Architect/Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Planning Design and Construction Section (PDCS) of the Facilities and Commercial Activities Service (FCAS), which is part of the Division of Administration (DOA) under the Department of Operational Support (DOS) at the United Nations. The DOS was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the UN Secretariat, including departments, offices away from headquarters, field missions, and regional commissions. The FCAS is responsible for managing the UN Headquarters complex, ensuring effective planning, management, maintenance, and operation of all physical facilities and assets at the UN Headquarters in New York. The service also encompasses office and conference facilities, property management, travel and transportation services, archives and records management, mail and pouch operations, catering, gift shop, and the United Nations Postal Administration. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of PDCS.

Job Overview:
The Architect/Engineer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of PDCS and will be responsible for applying professional architectural and engineering knowledge to manage the space portfolio at UN Headquarters. This includes ensuring that space and occupancy information for UN-owned and leased properties is accurately recorded and updated regularly. The role involves providing reports on projected space needs, occupancy rates, and statistics on space utilization, as well as maintaining data and preparing reports using Microsoft Excel or relevant software. The incumbent will also apply architectural and engineering calculations and practices to review office space planning, manage the selection of additional premises, and develop cost estimates. The position requires planning and designing specifications, creating standard drawings and layouts for projects, conducting preliminary site investigations, and coordinating the design and construction of internal office reconfigurations and related moves. The Architect/Engineer will liaise with other departments to serve as a focal point for office space requirements and will analyze project proposals to ensure technical feasibility and that project objectives are achievable within prescribed resources. The role also involves anticipating short- and long-term space requirements, engaging with the Procurement Service and the Office of Legal Affairs to secure new leases or extend existing ones, and managing lease and service contracts administered by PDCS.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Architect/Engineer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Assisting the Chief of PDCS in managing the space portfolio at UN Headquarters to meet all space needs.
• Ensuring accurate recording and regular updating of space and occupancy information for UN-owned and leased properties.
• Providing detailed reports on projected space needs, occupancy rates, and space utilization statistics.
• Maintaining data and preparing reports using Microsoft Excel or applicable software.
• Applying architectural and engineering calculations and practices in reviewing office space planning.
• Managing the selection of additional premises and developing cost estimates.
• Planning and designing specifications, creating standard drawings and layouts for projects.
• Conducting preliminary site investigations to assess office space needs.
• Coordinating the design and construction of internal office reconfigurations and related moves. 1
• Liaising with other departments to address office space requirements effectively. 1
• Analyzing project proposals for technical feasibility and ensuring project objectives are attainable within prescribed resources. 1
• Anticipating short- and long-term space requirements and addressing demand in a timely manner. 1
• Engaging with the Procurement Service and the Office of Legal Affairs for lease management. 1
• Managing all PDCS-administered lease contracts and service contracts, ensuring currency and monitoring expenditures. 1
• Implementing and maintaining the computerized graphic space database using CAFM. 1
• Negotiating space allocations with other offices and coordinating the acquisition, installation, and relocation of furniture and equipment. 1
• Organizing and directing ad-hoc requests for movers' services related to facility demands. 1
• Assisting in managing the Real Estate Portfolio in UMOJA. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Architecture or Engineering. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of study, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matters related to office space planning and design, including knowledge of policies, procedures, and practices in cost estimating, budgeting, scheduling, coordination, contract administration, and liaising with procurement on rental leases and service contracts. Familiarity with building codes and safety standards is essential, along with the ability to negotiate and apply good judgment in various situations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Architecture or Engineering. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, along with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of architectural and engineering principles as they relate to office space planning and design.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in architecture or engineering design, with a focus on interior construction and office space planning, is required. Candidates should have experience in using AutoCAD or similar software. Experience in a supervisory and project management role is desirable, as is familiarity with SAP ERP (Umoja) Real Estate Module, which would enhance the candidate's ability to manage real estate portfolios effectively.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There are no specific desirable languages for this position, but fluency in French may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. Eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. Staff members who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement during the temporary need period are not eligible to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.