In Maldives, a UN House was constructed in 1993 on a plot provided by the Government with cost-shared contributions by participating agencies. The building subsequently housed several UN entities operating in Maldives. In April 2014 the building was vacated due to structural damage to the building and concerns over the safety of the staff working in the building.

Since April 2014, UN entities have been looking for a common space that can house multiple UN entities. Given the thin commercial real estate in the Greater Malé area, this has been a challenging process.

Located in the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Malé, and under the guidance of the Chair of the Operations Management team, the Project Manager will report to the UN Project Steering Committee (UNSC) set up for the oversight of the project. S/he will act as the main focal point for all matters related to the One UN House project and coordinate all aspects of efficient project management.

Under the overall and general supervision of the UNSC, key responsibilities and functions are:

• Preparing MoU across participating agencies participating to the One UN House Malé Maldives project
• Setting up UN steering committee governance mechanism
• With the support of UNDP setting up a common premises project for the office move and run of new premises
• Coordinate with the focal points of each participating agency and other relevant stakeholders to understand existing practices and the space programming requirements and prepare design solutions as needed.
• Draft Expression of interest, RFQ and RFP for provision of UN house as well as relevant goods and services related to Space Planning once location identified.
• Plan and coordinate move of agencies from their existing offices/temporary swing space(s) or building(s) if necessary, to the new building and respond effectively to problems related to information/communication connectivity.
• Develop communications materials intended for technical and non-technical stakeholders around the project implementation to increase UN staff awareness on the One UN House.
• Put in place industry standard project management portfolio with project documents, files, work plan, and risk register.
• Create project filing system that allows project business continuity, external reviews such as audit, and internal information management functions. Some review and repair work on exiting files could be required.
• Develop a framework for monitoring the implementation of the recommendations from internal UN experts on areas such as IT infrastructure, environmental sustainability, air quality, inclusive access, security, Occupational Health and Safety, etc.
• Draft project documents, files, work plan, risk register, architectural/engineering drawings and other documentation as required.
• Create Gantt chart for the overall project, submit periodic status reports and inform the working group and the management regarding progress, challenges, and suggested corrective actions.
• Oversee on-site construction, ensuring that the work is carried out in full compliance with the approved project, and that all interests of the UN system are served throughout the construction phase of the project.
• Monitor the progression of the work by effecting regular site visits, approving materials and equipment, keeping a narrative and photographic record of the work.
• Ensure that any changes during the construction phase are approved by the OMT in advance, by preparing and issuing any change order that may be required. Change orders shall include written drawings and/or specifications of the changes, agreed costs for the changes and any changes to the work schedule necessitated by the change order. Ensure that all changes are reflected in a complete set of “as built” drawings.
• Review documentation provided by the construction company and/or the engineering company such as: architectural/engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, health and safety plans, quality control and assurance plans, surveys, inspection report, substantial completion report, site activity log, material samples, test and inspection.
• Organize and attend technical site meetings and draft accurate minutes.
• Prepare and issue to the United Nations Certifications for Payment, together with the Contractor’s periodic requests for payment, based on the agreed schedule of payments and milestones and satisfactory progress on the part of the Contractor.
• Arrange and manage project-related meetings with multiple stakeholders, including UN management, UN entities’ focal points, UN technical units (IT infrastructure, environmental sustainability, air quality, inclusive access, security, Occupational Health and Safety, etc.), Landlord, engineering firm and construction company.
• Coordinate with the construction company and the engineering firm for close-out (as-built, systems certificates, warranties, etc.) and verify relevant documentation.
• Implement solutions towards ensuring that the building meets local building regulations, all international standards and is in full compliance with UN standards on Duty of Care, space planning, air quality, environmental sustainability, staff wellbeing and accessibility measures.
• Any other duty as required.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Manager will be based at UNDP Country Office and will be directly reporting to Chair of UN Operational Management Team (OMT).

Education:

• Degree in Architecture, Construction Engineering, or related is required. Certification in Project Management is an asset. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the implementation of office buildings projects and project management, from inception to project closeout is required. 

Required Skills:

• Prior Experience in UN common premises shifts is essential to the task
• Proficient and experienced user of project management software, GANTT chart-style tools, technical design tools such as CAD, Microsoft Office suite
• Knowledge of international standards and building codes such as IBC and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is desired.
• Experience working for the UN, particularly in projects for the establishment of Common Premises, is an asset. 

Desired Skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Knowledge of the UN Procurement process is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Professional Certificates: 

• If required for specific services. For example: ACCA, CIPS, CISCO, etc.

Important applicant information

All posts in the IPSA categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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