Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. UNON performs representation functions with permanent missions, the host government and governmental and non-governmental organizations in Nairobi. UNON supports programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services (www.unon.org).

This position is located within the dedicated Project Management Team for the Replacement of Office Blocks A to J project at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). The A to J project is a multimillion-dollar, multi-year undertaking that would entail construction of a building development that replaces the existing office blocks A to J and includes the implementation of flexible workspace strategies at all remaining office blocks located on the Gigiri Complex. 

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Project Architect/Engineer of the A-J Replacement Project and overall supervision of the Project Manager and/or the Director of Division of Administration. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

MONITORING AND CONTROL ON SITE SUPERVISION ACTIVITIES: 
• Monitoring of the various contractors, construction sites and surrounding;
• Inspect and advise on all proposed samples and construction materials for the project, and ensure that they meet the specifications in terms of quality and adherence to the specifications and compliance with appropriate building regulations and contractual documents;
• Conduct inspection of the workmanship and practices of contractors and crew engaged in the construction works on a daily basis; 
• Record the progress of work including the construction and work schedules to check that the progress is maintained;
• Monitor the construction and its compliance with the specifications and design drawings prepared by the architect; 
• Provide regular support for the development and implementation of site logistics, including the swing space plan and the management of the site surroundings, to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications;
• Follow-up on the guidelines on environmental management and housekeeping/safety/security on the site;
• Identify and record any unexpected issues of concern related to the site organization and the progress of the works as managed by the contractor; 
• Monitor and inspect the health and safety arrangements implemented by the contractors on the construction site(s) throughout the execution of the construction work, including the site tidiness and measures implemented to mitigate the nuisances to the premises. 

REPORTING:
• Inspect/monitor, and record the workmanship and practices of the contractor and/or crews engaged in the construction and ensure the work is executed in compliance with the design plans and specifications; 
• Keep appropriate and organised records of all the information collected, including pictures, quality assurance certificates, inspection reports, samples, etc.;
• Monitor and record the design/construction work schedules to ensure that progress is maintained as proposed;
• Attend the site meetings as scheduled by the Site Supervision team, and compile meeting minutes as required;
• Provide input for the drafting of all the reports on the progress that will be compiled by the Project team.

DESIGN SUPPORT AND ADVISE: 
• Assist the Project Engineer/Architect and Project Manager in reviewing the designer’s plans and specifications to ensure they are in compliance with defined project scope; 
• Perform any other duties as requested by the Project Architect/Engineer or Project Manager.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Sound knowledge of the research terrain and a strong familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods and tools. Demonstrable ability to deploy knowledge management systems, platforms, and tools. Ability to apply conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills and identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. 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.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of resources and time for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary courses or additional training and certification such as a Higher National Diploma in Building, Structural/Civil Engineering, PRINCE II or Project Management, is desirable. Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive work experience in architectural and/or civil engineering is required. Experience as a superintendent or building supervisor in at least one building project with > 5000 m2 or more is required. Experience in using MS Project or similar software is required. Experience as an inspector of architectural, civil, site, finishes and specialty systems work is desirable. A good knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit or similar software is highly desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Fluency in Kiswahili is an added advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is on a local basis. This is a project post funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take up the appointment. 

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. 

“Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. ” 

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

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.

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.