SENIOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER

The incumbent will report to the Director of UNGSC, or designated officer.        The UNGSC Facilities Upgrade Project will cover the development of a Capital Master Plan (CMP), the improvement and modernization of infrastructure of the campus belonging to the Italian Air Force, renovation of several UNGSC facilities including the re-design of the base entrance, conference and training spaces, logistics/administrative areas, etc.  The Senior Project Manager will oversee the entire lifecycle of this project, planning and design, sourcing of relevant service providers, ensuring timely delivery and execution, compliance with regulatory standards and applicable occupational safety and health as well as fire safety standards, and alignment with UN and donor objectives.
Responsibilities.
Leads all aspects of project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring and governance, etc.; directs subordinates in project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant project documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.  Develops, implements, and maintains comprehensive project plans with clear milestones; ensures all outputs under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with relevant mandates and international standards.   In coordination with the Chief Procurement Officer, monitors the procurement process to ensure it remains on track and aligned with the project's timeline and deliverables.
Drafts and finalizes all Terms of Reference (TORs) and Scopes of Work (SOWs) for sub-projects and procurement activities, in collaboration with the UNGSC Procurement Unit.  Develops TORs to identify and onboard a consultancy firm to create a Capital Master Plan for UNGSC and executes the F&I projects, including the upgrading of the entrance, offices, conference, and training spaces.
Leads and coordinates both the design and construction phase of the project, ensuring the designs are aligned with operational requirements, sustainability standards and guidelines.  Ensures that all planning, design, and implementation activities are aligned with international standards on disability inclusion and relevant host nation or area disability laws and regulations, and the operational realities of entity, including the temporary nature of certain facilities.
Integrates disability inclusion and gender considerations throughout the project lifecycle from initial planning and design to execution and handover.  Establishes a governance structure for project oversight, defining roles, responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms.
Creates and presents regular progress reports to key stakeholders, including the Italian Government, UNGSC leadership, and the Project Board.
Develops and executes a stakeholder communication strategy to ensure transparency and alignment;  Maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including UNGSC, Italian authorities, contractors, and consultants.  Coordinates and reviews the project risk assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies; Conducts regular audits and quality checks to maintain project integrity.
Document lessons learned and best practices to inform future projects.
Directs research and project evaluation and presents information gathered from diverse sources.  Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments and provides insight; reviews, analyzes and interprets data for decision-making, presentation and reporting, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.     Prepares various project outputs and deliverables, e.
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background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies,  etc.  Presents regular progress reports to key stakeholders; ensure effective cost, schedule and quality control throughout the project.  Ensures effective cost, schedule, and quality control throughout the project.
Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
Coordinates activities related to budget and donor funding (project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Italian Government, UNGSC leadership, the project board, at all levels inside and outside the organization.
Education.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in, project management, economics, engineering, architecture  or a related field.  A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience.
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in engineering including the planning and design of projects and facilities of a large multi-use complex or related area is required.    At least seven (7) years of experience in managing and implementing complex infrastructure projects is required.    Experience in leading change management initiatives for large/complex projects is required.    A minimum of two (2) years of experience in contract management is required.    A minimum of two (2) consecutive years of experience in the supervision of staff and of a multidisciplinary team in the most recent ten years is required.    Experience in developing sourcing solutions for capital master plans and infrastructure projects is required.    Experience with international organizations, public procurement processes, and FIDIC contracts is desirable.    Experience in an Enterprise Resource Planning system (such as SAP or an equivalent) is desirable.
Languages.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required.  Knowledge of Italian is desirable.