Org. Setting and Reporting

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 is 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.

This position is located in the Division of Administration (DoA) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Director of the Division of Administration. The incumbent will manage facilities for the ECA campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with varying degrees of involvement for the ECA Sub-Regional Offices (in Morocco, Zambia, Rwanda, Cameroon, and Niger) and the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (in Senegal) based on the given location’s premises agreement.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, The Chief, Facilities Management Section (FMS) will manage facilities and infrastructure portfolio of 20 buildings with 110,000 m2 of construction on 13 hectares of land within a perimeter of 1.6 km, hosting around 2,250 personnel of ECA and various Agencies of the UN system. The Chief of FMS will play a major role in the planning and implementation of the upcoming capital investment plan (CIP) starting 2025.

The foremost objective of the Chief of FMS is creating an accommodating work environment for employees. This serves many broader goals, including attracting and retaining top talent, improving efficiency and productivity, and creating a positive workplace culture. The job entails supporting people, establishing processes, facilities upkeep and improvement, and technology integration. The Chief of FMS is to ensure ECA office’s accommodation is problem-free and safe so that personnel can work under the best conditions and that all upgrades will capture international standards for disability inclusion and environmental sustainability. Taking into consideration the above, the Chief of FMS will be responsible for the following duties:

¿ Oversee all facilities-related activities and is responsible for preserving the good condition of infrastructure and ensure that facilities are safe and well-functioning.
¿ Provides policy guidance on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of overall strategies and intra and interdivisional/departmental policies and procedures.
¿ Ensures ECA buildings and related support systems (mechanical, electrical, structural, and architectural) maintain high-quality standards.
¿ Plan and oversee the management of all activities undertaken by the Section regarding all facets of operation and maintenance of ECA campus, including the supporting systems peculiar to each building, conferencing and security installations, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), electricity and water supply, the on-site emergency power generation plant, centralized UPS system, potable water, chlorinating plant, waste water, communications and video conferencing wiring, mechanical elevators and the like.
¿ Manages, supervises, and carries out the work programme of the Section, including acquisitions planning, procurement, management of Section warehouses and business continuity planning.
¿ Prepares the Section work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
¿ Provides programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others.
¿ Oversees implementation of the ECA environmental management system and sustainability measures for ECA according to the Sustainable United Nations (SUN). Lead ECA’s implementation of ISO 14001 environmental management system and maintain the certification.
¿ Ensures optimal use and allocation of space and furniture throughout the compound (including parking space). Ensures proper leases management. Evaluates annually rental cost, cost sharing, and cost recovery from UN agencies and ECA tenants.
¿ Provides substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, the General Assembly and other policymaking bodies, as appropriate.
¿ Contributes to the reporting to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.
¿ Ensures that all outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data.
¿ Ensures that all outputs produced by the Section are fit-for-purpose, meet documented requirements and comply with applicable standards.
¿ Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section, including budget preparation, assigning, and monitoring performance parameters and key performance indicators, reporting on budget and programme performance, inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluating staff performance, and interviewing and evaluating candidates for job openings.
¿ Recruits staff for the Section within the set timeframe of recruitment taking due account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values.
¿ Maintains an up-to-date risk register and a treatment plan for the Section.
¿ Manages, guides, develops, and trains staff under his/her supervision. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Section and across organizational boundaries.
¿ Represents the Organization at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive-related issues. Attend the Operations Managers Team meetings and lead /Chair the Campus Advisory Committee.
¿ Drives and contributes to the proper implementation of the UN Reform in particular the common back office and common premisses.
¿ Participates in international, regional, or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue or hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
¿ Coordinates and works closely with the Programme Manager/director of the capital investment plan from the planning phase until the commissioning phase and becoming the custodian of new and renovated structures.
¿ Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge in all aspects of facilities management of a large complex. Proven ability to manage and supervise, produce reports and papers on technical issues. In-depth knowledge of all technical areas being supervised. Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as it applies to facilities and property management is required. Ability to apply relevant technical and local regulations, policies, and guidelines in work situations. Knowledge of relevant technologies applied in the areas to be supervised. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

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.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or
setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in engineering or architecture is required. A first-level university degree in the above specified fields in combination with 2 additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job – Specific Qualification

Certification in project management from either PRINCE II or PMP or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in managing large facilities (facilities upkeep, improvement, including small- and large-scale capital improvement) is required.

Experience in multicultural environments, supervising and managing large teams is required.

Experience in project planning is required.

Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application like SAP or a similar system, as it relates to real estate, plant maintenance and Assets Under Construction is desirable.

Work experience in varied assignments in the United Nations System or a similar international organization is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; knowledge of the 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

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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.

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 and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 June 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

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.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

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.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.