Project Manager

The General Operations Team as part of the Bureau for Management Services in UNDP is responsible for premises, facilities, asset management, travel management and BMS Operations.  The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Headquarters in New York City has embarked on a major renovation project to transform the DC1 building into the central hub for all UNDP headquarters personnel. This comprehensive renovation encompasses a range of key elements such as asbestos abatement, interior design, construction, demolition, curtain wall renovation, interior mullion refinishing, lobby renovation, electrical, mechanical and plumbing system upgrades. In addition, the project involves complete furnishing and restacking of the space in full compliance with design and construction documents.

Given the magnitude of the project, detailed coordination is crucial, demanding cohesive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, ensuring conformance with local, state, and federal regulatory standards. General Operations (GO) team is actively seeking a skilled Project Manager with demonstrated experience in large-scale renovation or construction projects. 
 

• As the Project Manager, responsible for seamless execution of the DC1 renovation project including daily management of all operational matters in line with the project implementation timeline. 
• Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance in effectively planning and implementing project activities to ensure achievement of targets and results. 
• Maintain constant communication and liaison with the DC1 renovation project team and all stakeholders, providing timely updates to address concerns and issues promptly.
• Adjust the DC1 renovation project plans based on real-time progress, challenges, potential risks, and unforeseen obstacles specific to the building's needs. 
   

• Provide strategic oversight of planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the project as well as tracking use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Performs as the certifying officer for any invoices to be paid for the goods and services procured pertaining for the DC1 renovation project. 
• Monitor daily expenditures and ensure that these are within the allocated thresholds.    
• Coordinate with required personnel within GO and provide regular financial reports indicating that delivery rate of the project.   
• Undertake necessary project site inspections of the DC1 building to ensure project scope and quality assurance with regard to design and construction documents. 
• Coordinate and participate in quality control mechanisms, seeking to improve the technical quality of the project outputs. 
   

• Works closely with Central Procurement Team to ensure the sourcing and timely delivery of required goods and services for the project (construction materials, goods, services of vendors, contractors, and consultants). 
• Participates in the technical evaluations of bids and proposals, that meet the requirements of the DC1 renovation project.
• Lead the selection process and negotiate contracts to ensure value and alignment with the unique needs of the DC1 building renovation project.  
• Responsible for proper contract management ensuring that required goods and services are received and necessary financial obligations are executed as per the contract.   
   

4) Ensure compliance, risk management and regulations:

• In close collaboration with contractors, landlord and project team, ensure that the DC1 renovation project adheres to New York City building standards and regulations, addressing any inconsistencies when identified.
• Ensure project activities and financial recording/reporting system are in full compliance with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and strategies.
• Provide guidance on risk assessments and oversee the coordination of due diligence for high-risk areas of work as necessary.
   

• Oversee the commissioning of tasks performed in close collaboration with commissioning agents to ensure systems in the DC1 building operate as envisioned post-renovation.
• Ensure smooth transition of final handover, ensuring punch list items are fully addressed and issuance of completion letters in compliance with construction industry standard procedures and standards.
• Establish and maintain a strategic understanding of and engagement with all the relevant institutions and stakeholders (landlord, consultants, vendors, clients and engineers) including establishing contact and developing strategic partnerships with other stakeholders and beneficiaries at various levels.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The incumbent will supervise the work of Renovation Specialist (IPSA11).   
 

• Achieve Results - LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact  
• Think Innovatively - LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems  
• Learn Continuously - LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences 
• Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands  
• Act with Determination - LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner - LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration 
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity 
   

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
 

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Business Management - Portfolio Management:

•  Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Business Management - Operations Management:

•  Ability to effectively plan, organise and oversee different parts of corporate operations, simultaneously and in an integrated way, in order to convert the organisation’s assets into the best results in the most efficient way. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.

Administration & Operations - Building, facilities & office space management:

• Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data

Finance - Financial planning and budgeting:

• Ability to create and manage processes to achieve UNDP's long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting.

Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.  Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.