Project Manager – P4

Background 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 
 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The General Operations Team as part of the Bureau for Management Services in UNDP is responsible for premises, facilities, asset management, travel management and BMS Operations.  The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Headquarters in New York City has embarked on a major renovation project to transform the DC1 building into the central hub for all UNDP headquarters personnel. This comprehensive renovation encompasses a range of key elements such as asbestos abatement, interior design, construction, demolition, curtain wall renovation, interior mullion refinishing, lobby renovation, electrical, mechanical and plumbing system upgrades. In addition, the project involves complete furnishing and restacking of the space in full compliance with design and construction documents.

Given the magnitude of the project, detailed coordination is crucial, demanding cohesive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, ensuring conformance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards. General Operations (GO) team is actively seeking a skilled Project Manager with demonstrated experience in large-scale renovation or construction projects. 
 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The position of Project Manage will be instrumental in managing the project’s daily activities and maintaining a harmonious relationship with Clients (internal and external), Landlord, contractors, and diverse group of consultants and vendors, including architects and engineers. The designated Project Manager will operate under the direct purview of the Director of General Operations.  Due to the functional demands of this position and to effectively manage the renovation project, the Project Manager is expected to be onsite during business days.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration. 
 

1) Lead project management and facilitate effective communication:

• As the Project Manager, responsible for seamless execution of the DC1 renovation project including daily management of all operational matters in line with the project implementation timeline.
• Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance in effectively planning and implementing project activities to ensure achievement of targets and results.
• Maintain constant communication and liaison with the DC1 renovation project team and all stakeholders, providing timely updates to address concerns and issues promptly.
• Adjust the DC1 renovation project plans based on real-time progress, challenges, potential risks, and unforeseen obstacles specific to the building’s needs.
  

2) Ensure effective financial management and quality assurance:

• Provide strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the project as well as tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Performs as the certifying officer for any invoices to be paid for the goods and services procured pertaining for the DC1 renovation project.
• Monitor daily expenditures and ensure that these are within the allocated thresholds.  
• Coordinate with required personnel within GO and provide regular financial reports indicating that delivery rate of the project.
• Undertake necessary project site inspections of the DC1 building to ensure project scope and quality assurance with regard to design and construction documents.
• Coordinate and participate in quality control mechanisms, seeking to improve the technical quality of the project outputs.
  

3) Lead sourcing and contract management of the project:

• Works closely with Central Procurement Team to ensure the sourcing and timely delivery of required goods and services for the project (construction materials, goods, services of vendors, contractors, and consultants).
• Participates in the technical evaluations of bids and proposals, that meet the requirements of the DC1 renovation project.
• Lead the selection process and negotiate contracts to ensure value and alignment with the unique needs of the DC1 building renovation project.
• Responsible for proper contract management ensuring that required goods and services are received and necessary financial obligations are executed as per the contract.
  

4) Ensure compliance, risk management and regulations:

• In close collaboration with contractors, landlord and project team, ensure that the DC1 renovation project adheres to New York City building standards and regulations, addressing any inconsistencies when identified.
• Ensure project activities and financial recording/reporting system are in full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and strategies.
• Provide guidance on risk assessments and oversee the coordination of due diligence for high-risk areas of work as necessary.
  

5) Lead Project commissioning and build strategic partnerships with multiple stakeholders:

• Oversee the commissioning of tasks performed in close collaboration with commissioning agents to ensure systems in the DC1 building operate as envisioned post-renovation.
• Ensure smooth transition of final handover, ensuring punch list items are fully addressed and issuance of completion letters in compliance with construction industry standard procedures and standards.
• Establish and maintain a strategic understanding of and engagement with all the relevant institutions and stakeholders (landlord, consultants, vendors, clients and engineers) including establishing contact and developing strategic partnerships with other stakeholders and beneficiaries at various levels.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The incumbent will supervise the work of Renovation Specialist (IPSA11).   
 

Competencies

Core Competencies – UNDP Core Competencies can be found here.

• Achieve Results – LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively – LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously – LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility – LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination – LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner – LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion – LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
  

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
 

Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking:

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management – Project Management:

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Business Management – Portfolio Management:

• Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Business Management – Operations Management:

• Ability to effectively plan, organise and oversee different parts of corporate operations, simultaneously and in an integrated way, in order to convert the organisation’s assets into the best results in the most efficient way. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.

Administration & Operations – Building, facilities & office space management:

• Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data

Finance – Financial planning and budgeting:

• Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP’s long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting.

Business Management – Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.  Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

 

Required Skills and Experience

 

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Engineering, or related fields is required. Or
• A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
  

Experience:

• Minimum of seven (7) years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in planning, implementing, and managing large-scale architectural and engineering projects is required.
• Experience in using architecture design software such as AutoCAD or similar programme is desirable.
• Familiarity with global and/or regional renovation/construction codes and standards is desirable.
• Familiarity with NYC construction codes and standards is desirable.
• Prior work experience with United Nations and/or UNDP is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
  

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

 

Disclaimer 

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders) 
 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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