UNOPS Facilities Management Associate

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Job ID/Title :UNOPS Facilities Management Associate
Brand :UNOPS
Application Deadline   25-Nov-11
Duty Station :Ramallah
Duration of Initial Contract :One year with possibility of extension

Background:
The United Nations Office for Project Services Jerusalem Operations Centre (UNOPS JMOC) was established in East Jerusalem in late 2006. Amongst other things, UNOPS JMOC helps global and local partners, including ministries of the Palestinian Authority, design and implement projects that respond to the need of local people in the Palestinian Territory.
UNOPS JMOC is supporting the Canadian government with the implementation of two components of the Sharaka project, a 5-year CIDA-funded program of assistance directed at strengthening the Office of Attorney General/Public Prosecution (OAG/PP) in order to enhance its contribution to the stability, prosperity and democratic development of the West Bank.  The first component is a procurement component, which will satisfy a substantial part of the operational objectives of the project by supplying concrete and tangible support to the PA through (i) retrofitting the new OAG headquarters building; (ii) furnishing and equipping PP district offices; (iii) equipping the OAG/PP offices with IT equipment; (iv) providing videoconferencing facilities for the OAG/PP; and (v) purchasing vehicles for use by the OAG/PP.  The second component is a technical legal assistance component, which will satisfy the structural, knowledge and capacity building objectives of the project by supplying assistance to the OAG/PP in the following areas: (i) supporting the creation of a Planning Unit within the OAG; (ii) strengthening the internal structure, organization, management and operational capacity of the OAG/PP; (iii) creating human rights and gender units; (iv) providing targeted training support; and (v) supporting Canada’s coordinating role for donor and implementing agency activities within the OAG.

The Canadian-funded Sharaka Project requires the services of a qualified associate to provide facilities management support to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in Ramallah and the Public Prosecution Service (PP) across the Palestinian Authority.  The Associate will work with Planning unit head to enable it to effectively establish an operational institutional facilities management plan for all OAG/PP offices with clear roles and responsibilities linked to the maintenance plan that takes into account Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, Civil Defense and Security requirements.
The Associate will be embedded with the OAG for the duration of the contract and will provide services directly to the Planning unit head, Office of the Attorney General and its staff.  Management of the position will be provided by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in conjunction with the OAG and the Sharaka Project.  UNOPS will be responsible for remuneration and contract related matters.  The Sharaka Project, headed by the Sharaka Field Director, will be the Project Authority and will be responsible for providing overall project-related direction to the Associate in his/her support to the OAG.  The OAG, through the Planning Unit Head, will act as the Technical Authority providing daily supervision and substantive guidance to the Associate on matters of internal OAG management, needs and priorities, and will facilitate the Associate’s integration with the OAG.  In all of his/her dealings, the Associate will be driven by a focus on attaining the strategic objectives of the OAG and will work closely with the heads of OAG divisions and Sharaka team members in order to achieve this.

Description of Responsibilities:
Summary of key functions:

The Associate core duties will include, but are not limited to, assisting OAG management to:
-Establish an operational institutional facilities management plan for all OAG/PP offices with clear roles and responsibilities linked to the maintenance plan that takes into account Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, Civil Defense and Security requirements.
-Roll out the plan to OAG/PP offices to ensure stakeholders understanding and buy-in.
-Conduct field visits to evaluate general property maintenance plans and requirements.
-Evaluate essential ongoing utility service requirements (e.g., water, wastewater, electricity, janitorial services, heating/cooling systems, elevators and landscaping) and work closely with applicable professionals from these fields to ensure maintenance levels remain appropriate
-Develop a logbook and annual checklists for the proper application of the facilities management plan.  Direct and advise the OAG on appropriate levels of contractors or services support to maintain the facilities management plan.
-Solicit cost estimates from appropriate authorities for ongoing maintenance tasks of all relevant systems and provide these to the OAG to be considered in the budget process to ensure sustainability.
-Support and mentor applicable OAG/PP staff on how to conduct remedial checks and implement the maintenance plan to ensure knowledge transfer and sustainability.
-Manage accommodation issues arising from district office amelioration and preparations related to prosecution facilities, including planned courthouse projects in Tulkarem, Ramallah and Hebron.
-Ensure the use of effective security procedures, protocols, and controls to maintain the safety of the facilities' users and make sure that enough is done for it to be understood by all staff.
-Any Additional duties as determined in collaboration with Sharaka stakeholders
 
Impact of Results
-Successful completion of tasks as explained above.
-Successful and timely delivery of all activities and products.
-Preparation of any related progress reports.
-Successful establishment and implementation of institutional facilities management plan
-Improved understanding/capacity of focal points to maintain implementation process
-Consistent provision of timely, high-quality monitoring and trouble-shooting for building management tasks
-Successful transfer of knowledge, capacity and responsibilities to applicable OAG/PP staff to ensure continuity in service and support.
 
Competencies :
-Attention to detail;
-Ability to think logically;
-Ability to convey information as appropriate and to utilize information collected from field monitoring visits;
-Excellent analytical ability, sound judgment, independent and creative thinking;
-Effective planning, organizational and administrative skills;
-Ability to work effectively under conditions of limited or dual supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances;
-Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines;
-Ability to work in cooperation with other professionals, both Palestinians and internationals.

Qualifications :
Education:
-Master degree in Engineering, or related field; Additional years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with a relevant bachelor’s degree, may substitute for the requirement for a master’s degree

Experience:
-Minimum five years of experience in facilities management and/or project management;
-Experience working in construction projects including structural, mechanical, electrical and architectural works;
-Experience working with international organizations.
-Knowledge of building management best practices;
-Knowledge of international standards of checklists for monitoring and management of building needs;
-Knowledge of Palestinian regulations related to buildings and fixtures within buildings;
-Knowledge about working with the public sectors is preferable.

Language Requirements:
-Strong written and verbal communication skills in Arabic;
-Good knowledge of English Language, writing and conversation

UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly


Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer-
Applications from men and women will be considered equally