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

The main purpose of this post is to support the Facilities Help Desk and Maintenance team daily operations under the supervision of the Sr. Administrative Associate (GS-7) in monitoring, and coordination of all day-to-day administrative customer-related building requests and supporting conference services for the Facilities Management Help Desks at NYHQ premises.

This post is a key interface with a broad range of contacts including high-ranking officials and guests both within and outside the organization. This requires efficiency, discretion, and capacity to deal with multiple delicate and high-level issues. The post prioritizes tasks and organizes work independently based on general direction from the supervisor.

How can you make a difference?

Facilities Help Desk Operations       

• Respond to and register customer calls, e-mails, and complaints and direct them to the appropriate channels.
• Maintain and improve the efficiency and standardization of Facility Management Services operating procedures.
• Process ID grounds passes for all non-staff (Consultants, Volunteers, Interns, etc.) who require access to the UNICEF headquarters facilities.
• Activate UN passes and Kastle IDs for all UNICEF staff and non-staff (Consultants, Volunteers, Interns, etc.).
• Arrange access for Vendors and guests.

Coordinate building and office maintenance Services

• Among the responsibilities of this position are daily management and supervision of processes and systems in compliance with NY building codes and other UN and State applicable regulations:
• Assist in expediting the resolution of building service requests submitted to the help desk from external parties and respective clients. Monitor all help desk service requests submitted to external parties/respective clients.
• Prioritizes and organizes work independently based on general instructions from the supervisor and rotates between both building.
• Support the Facility Management Help Desk and office/building maintenance services on a daily basis. Ensure that all Help Desk requests for building maintenance, security services, and other miscellaneous services are correctly classified and completed within specified parameters within the specified timeframe. Ensure that high-level requests are reviewed by the supervisor and in compliance with NY building codes and other UN and State applicable regulations:
• Provide assistance to the supervisor in relation to requests for building services and act independently, within the scope of the job, in the absence of the supervisor.

Operation and maintenance of facilities

• Manage and receive invoices, verification of service completed and payment processing for all Facilities Management contracts and supplies.
• Manage maintenance supplies purchased from supply vendors by planning, procuring, and managing them.
• Make arrangements with vendors for minor repairs, plumbing, electrical, and painting.
• All building maintenance-related supplies are maintained in stock and purchase requests are prepared.
• Provide direct supervision to third-party contractors on a variety of tasks under the direction of a senior maintenance assistant.
• Maintain proper operation of all kitchen equipment and systems by working with vendors and other outside parties.
• Schedule preventive maintenance work orders when the due dates approach and the necessary work orders have been created.

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 is required (written and verbal). Knowledge of French and Spanish 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.