The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is seeking a Chief of Design and Construction for a Temporary Job Opening at the P5 level. This role is primarily responsible for leading the design and construction activities for the UNON Conference Facilities Project (CFP). The incumbent will oversee the management of the project and related construction activities, including acquisition management, contracting, scheduling, cost estimating, and quality control.
Responsibilities
- Project Coordination: Co-ordinates the work carried out by the Section, including the work of consultants, contractors, and other UNON services. Provides programmatic/substantive reviews of work prepared by others and claims for payment to ensure all resources are used properly to achieve UNON Conference Facilities Project (CFP) goals and objectives.
- Work Programme Implementation: Formulates and implements the substantive work programme under his/her supervision. Oversees technical aspects of acquisition management, contracting, scheduling, cost estimating, quality control, and contract administration.
- Timeline and Stakeholder Management: Ensures programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work with other UNON services, UN System departments, and local authorities (construction, infrastructure, planning, and fire departments).
- Leadership: Leads, supervises, and carries out the work programme of the Section under his/her responsibility.
- Strategic Planning: Provides updates to and implements the Project Management Plan (PMP) and Project Execution Plan (PEP) for construction, site operations, project guidelines, policies, and performance standards.
- Review and Approval: Reviews and recommends for approval all works related to construction and renovation contracts. Signs off on Payment Applications upon completion of peer reviews.
- Compliance and Standards: Ensures awareness and up-to-date understanding of relevant building codes, standards, technology, workplace safety, and best practices for persons with disabilities.
- Reporting: Reviews and approves weekly and monthly project reports from project design consultants and contractors; submits master cost breakdowns and labor cost reports for final approval by the Principal Programme Management Officer.
- Knowledge Management: Supports the establishment of a Lessons Learned and Best Practices log as pertains to the UNON CFP.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- Project Track Record: Experience in implementing major projects effectively, on time, and on budget is required.
- Desirable Qualifications: Successful completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science. Experience working with executive governance boards, public sector, or external audiences. Two (2) or more years of experience in data analytics.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official United Nations careers portal by following the link provided. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline of March 10, 2026.
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