Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Engineering Support Section (ESS), Logistics Division (LD) within the Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), Department of Operational Support (DOS).

The Department of Operational Support was established to provide operational advisory services to operating entities across the Secretariat, including other departments, offices-away-from headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions.

The Office of Supply Chain Management includes the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management, the Logistics Division, the Procurement Division, the Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, Global Service Centre, Aviation Safety Section and the Enabling and Outreach Service. The Logistics Division performs a central role in the implementation of end-to-end supply chain management across the United Nations (UN) operations. The Division provides direction and advice on logistical matters, monitors and assesses the delivery of strategic transportation and support services and directs the delivery of transportation and specialist support services in the functional areas of air transport, ground transport, engineering, medical and supply, inclusive of fuel, rations and general supplies and security equipment.

The Elsie Initiative for Field Missions is a project implemented by the Engineering Support Section. The project was initiated in support of the Elsie Initiative, a Canadian government effort, aimed at developing innovative methods to increase women’s participation, retention, and overall security in peace operations. In addition, the project aims to improve camp layouts, accommodations, ablutions, recreational facilities, etc., to enhance female participation and retention in field missions, to improve overall safety and security of staff, and to support the systematic implementation of such improvements in the field. This position is responsible for identifying issues associated with the design and quality of the facilities provided for women, with the goal of enhancing their recruitment and retention in field missions.

The incumbent will report to the Chief or designated official.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Engineer will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• In the specific area of implementing gender sensitive enhancements to facilities, infrastructure and other related issues in field missions, develops short and long-range plans for the design, procurement of goods/services, construction/commissioning, and operation/maintenance of field mission facilities and infrastructure, taking into consideration that field missions are typically established in areas with a risk-environment of medium to high threat, and in areas with minimal power, communications, transport and service infrastructure. Mission facilities typically include modularized camps for troops and civilian staff, logistics bases and airbases with all required utility infrastructure for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems and security works.
• Analyzes and advises on the planning, design, construction and maintenance of major systems and facilities such as space planning, camp layouts, buildings and related structures and other engineering activities in the field needed for the logistics support of peacekeeping and other United Nations field missions in the context of enhancing and improving female issues associated with facilities and infrastructure.
• Prepares, evaluates, reviews and revises project documents, and analyzes design specifications included in project proposals for accuracy, soundness, feasibility, and cost. Guides, reviews, and processes new or amended systems contract requirements.
• Recommends solutions to unusual engineering problems.
• Conducts technical studies on engineering topics, reviews and prepares statements of requirements (SORs) for the purpose of establishing contracts and developing guidelines for the general planning and maintenance of programs and facilities.
• Prepares reports and other associated engineering-related information, for progress reporting to higher management and member states.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including (but not limited to) the Office of Military Affairs, Police Division, UN Women, and Member States.
• Develops and implements a communication plan, aimed at informing stakeholders of the developments, progress and key elements of the initiative, including the tools offered to support the implementation of design recommendations and other enhancements in field missions.
• Keeps abreast, through relevant engineering literature, of significant trends and the development of improved methods and equipment particularly related to female facilities issues.
• Leads team efforts in studying critical female related problems relating to design or construction of systems and facilities. Makes recommendations for resolution of problems in specialized areas.
• Reviews current Department of Peace Operations/Department of Operational Support (DPO/DOS) policies, guidelines, and other guidance documents, and recommends amendments to improve female associated facilities provision for field missions.
• Develops training and associated activities to improve implementation of required actions.
• Supervises the work of the project team.
• Ensures seamless integration of the team and project initiatives into the broader objectives of the Engineering Support Section and Logistics Division.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to apply engineering skills and to participate in engineering projects, including preparation of cost estimates, research of data and preparing graphs; ability to identify and analyze engineering data of significant depth and complexity; ability to apply an understanding of female issues in field camps and existing facilities. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Planning & 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.

Education

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

Job – Specific Qualification

Certification in Project/Programme Management methodology by an accredited body (e.g., PMP, PGMP, PRINCE 2 Foundation Project Management certification or practitioner level) is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, architecture, or related area, is required.

• Experience in management, planning, monitoring and execution of complex projects at the international level is required.

• Experience working in culturally diverse environments and understanding gender sensitive considerations is required.

• Experience in advancing female participation and/or retention in field operations, peacekeeping operations or similar operations is desirable.

• Experience in developing and reviewing standards, designs, or specifications in support of improving the facilities within the workplace for females, is desirable.

• Experience in managing project teams 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 another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This is an extra-budgetary funded position. The appointment or assignment and renewal therefore are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year.

• 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.

• Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

• 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.

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.

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.