Org. Setting and Reporting
ECA''s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA''s five strategic directions which are advancing ECA''s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent''s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa''s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.
This position is located in the Facilities Management Section (FMS), Administration & Conference Management Division (ACMD) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Under the direct supervision of the Chief Facilities Management Section, the Manager will assume responsibilities for the overall leadership, planning, implementation and completion of the work related to the projects and activities in the Facilities Management Section (FMS) in Operations Unit (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Architectural, Service Works).
Responsibilities
- Maintenance & Operations
Leads the planning and delivery of preventive and corrective maintenance to ensure efficient operation of building systems and infrastructure.
Oversees key systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, elevators, and site services, ensuring compliance with safety standards and performance benchmarks.
Manages internal teams and external service providers, enforcing quality, safety, and operational standards.
Ensures the implementation of safety protocols and occupational health standards in maintenance operations.
Conducts inspections, evaluates system performance, and develops implementation plans for maintenance needs.
Coordinates with other units on operational readiness during project handovers, space changes, and occupancy transitions.
Provides technical support across ECA compound and Sub-Regional Offices, to ensure consistent maintenance practices.
Advises on technical solutions for system failures and infrastructure inefficiencies.
Recommends technical solutions to complex operational issues, including system failures, infrastructure degradation and energy inefficiencies.
Participates in planning missions, site assessments, and technical consultations related to operations and maintenance of ECA premises and facilities.
- Design & Project Coordination Support
Reviews design and construction documents to ensure operational feasibility and long-term maintainability.
Advises project teams on engineering aspects impacting future maintenance operations.
Coordinates technical support for construction works and contributes to the operational handover process.
Provides feedback and recommendations on engineering designs in project proposals, with a focus on operational integration and long-term maintenance considerations.
Coordinates technical and logistical support (e.g., HVAC, electrical, BMS) to ongoing construction works, in collaboration with capital project teams and external contractors.
- Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Leads initiatives to improve energy efficiency, utility management strategies, and sustainability improvements.
Supports institutional sustainability frameworks, including Capital Investment Plan (CIP), United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), and the Environmental Management System (EMS).
- Budget, Planning & Reporting
Contributes to annual planning, budget formulation, and resource allocation for maintenance operations.
Tracks operational costs, monitors work orders, and prepares technical reports and updates.
Drafts reports, briefing materials, and technical updates on the status of maintenance operations, infrastructure performance, and ongoing improvement projects.
Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
- Contract, Vendor, HR Management, and Other Duties
Oversees service contracts, vendor performance, and contractor coordination.
Manages staff performance, work planning, and development in line with UN policies.
Engages with clients and stakeholders to maintain high service quality.
Manages acquisition planning, administration, and oversight of service provider contracts.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism:
Demonstrated project management skills; and knowledge of the latest technology and material used for building and knowledge of relevant UN rules and policies. Ability to apply engineering skills and to participate in engineering projects, including preparation of cost estimates, research of data and preparing graphs. Ability to identify and analyze engineering data of significant depth and complexity. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master''s degree or equivalent) in engineering, architecture or another 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.
Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in engineering or related area is required.
Two (2) years or more of experience in managing maintenance and operations of large facilities is desirable.
Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult
https://languages.un.org
for details).
Required Languages
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
English
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
Desirable Languages
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
French
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is General Temporary Assistance (GTA), funded from Cost Recovery. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.
All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared...