with other departments and entities of the United Nations System, as well as with local authorities in respect of host country agreement, permits for construction, planning offices, fire departments, and historical conservation departments as appropriate.
• Keeps an up-to-date schedule of the CMP planning and is responsible to monitor/ control the same.
• Reviews and submits for final approval of the Director of Administration/ Director of Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management /Security all design and construction contracts and related financial components, which will be the basis to prepare the related project plans and associated budgets (i.e., cost estimates, cost analysis worksheets, owner’s reports, fee payments, monthly construction invoices, master cost breakdowns, general conditions estimates, and labor cost reports).
• Reviews and approves weekly and monthly project reports from project consultants and individual contractors.
• Prepares periodic project progress reports to the Executive Secretary and ECA´s SLT (Senior Leadership Team) and UN Headquarters in accordance with to-be-determined governance processes, including for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, and the General Assembly, ensuring high-quality standards and the integrity of data included thereinto.
• Acts as Secretary to any project Steering Committees; prepares all required materials and information for project related meetings.
• Recruits staff, manages, guides, develops, and trains staff under his/ her supervision taking due account of geographical and gender balance policies, inter alia.
• Performs additional tasks as and when requested by ECA´s senior management.

Competencies

Professionalism: Extensive knowledge of end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale construction projects in an international setting, including best practice building codes and standards and the related contractual, financial and legal requirements. Ability to design, implement and control major capital projects from time, budget and qualitative delivery perspectives. Ability to produce very well written reports and papers on the same with adequate technical expertise. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations, which would be made available. Competency in the use of relevant information technology and systems. Ability to work with people from various cultures and professions. Shows pride in work and in achievements.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in engineering, architecture or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an advantage.

Job – Specific Qualification

Professional certification or membership of chartered institutes such as the Project Management Institute/ PRINCE, FIDIC and/ or professional engineering or architectural institutes is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in managing large-scale construction or renovation projects with multiple stakeholders in an international setting is required. This experience shall include large-scale integrated project design, integrated project planning, risk management, project finance execution controls, and comprehensive technical and non-technical writing and reporting.

Experience and expertise with software project management tools, such as MS Project/ CADD/ Revit, and/or specialized construction and engineering tools, is required.

A demonstrated track record in respect of effective delivery and controls in respect of time and budget is required.

Experience in working with boards and external audiences is desirable.

Experience giving oral and written presentations to senior leadership in English is required

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available for 11 months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

 

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button