Quantity Surveyor

NOTE
This is a temporary position. Attention is drawn to the fact that this is a vacancy of limited duration only
and will not be extended past the end of December 2013. Candidates applying for this role should therefore
be available on immediate basis and or with limited notice period and be prepared to be based full time at the
UNON compound.

VACANCY NOTICE NO.: NA-13-05
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT NAIROBI
DUTY STATION: NAIROBI
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Quantity Surveyor
DURATION:  8 Months no extension
GRADE NO-C
CLOSING DATE: 01 March 2013

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the  Secretary-General. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme  (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) globally, as well as other UN offices  in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This post is located in  Facilities Management and Transport Section (FMTS), UNON.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) compound comprises 146 acres of land on which considerable self-constructed real estate improvements such as varying types of office buildings, conference, catering and common public facilities amongst others have over the years been made.

In order to adequately account for these improvements, buildings and infrastructure under the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), the new international accounting standard being adopted worldwide by the United
Nations, considerable physical data collection as well as assembly of a detailed valued inventory of real estate is required.

The quantity surveyor will be responsible for the following.
Within established project timelines;
1. Collect physical data as well as assemble a detailed inventory of real estate. For this exercise four key building  types across the UNON compound have been identified; mixed use conference and common public facilities, old blocks (constructed 1975), new blocks (1985) and the new office facilities (2010).
2. Re-measure key building types on the compound to establish accurate gross external areas and carry out an  existing conditions assessment , compile a detailed physical building inventory and through application of a prescribed property valuation methodology based on replacement cost, value these key building types down to individualized building component level including aspects ranging from exterior works; foundations,
superstructure, cladding, roofing to services; plumbing, electrical, Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
Services (HVAC) services amongst others.
3. Collect physical data in similar methodology for infrastructure or freestanding assets such as electrical and
water supplies, storage tanks, treatment plants and the road network on the compound amongst others, and
based on data collected from the key building types vis-à-vis to obtain accurate opening balance property
valuation data for the compound as a whole.
4. Act as liaison and provide support to the on-going capital review of all built assets and infrastructure at the
UNON compound focused on long term planning for building maintenance as well as infrastructure  expansion requirements.
5. Perform any other related functions in support of these activities.

COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Demonstrates clear knowledge or understanding of on-site cost estimation procedures, the
practical measurement of as-built construction works, property and or real estate valuations based on replacement cost. 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.

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.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely
valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status.
Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience as Quantity Surveyor in the local construction sector and or be familiar with local building costs and estimation procedures and be registered with either a relevant international registration board and or the Kenyan Board of registration for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQ). Specific expertise and proven prior experience in the valuation of real estate, built assets and infrastructure will be an advantage.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post
advertised a perfect command of English and Kiswahili is required.
All applications should be sent to: recruitment@unon.org

PLEASE QUOTE THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER AND FUNCTIONAL TITLE IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE E-MAIL.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs  (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). Well qualified candidates, particularly  women, are strongly encouraged to apply.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT
PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER  FEES).