UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to a Calling

In the context of UNICEF’s ongoing organizational transformation under the Future-Focused Initiative (FFI), the consolidation of administrative support functions related to premises management essential to advancing organizational efficiency, accountability, and cost optimization objectives. As UNICEF continues implementing the Future Focus Initiative (FFI) - including the relocation of functions and staff to lower-cost duty stations, the establishment of new global offices, and the closure or restructuring of existing offices - the Division of Financial Management (DFAM) must continuously adapt its operational and administrative support framework to respond to evolving global business and premises management needs. The role will provide strategic and technical support in premises management to promote operational efficiency and cost reduction through space optimization, common premises initiatives, office renovations, and construction projects. The position will also contribute to maintaining safe, accessible, sustainable, and functional working environments that support staff well-being and operational continuity in UNICEF office in NY Headquarters (NYHQ).

This position will be part of the Division of Financial Management under Facilities Services Unit in the Administrative Management Services Section at UNICEF NYHQ and will report to the Chief, Administrative Management (Common Services)- P5.

How can you make a difference?

Working under the supervision of the P5 Chief Administrative Management (Common Services), the position is responsible for space management, building maintenance, and renovations of 3 UN Plaza (UNICEF House). The position works closely with service providers, contractors, engineers, and architects.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Facilities Management Operations

Manage office space at UNICEF House, including conducting periodic analysis of space requirements in line with established office space guidelines, and propose recommendations to improve efficiency.
Supervise the work of the facilities maintenance team, including helpdesk, ensuring service requests are completely in a timely manner and are of high quality.
For approved renovation and maintenance projects, oversee the selection process and the work, escalating significant issues to the attention of the Chief. Ensure that work is carried out as specified in the contracts.
Carry out an initial review of the costs, feasibility and timeframe of any office space renovations requested by UNICEF staff and make recommendations as to whether the work should proceed. Prepare designs and layouts for projects under consideration.
For approved renovation projects, develop a plan for transitional arrangements for the duration of the work, once approved, communicate to the impacted staff.
Provide input into the preparation of the building management budget, encompassing renovations, capital improvements and ongoing facilities.
Carry out periodic reviews of the building structure, as well as the mechanical and electrical systems, working with external service providers as appropriate, and make recommendations to improve performance, adhering to building codes.
Provide technical advice to the Chief, Administrative Management (Common Services) with regards to building renovation and maintenance.
Periodically review the administrative procedures for Facilities Services and propose changes as appropriate.

Office Space Management

Manage and update floor plans and database for UNICEF House.
Propose efficient, feasible, and strategies for utilization of office space.

Security

Support the Chief, Administrative Management (Common Services), in coordinating day-to-day operations related to the security of premises and staff located in NY, liaising with UN Security and other UN agencies on security matters, as appropriate.

Other

1. Perform any other duties, including support to promote workplace safety as requested by the Chief, Administrative Management (Common Services).

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: Job Description

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced university degree in technical or engineering specialty or related discipline.
Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in facility and/or project management functions, preferably with experience in construction management, space planning and responsibility for management of large office buildings, is required.
Skills:
- Demonstrated knowledge of architecture, construction, space planning, budgeting and building management.
- Competence in all areas of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Good interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Courtesy, discretion and initiative are required.
- Tact and diplomacy in dealing with UNICEF employees and external organizations is required.
- Strong proven supervisory background and leadership ability.
- Broad-based knowledge and expertise in all aspects of general facilities, administration, and construction management.
- Ability to supervise and direct a team of general service, maintenance staff, contractors, consultants and support staff.
- Must have excellent organizational skills with ability to work efficiently within timeframes.
- Exercise sound judgement in responding to requests, complaints and crises.
- Ability to work under tight schedule.
- Good team player and ability to work harmoniously with colleagues also under stress and prepared to deal with issues which arise on a contingent basis.
Language Requirements: Knowledge of English language at a Proficient/Fluent level is required.

Desirables:

Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
Good knowledge of AutoCAD, Aperture, and/or CAFM applications.
Ability to manage multiple projects within budget, dealing with multiple vendors.
Experience in dealing with highly sensitive issues.
Understanding of UNICEF policies and procedures, as well as Financial Regulations and Rules.
Excellent Negotiation skills.
Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural international environment.
Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per 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.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Facilities Services Specialist, P-3, FT, #00134524, DFAM, NYHQ, USA