Space Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of individuals are upheld and that governments are held accountable for their actions. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights standards and addressing violations. The OHCHR is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and works collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Space Management Officer plays a crucial role in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) by providing substantive advice on space management strategies, particularly in implementing open workspace and flexible workplace initiatives. This position requires the officer to engage with various stakeholders to assess their space requirements and prepare for corporate physical relocations. The officer will work closely with divisional and service chiefs to ensure that OHCHR staff and business processes are adequately prepared for changes in workspace. The role also involves developing project plans that align with the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) standards and guidelines, monitoring project implementation, and ensuring that all stakeholders are ready to meet deadlines. The Space Management Officer is expected to build strong interpersonal relationships and collaborate effectively within a matrix team, analyzing impacts and opportunities in OHCHR's business areas and identifying improvements in workspace utilization. Additionally, the officer will support the Chief of the General Administrative Services Section in preparing data and presentations related to office accommodation, manage ad hoc building and renovation projects, and perform other duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Space Management Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing substantive advice on the implementation of open workspace and flexible workplace strategies to the Chief of the General Administrative Services Section.
• Meeting with stakeholders to analyze their space requirements and preparing OHCHR staff for corporate relocations.
• Developing standards and guidelines for effective space utilization in accordance with UNOG regulations.
• Creating OHCHR-specific project plans that complement UNOG projects.
• Monitoring project implementation and ensuring timely delivery of tasks.
• Collaborating with divisional and service chiefs to identify business needs and prepare for relocations.
• Building strong relationships with various teams and stakeholders involved in the transition process.
• Analyzing impacts of changes on OHCHR business areas and developing space allocation plans.
• Ensuring integration of furniture layouts and space allocations into Building Information Management (BIM) databases. 1
• Supporting space and facilities management activities within the OHCHR portfolio. 1
• Managing building and renovation projects related to OHCHR functions. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a proven ability to work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrating professionalism and efficiency in meeting commitments and achieving results. The ideal candidate should show persistence in facing challenges and remain calm under pressure. Additionally, candidates must take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into their work and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as well as the ability to tailor communication to different audiences. Candidates should also demonstrate effective planning and organizational skills, with the ability to set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources efficiently.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, interior design, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, architecture, or office space planning for a large multi-use building complex is required. Candidates should have experience dealing with administrative and logistic issues in the United Nations or a similar large multi-cultural international organization. Experience in Building Information Modelling (BIM) for construction or renovation projects is also required, along with the ability to develop and communicate compelling arguments to stakeholders and senior leadership regarding complex management issues.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The position may be limited to internal candidates, and applicants are encouraged to follow all instructions provided in the online recruitment platform. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.