Chief of Design and Construction - (Temporary Job Opening), P5 at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinates the work carried out by the Section, including the work of consultants, contractors, other UNON services; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the work prepared by others and claims for payment to ensure all resources are used properly in order to achieve all UNON Conference Facilities Project goals and objectives.
• Formulates and implements the substantive work programme under his/her supervision. Oversees the management of the UNON Conference Facilities Project and related construction activities undertaken by the Section, including the technical aspects of acquisition management, contracting, scheduling, cost estimating, quality control and contract administration.
• Ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas within the UNON CFP project team, other UNON services and with other Departments and entities of the United Nations System, as well as with local authorities, including departments of construction, infrastructure and planning offices, fire departments as appropriate.
• Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Section under his/her responsibility.
• Provides updates to the Project Management Plan (PMP) and Project Execution Plan (PEP) for construction, site operations, project guidelines, policies, procedures and performance standards. Implements the PMP and PEP in all phases of the project.
• Reviews and recommends for approval all works submitted related to construction and renovations contracts.
• Supports establishment of a Lessons Learned and Best Practices log as pertains to the UNON CFP.
• Ensures awareness and up to date understanding of relevant building codes and standards, technology and workplace safety, as well as best practices for persons with disabilities, during the construction and renovation phases.
• Supports updates to the guidelines for the management of construction projects of the Organisation.
• Signs off on Payment Applications upon completion of respective peer reviews, as per established work flows as delivered by the contractor.
• Reviews and submits for final approval of the Principal Programme Management Officer, master cost breakdowns, general conditions estimate, and labor cost reports. Reviews and approves weekly and monthly project reports from project design consultants and contractors. 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in construction management, building engineering, systems engineering, architecture, or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in managing large-scale construction or renovation projects, ranging from planning, design and execution, or in overseeing and directing large-scale business relocation and rehabilitation projects is required.
• Experience in implementing major projects effectively, on time and on budget is required. Experience in working with executive governance boards, public sector or external audiences is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.