UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope

DFAM New York-based Central Services Center (CSC) was established in January 2024 as part of the Headquarters Efficiencies Initiative (HQEI). The goal of the CSC is to further consolidate and streamline common, location-dependent transactions and processes. The aim is to improve efficiency and compliance by reducing transactional level tasks for teams, thus enabling NYHQ Division/Office staff to strategically focus on delivering high-quality programmatic work and, ultimately, achieve cost savings and efficiency gains. Consolidating transactions within a Central Service Centre (CSC) will help UNICEF to further mitigate the risks of efficiency loss, duplication and excessive costs as the Centre provides specialization and increased efficiency in the use of resources.

How can you make a difference?

This position is primarily responsible for the day-to-day maintenance activities of UNICEF premises in New York Headquarters under the supervision of the Facilities Specialist (P-3). These activities include but are not limited to basic repairs, painting, locksmith work, specification and installation of office furniture, reconfiguration of offices, assembly, and disassembly of modular workstations, staff relocations, conference room setup, and event-related activities.

Conference Services maintenance support

• Maintain daily all regular conference rooms, and large venues in compliance with NY building codes and other UN and State applicable regulations:
• Maintain conference rooms, pantry, in a neat, clean, and orderly manner by preparation, execution, and close-out of special office social and business-related events to include set-up and break-down of rearranging and storing furniture and other event-related inventory.
• Inspect the room set-up, IT equipment location and report any issue or missing equipment immediately to the help desk.
• Inspect each room, straighten chairs, flip charts, and IT equipment.
• Check keyboard and mouse are in the right place.
• Report immediately to the help desk if IT assistance is required, or items are left behind by the user)
• Escort all Specialized vendors upon arrival to the premises.
• As soon as an event or meeting has been scheduled and received a work order with set up floor plan/diagram that reflects the type of setup, conduct a walk-through with the event organizer/focal points to gain a better understanding of the set-up to scale, including all elements (tables, chairs, furniture, etc.). Providing guidance on visualizing the event layout and flow will assist in visualizing the event setup.
• Identify the ideal setup for the event by taking into consideration the needs of the event or meeting organizer, the A/V vendors, and the setup crew.
• Advise flexible event room layouts, which include high-top tables with stools, buffets of pre-made cocktails and appetizers, drink stations, as well as seating around the perimeter.
• After the events have concluded, ensure that vendors pack rental AV equipment and load out of the building using security procedures. Remove all furniture from the room or set up for the next event.
• Setup Registration Tables and Flipcharts
• Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
• Maintain an inventory of supplies and ensure that assigned areas are adequately stocked.
• Ensure that the cleaning vendor cleans, sanitizes, organizes, and maintains the furniture and event supplies by the standards set forth by the help desk.
• Working knowledge of basic technology and equipment functionality in conference rooms.
• As directed by the manager or supervisor, perform other related duties in Conference Services.

Operation and maintenance of facilities

• Conduct daily inspections of the floors, conference rooms, offices, and facilities at NYHQ premises, to ensure that the premises are maintained properly. Follow up with necessary actions when necessary.
• Respond to service requests related to furniture moves, repairs, installations, and furniture orders through the Facilities Management Services Help Desk
• Conduct the relocation of staff members by coordinating with the Facilities Services Specialist, the Senior Maintenance Assistant, the UNICEF staff, the ICTD move team (computer and telephone), movers, vendors, and other parties involved.
• Provide oversight of the work performed by contractors performing preventive maintenance, construction, alterations, carpentry, painting, carpet installation, and cleaning in compliance with NY building codes and other UN and State applicable regulations:
• Relocate furniture as necessary for maintenance, induction unit service, window cleaning, renovation, and construction projects.
• To ensure that furniture parts are properly stored, fire codes are met, and all items are accessible for maintenance operations, in conjunction with Senior Maintenance Assistance, perform periodic reviews, re-arrangements, and cleanings of storage spaces at the headquarters and Secaucus Warehouse.

Operation of routine building maintenance

• Obtain service requests for air conditioning/heating, electrical shutdown, cleaning, and maintenance of light fixtures, water coolers, and appliances from the Facilities Management Services Help Desk. Repair furniture, doors, walls, carpentry, painting, carpet installation and repair, assembly of items, hanging of pictures, frames, wall shelves, whiteboards, etc.
• Assist with the prompt completion of all such requests by either performing them or coordinating with the Senior Maintenance Assistant in matters relating to building management and outside contractors.
• Document the completion of tasks through the procedure and keep a record of these reports and emails.
• Monitor daily water cooler units on all floors and make service calls when maintenance is necessary. Refill cups as needed.
• Prepare and engrave information panels, signs, name tags, and room numbers as necessary.
• Make sure that all light bulbs are checked and replaced daily as necessary.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• A minimum of five (5) years “hand on” experience of relevant office building maintenance & trades services, i.e. electrical, plumbing, office construction, floor space layouts, locksmith, engraving machines, power tools, mechanical systems, floor space layouts, electrical installation, partitioning, office modular furniture, office machines, furniture repairs and partitioning systems a must (preferably Knoll – Morrison & ACME system 375).
• Knowledge of building fire and safety codes.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in multicultural environment.
• Ability to work under minimum supervision.
• Must have excellent organizational skills with ability to work efficiently within timeframes required. Exercise sound judgement in responding to requests, complaints and crises. Ability to work under tight schedule.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. Diplomacy, courtesy, discretion and initiative necessary.
• Good team player and able to work harmoniously with colleagues also under stress and prepared to deal with issues which arise on a contingent basis.
• Tact and diplomacy required in dealing with UNICEF employees and external parties.
• Prior experience working in the UN System or other international development organization is desirable.
• Non-US candidates must be in possession of a US G-4 Visa or be a US Permanent Resident.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required.  knowledge of Spanish and French is highly desirable.  Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.