Project Director, Headquarters Building Renovation

Job Posting Organization:
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1874, with a mission to promote and coordinate international postal services. It has 192 member countries and serves as the primary forum for cooperation among postal sector players. The UPU aims to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services, facilitating communication and commerce across borders. The organization operates globally, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of postal services worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Project Director will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, planning, design, and execution of the building renovation project at UPU headquarters. This role involves overseeing the management of human, financial, and technical resources throughout the project lifecycle, which is projected to take approximately six years. The incumbent will provide strategic guidance for the efficient implementation of the project, ensuring that the organization’s objectives related to quality, costs, and deadlines are met. The position requires a strong execution-oriented focus, supporting governance processes, and ensuring effective coordination across various directorates and with external stakeholders. The Project Director will lead the project from conceptualization through to completion, including the preparation of a loan application to the Government of Switzerland, managing the renovation of the current building, and ensuring business continuity during the renovation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulate, implement, and oversee the substantive work programme and activities of the building project, ensuring timely progress within budget and quality standards.
• Oversee the loan application process and coordinate design and construction activities, including procurement management and quality control.
• Assist in defining organizational needs for a modern workspace and translate them into project requirements.
• Establish and maintain the Project Management Plan, ensuring adherence to guidelines and performance standards.
• Manage project costs and coordinate with the Project Board for contract variations and resource allocation.
• Ensure project requirements are met by all contractors and stakeholders involved.
• Examine risks at technical and management levels, providing expert advice and developing risk mitigation proposals.
• Oversee financial and administrative planning, including budget preparation and performance monitoring.
• Set up a cost control function to verify estimates and ensure budget oversight. 1
• Coordinate work within the team and with all stakeholders, maintaining records and preparing reports for the Project Board. 1
• Facilitate information sharing and needs assessment planning with all staff. 1
• Review contractor deliverables and ensure adherence to project phases and standards. 1
• Ensure high-quality outputs from the Project Team and provide substantive reviews of work. 1
• Anticipate problems and facilitate solutions proactively. 1
• Prepare regular progress reports for internal and external stakeholders. 1
• Assist in operationalizing the communications strategy related to the project. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, or a related field.
• Professional certification or membership in chartered institutes is desirable.
• Significant professional experience in planning and implementing large-scale construction and renovation projects (USD 30 million and above).
• Senior-level responsibility for resource planning and project management, with experience in cost control or monitoring.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector and international environments is desirable.
• Familiarity with Swiss contracting and legal environments is desirable.
• Experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder project implementations is desirable.
• Proficiency in relevant IT systems such as ERP and Project Management software is desirable.
• Experience liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities is required. 1
• Familiarity with financial and business administration is required. 1
• Experience in due diligence and procurement processes is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, or a related field from an accredited academic institution is required for this position.

Experience:
At least 12 years of international experience in two or more relevant areas covered by the position is required. This experience should include significant involvement in large-scale construction and renovation projects, as well as project management and resource planning.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and both are required for this position. Proficiency in German is desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves a significant level of responsibility and seniority. The role may require international travel and engagement with various stakeholders, including governmental and diplomatic authorities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with the standards set by the United Nations for similar positions.