Project Manager (Africa Hall), Addis Ababa

Closing date: Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Posting Title: Project Manager (Africa Hall), P5

Job Code Title: Chief of Section, Engineering

Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Africa

Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period: 22 March 2015-21 April 2015

Job Opening number: 15-ENG-ECA-41537-R-ADDIS ABABA (X)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

• Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
• 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.
• This vacancy is subject to availability of post.
• Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The Africa Hall complex was constructed during the years 1959 - 1961 and inaugurated by the Emperor of Ethiopia on the 26 February 1961. It was given to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) as a gift from the Government and people of Ethiopia, and became a birth place of the Organization for African Unity (OAU), currently known as the African Union Commission (AUC). ECA, in collaboration with UNESCO, the AUC and the Ethiopian Government launched the first initiative for the Renovation of Africa Hall at a ceremony that marked the 50th Anniversary of the ECA held on 24 October 2008 culminating in the pronouncement to make the Hall a 'monument to modern African History'. The General Assembly requested the Secretary-General of the United Nations to assess the status of the Africa Hall and later approved the renovation project to ensure that Africa Hall historical significance is preserved while maintaining its functionality, which is in strict compliance with the highest international standards for conference facilities. As a result of this decision, ECA has transitioned to the implementation stage.

The Africa Hall renovation project is complex in nature and entails management of significant financial resources. The Project Manager position is located at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Project Manager- Africa Hall reports to the Director of Administration.

Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of the Director of Administration, the incumbent will be responsible for the design, construction, and programme management related planning and execution of tasks primarily for the Africa Hall project while adhering to the strict deadline as mandated by the General Assembly. ECA will implement the Africa Hall project as part of the organization's 20 year Strategic Capital Review (SCR). The project entails renovation of over 10,000 m2 of this historic landmark and related decanting of businesses and certain functions in Africa Hall, the Old Office Building, and potentially Cafeteria and Library Buildings.

It is estimated that this project may span over a 7 year period in line with the established project scope, new SCR related scope, and key performance indicators, which include: relocation of the business functions of the affected buildings; reallocation and reorganization of office, business, and conference spaces; aspects of heritage, security, accessibility; structural integrity and compliance with building code(s) and safety; any special upgrades while ensuring business continuity of operations in the designated project area throughout the construction. All activities will be coordinated with the daily operations of ECA, the standards and direction of the DOA as well as Facility Management Section (FMS) and their other related projects, stakeholders and roles as per the Governance Structure. Incumbent will also act as a liaison between general contractor and ECA administration and facilitate issue resolution through agreed and established coordination platform.

In this context, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Formulates and implements the substantive work programme under his/her supervision entailing the establishment and maintenance of project and programme management, control and support arrangements, including an appropriate communications and contracting strategy, aiming to ensure that the Africa Hall project progresses on time and budget, while mitigating key project risks by applying relevant expert knowledge of the design, construction and project management methodologies.
• Oversees the management of the project related design and construction activities in coordination with Facility Management Section, including programming, 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 both within the project team, ECA, and with other departments and entities of the United Nations System, as well as with local authorities, including departments of construction, planning offices, fire departments, stakeholders, governing/oversight/audit bodies, tourism and historical conservation departments as appropriate.
• Leads, supervises and carries out the AH/SCR work programme under his/her responsibility including the management and coordination of the project cost, such as bill of quantities and time control procedures as well as the validation of any change order to contracts.
• Manages the financial, human and contractual resources assigned, including the design firm.
• Oversees the work carried out by different work units and co-ordinates the work programme with other parts of the project team and other ECA entities as necessary. Establishes and maintains the Project Management Plan for site operations, project guidelines, policies, procedures and performance standards.
• Implements the project management plan in all phases of the project. Reviews and recommends for approval all design and construction contracts submitted. Co-ordinates the work carried out by the project team including the consultants, the liaison staff and other ECA entities; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the work prepared by others to ensure all resources are used properly in order to achieve all project goals and objectives.
• Reviews and submits for final approval of the Director of Administration cost estimates, cost reports, cost analysis worksheets, owner's reports, fee payments, monthly construction invoices, master cost breakdowns, general conditions estimates, and labor cost reports. Reviews and approves weekly and monthly project reports from project consultants.
• Prepares periodic project progress reports to the Executive Secretary and Director of Administration of ECA, UN Headquarters, and other entities as required.
• Prepared concise reports under the direction of the DOA for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, and the General Assembly, as appropriate and is lead by past and present reports and the governance structure. The project is guided by the Secretary General's report A/69/259 that culminated in the approval of this project.
• Ensures that the outputs produced maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the staff under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
• Assists the Director of Administration in coordination with the Facility Management Section, ECA leadership, the UNHQ Overseas Property Management Unit and/or other entities of UN Headquarters, based on the Governance Structure, in preparing and coordinating the work programme of the project team, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Coordinates the preparation of the schedule and long term planning, monitor/control the design/construction to ensure the project is executed on schedule and within budget and integrates with FMS work plans to maintain daily operations and long-term plans.
• Acts as secretary to the project Steering Committee; prepares all required materials and information for project related meetings.
• Oversees the administrative and programmatic tasks necessary for the implementation of the AH project and the functioning of the AH project team including: developing, maintaining and enforcing adherence to the design and construction phasing; commissioning, close-out and site logistics plan; preparation of budgets using the concept of results-based budgeting (RBB), reporting on budget and programme performance; evaluation of staff performance; interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates.
• Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance.
• Manages, guides, develops, and trains staff under his/her supervision.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Service and across organizational boundaries.
• Represents the project team at international, regional, or national meetings.
• Performs additional tasks as and when requested by the Director of Administration.
• Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
• Staff within work unit/project team;
• Human resource, administrative, accounting, facilities management, security, procurement, shipping and inventory staff in ECA and UN Headquarters.
• Consultants and Contractors.
• Counterparts in other UN agencies.
• Counterparts in Host Country authorities/agencies (utilities, roads, and others).

Results Expected:

• Africa Hall renovation project completed within the time frame of 6 years and approved budget.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the contracting and construction management issues, particularly international best practice building codes and standards and legal requirements. Ability to implement major capital projects effectively, on time and budget. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Competency in the use of relevant information technology and systems. Ability to work with people from various cultures and professions and successful experience in working with boards and external audiences is desirable. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Planning & Organizing:

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

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Leadership:

• Serves as a role model that other people want to follow
• Empowers others to translate vision into results
• Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives
• Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support
• Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions
• Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo
• Shows the courage to take unpopular stands

Managing Performance:

• Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority
• Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member
• Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills
• Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines
• Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff
• Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative
• Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff
• Appraises performance fairly

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in engineering, architecture or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an asset. Professional certification or membership of chartered institutes such as the Project Management Institute and Professional Engineering or Architectural Institute is highly desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in managing large-scale construction or renovation projects with multiple stakeholders is required along with comprehensive technical report writing. A proven track record in implementing major projects effectively, on time, and on budget is required using leading edge software project management tools. Experience in working with boards, public sector and external audience is desirable. Proficiency/Experience in MS Project or equivalent project management tools is required.

Languages

For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of French (the working language of the ECA and UN Secretariat) is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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