Chief of Unit, Property Management,
New York (P-4)
Office of Central Support Services
Closing date: Thursday, 17 August 2017
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Facilities Management Service (FMS), within delegated authority, the Fixed Asset Management Officer (Chief of Unit) will perform the following duties:
• Responsible for strategic and operational level policy development, dissemination and implementation, leading to improved and uniform practices globally in the management of fixed assets.
• Provide leadership and overall management for the establishment of the property management framework for the Secretariat and develop policies, guidelines and processes for the implementation of a standardized asset management program. • Manage the daily operations of the Property Management Unit, by developing Work plan, Action plan and Unit programs including the supervision of staff assigned to the Unit.
• Establish and maintain asset accounting and operational framework at the Departmental/Organizational level by:
- Leading and coordinating the development of Organizational guidelines and implementation plans for fixed asset accounting and stewardship management in compliance with IPSAS Policy Framework and related UN IPSAS Policies;
- Oversee the management and maintenance of the training and certification programmes for property managers and fixed asset managers and updating the materials as necessary, Coordinating the development of strategic objectives, priorities, key actions and key performance indicators for the management and accountability of fixed assets;
- Developing and maintaining formal programme oversight framework and evaluation mechanisms for the recording of fixed assets to ensure compliance with the financial regulations and rules of the United Nations;
- Promoting and supporting a forum of exchange of best practices across the Organizational network of fixed asset management officers.
• Support strategic property management function at the Departmental/Organizational level by identifying and formulating effective strategies to maximize the benefits to property management arising from the implementation of IPSAS and Umoja (ERP system). Activities include but are not limited to:
- Identifying key strategic issues, opportunities and risks and providing recommendations for strengthening the stewardship of UN physical resources;
- Establishing a framework for monitoring global performance, reporting on compliance with policy and guidelines and management of delegated authority;
- Liaising with local fixed asset accountants and providing guidance as required;
- Supporting the establishment of strategic priorities and providing input into long-term resource planning.
• Provide guidance in relation to IPSAS accounting and make appropriate recommendations to Headquarters for changes in accounting policy.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders regarding the re-design and adoption of new business processes for fixed assets and inventory management and accounting in relations to SAP
• Guide, train and supervise general service and professional staff assigned to the Property Management Unit.
• Overview the development of procedures for coordination of property management strategies with other functional areas, such as procurement, information management, accounting, finance, and logistics.
• Act as focal point for coordinating responses to audit comments or queries as it pertains to property management.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Competencies• Responsible for strategic and operational level policy development, dissemination and implementation, leading to improved and uniform practices globally in the management of fixed assets.
• Provide leadership and overall management for the establishment of the property management framework for the Secretariat and develop policies, guidelines and processes for the implementation of a standardized asset management program. • Manage the daily operations of the Property Management Unit, by developing Work plan, Action plan and Unit programs including the supervision of staff assigned to the Unit.
• Establish and maintain asset accounting and operational framework at the Departmental/Organizational level by:
- Leading and coordinating the development of Organizational guidelines and implementation plans for fixed asset accounting and stewardship management in compliance with IPSAS Policy Framework and related UN IPSAS Policies;
- Oversee the management and maintenance of the training and certification programmes for property managers and fixed asset managers and updating the materials as necessary, Coordinating the development of strategic objectives, priorities, key actions and key performance indicators for the management and accountability of fixed assets;
- Developing and maintaining formal programme oversight framework and evaluation mechanisms for the recording of fixed assets to ensure compliance with the financial regulations and rules of the United Nations;
- Promoting and supporting a forum of exchange of best practices across the Organizational network of fixed asset management officers.
• Support strategic property management function at the Departmental/Organizational level by identifying and formulating effective strategies to maximize the benefits to property management arising from the implementation of IPSAS and Umoja (ERP system). Activities include but are not limited to:
- Identifying key strategic issues, opportunities and risks and providing recommendations for strengthening the stewardship of UN physical resources;
- Establishing a framework for monitoring global performance, reporting on compliance with policy and guidelines and management of delegated authority;
- Liaising with local fixed asset accountants and providing guidance as required;
- Supporting the establishment of strategic priorities and providing input into long-term resource planning.
• Provide guidance in relation to IPSAS accounting and make appropriate recommendations to Headquarters for changes in accounting policy.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders regarding the re-design and adoption of new business processes for fixed assets and inventory management and accounting in relations to SAP
• Guide, train and supervise general service and professional staff assigned to the Property Management Unit.
• Overview the development of procedures for coordination of property management strategies with other functional areas, such as procurement, information management, accounting, finance, and logistics.
• Act as focal point for coordinating responses to audit comments or queries as it pertains to property management.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and technical expertise in property and supply chain management as well as data governance in the management and control of property, including real estate. Knowledge of the implementation of fixed asset accounting frameworks, IPSAS requirements, and ERP systems in relation to fixed assets, inventory and logistics. Knowledge of accounting principles, procedures and standards. Ability to apply conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills in fixed asset accounting operations. Ability to formulate strategies, draft policies, procedures and Standard Operations Procedures (SOP)s in the field of property management and fixed asset accounting. Proven ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and Unit work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Performance Management: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
Education• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Performance Management: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in property management, asset management, accounting, real estate, business administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in property management, accounting, finance, budget and administration. Supervisory experience is also required. Experience in property management and supply chain management is required. Experience in the development and implementation of a property management framework in an international organization is desirable. Experience in ERP systems, IPSAS implementation and fixed asset management is also desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.