Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

 Hardship Level B

Family Type Family

 Residential location (if applicable)

 Grade PR2

 Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

 Reason Regular > Regular Assignment

 Remote work accepted No

 Target Start Date 2024-01-01

 Job Posting End Date November 28, 2023

 Standard Job Description

Associate Building Services Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Building Services Officer will work closely with administration, programme, shelter/wash, security and other relevant units, and will cover all civil work required in a UNHCR office. The incumbent is normally supervised by the Senior Administrative or Finance Officer, who defines the work objectives and provides direction. The incumbent may functionally supervise staff in the general service category, specifically those working in the property management.
The Associate Building Services Officer will maintain updated data on modifications, alternations and will provide technical and specialized guidance and support related to the implementation of civil engineering activities of UNHCR premises, staff housing, refugee registration centers, warehouses and other structures within the area of responsibility (AOR) in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations. Furthermore, the incumbent provides technical inputs to the development of technical documents (technical drawings, bills of quantity, technical assessment of offers, measurements of quantities of works and supply of materials, etc.).
The incumbent is responsible to maintain hard and soft copy of project and technical documentation and will have contacts with UNHCR staff, technical counterparts in other UN agencies, commercial service providers, partners, etc. on relevant subject matters in close coordination with the direct supervisor.

 All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

 Duties
- Prepare plans and specifications for office premises, warehouses, refugee reception/registration centres and any land and building projects within the AOR according to operational needs.
- Provide civil engineering advice and technical guidance for management of office buildings including support for tendering processes as well as development of service contracts. Work closely with security and others, if necessary, in maintaining/installing technical security installations in the buildings under the AOR.
- Conduct regular periodic physical visits to UNHCR office premises, warehouses and refugee receptions/registration centres etc. to monitor their status.
- In cooperation with relevant technical units and departments, formulate proposals for disposal of premises and/or support identification, selection and alteration of new buildings/ premises considering also the environmental impact of actions.
- Conduct market research and recommend the selection of engineering / construction consultants and contractors.
- Recommend civil engineering solutions to buildings/office premises/warehouse construction projects, refugee reception/registration centres and other projects within the AOR when and as needed.
- Ensure timely delivery of civil engineering projects, according to "best practices" and prevailing UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Analyse relevant data and draft status reports and updates.
- Draft quotation requests and/or tenders and contribute to the evaluation of offers and proposals.
- Monitor and support the implementation of office premises projects.
- Analyse and report on the quality of services delivered by contractors in relation to premises projects with reference to contractual quality standards.
- Support the wider UN greening initiative.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).

- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Years of Experience / Degree Level
  For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

• Field(s) of Education
  Civil Engineering; Architecture; or other relevant field.

• Certificates and/or Licenses
  Not specified.
  

Relevant Job Experience
Essential

• Minimum 1 year of previous relevant professional job experience with special reference to documented construction supervision.
  Good working knowledge of the following software: AutoCAD (2D), Microsoft Project, MS Office

Desirable

• Experience in all disciplines of civil engineering, emergency management and environmental planning, and ability making the linkages to rehabilitation and development programmes.

• Previous professional experience in the areas of urban development, natural resources and environmental management.

• Familiarity with, and Field exposure to UNHCR programme planning and implementation and on humanitarian operations.
  

• Functional Skills

• *IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)
  PG-UNHCR's Programmes

• SP-Infrastructure Development/Construction Management/Property Management

• SP-CAD 3D modelling for Settlement Analysis (eg. Infraworks, Civil 3D)
  MG-Project Management

• SP-Environmental Assessment/Planning/Monitoring/Evaluation of integrated projects/programs

• EV-Environmental Mainstreaming
  EV-Sustainable Environmental Land Use Management

• PR-Local/Urban Development
  (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

• For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
  For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
  For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
  

• All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
  

• As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

• This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

- Extensive knowledge of multi-agency projects.
- Familiarity with local and government policies pertaining to airstrip facilities.
- Ability to oversee and coordinate various stakeholders involved in such projects.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

Desired languages 

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

 Nature of Position:

The UNHCR Ethiopia operates in extremely challenging locations, including the Amhara, Tigray, and Somali regions. Considering the nature of these hardship areas and other regions where UNHCR operates within the country, ensuring occupational health and safety, as well as staff duty of care, becomes of paramount importance for promoting the wellbeing of our personnel. Specifically focused on civil engineering, the position of Associate Building Services Officer holds a significant role in ensuring occupational health and safety, as well as staff duty of care in the country.

 The position is based in UNHCR Addis Ababa and reports directly to the Assistant Representative (Administration).The incumbent will overseeing the overall construction projects and infrastructure maintenance within Ethiopia operation (Country Office, Sub and Field Offices). The Associate Building Services Officer collaborates closely with various departments and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of construction projects and the effective maintenance of infrastructure in support of UNHCR's operations and programs.

The primary responsibility of the Associate Building Services Officer is to manage and oversee construction projects from inception to completion. This includes conducting feasibility studies, developing project plans, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, overseeing the bidding process, monitoring construction activities, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulations.

The position entails overseeing the maintenance and repair of UNHCR's infrastructure throughout Ethiopia. This involves conducting regular inspections, identifying maintenance requirements, developing maintenance plans, coordinating with relevant contractors, and ensuring adherence to quality assurance practices. The Associate Building Services Officer is responsible for implementing preventive maintenance strategies and ensuring that infrastructure meets safety and operational standards and compliant with national policies.

As a civil engineering professional, the incumbent provides technical expertise and guidance to colleagues in Addis Ababa and field offices as well stakeholders. The incumbent participates in technical assessments and provide recommendations on civil engineering design, construction methodologies, and materials. Additionally, he/she contribute to the development of technical specifications, review engineering drawings, and provide input on procurement processes related to civil engineering works.

The Associate Building Services Officer assists offices in preparing budgets for construction projects and infrastructure maintenance, monitor project expenditures, provide regular reports on budget utilization, and make recommendations to optimize resource allocation while maintaining project objectives. This includes assessing cost estimates, preparing financial justifications for project proposals, and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's financial regulations and procedures.

 Effective coordination with relevant internal stakeholders (Global Infrastructure Management, Legal Affair Services,  Procurement team, Head of Offices, Security, Administration,…) crucial for success in this role. The Associate Building Services Officer closely collaborates with government authorities, implementing partners, and other entities involved in construction projects and infrastructure maintenance. He/she liaises with these stakeholders to obtain necessary permits, licenses, and approvals, ensuring compliance with local regulations and building codes.

 Living and Working Conditions:

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. The city has an estimated population of 3 million inhabitants. It is where the African Union is headquartered. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations. Staff members reside in commercial accommodation available in town (cf. UNDSS TRIP WEBSITE for the list of UN recommended hotels). There are limited medical facilities in Addis that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies during the daytime. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

 The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one's adjustment to the environment. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,218 to 8,530 ft), the maximum temperature is 26 °C (78.8 °F) and minimum 4 °C (39.2 °F). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (belg) rains occur from February to April, and the large (meher) rains are from mid-June to mid-September.The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The Government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. However, the banking, telecommunication, and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by Government-owned companies.

 The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. The exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offense, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash in excess of US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority. ATM cash withdrawals are largely available in Addis. AMEX is generally not accepted. Payment with credit card is possible in a few selected shops and tourism areas, but this form of payment is expanding. There is acceptable access to communication means, such as the internet, telephone sim cards, etc. PAMA is also available at the Offices.

 Additional Qualifications

 Skills Education

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): Architecture, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Civil Engineering

 Certifications work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 1 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part B

Additional Information

 Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

How to Apply

• Register using THIS LINK