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, Care

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has been in China for more than 40 years during which period it’s office premises has remained in one location and largely unchanged even though the office has witnessed much growth. The premises are commercially rented from a quasi-government entity with UNICEF covering 56% of the rent and the rest by Government. Because the available working space doesn’t meet UNICEF China present and future needs , office is looking for opportunities to expand. A professional architectural design firm reviewed the existing office spaces and has recommended a new building-to replace part of the old structures-in a model that will accommodate UNICEF requirements in an optimized way.

How can you make a difference?

The landlord has the funding and expertise to undertake the recommended reconstruction. But preliminary discussions point to a much steeper rent post construction given they propose to increase rent for the new building to match their return on investment at the prevailing market rate. This would be significantly higher than the current per square meter charge out. Alternatively UNICEF can provide the required funding and enjoy a rent-free period for the duration necessary to amortize the investment. An in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of either options is necessary before final decision can be made.

This consideration is coming at a time when the China Country Team has just completed its first Business Operations Strategy that identifies Common Premises and Facility Services as one of its pillars. Currently, offices of the UN agencies in China are dispersed in different diplomatic compounds across Beijing. This is because there is no adequate space within the two established UN compounds (UNDP and UNICEF) to cover all requirements. Expanding the current UNICEF facility will provide opportunity to bring on board additional UN agencies that are presently outside the two UN compounds thus meeting the vision of shared premises by 2022. It will also enable the creation of a green, energy efficient space-which is a real need in Beijing where pollution is one of the greatest threats including on staff recruitment. Preliminary discussion between UNICEF and several smaller UN agencies signal interest for joint office and a welcome escape from paying the very high commercial rental rates in Beijing.

Requirement: The consultant will review the requirements and available options and prepare a business plan for a UNICEF House that covers the needs of all interested resident UN agencies.

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

• An advanced university degree in Architecture or a first university degree with a relevant combination of academic and professional qualifications;
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in working with Government entities, developers, municipalities and contractors on similar projects. Background in developing countries with demonstrated strong project management experience & skills is preferred;
• A good knowledge of local real estate/construction market and pertinent legislation;
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods (key informant interviews and focus groups);
• Ability to meet deadlines, problem solve, work both independently and as part of a team;

• Demonstrate knowledge of pertinent local building codes and life safety requirements, and State agency procedures.
• Good understanding of the project phases from project set-up through design, Bidding, construction and project close-out and occupancy.
• Have a good understanding of all the disciplines involved in the design of a building including building materials and systems.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles related to construction.
• Candidate must possess knowledge of architectural, engineering and construction principles and practices,
• Familiar with International Building Codes such as IBC and Eurocodes.
• Experience in managing both small and large office building projects from inception to project closeout.
• Possess substantial knowledge of principles and techniques of personnel supervision and ability to work closely with all disciplines.
• Professional License and knowledge of Green Building principals and technologies is preferred.

• Proficiency in office automation – word processing, AutoCAD, Microsoft Projects, spread sheets, database management and Internet skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Additionally, a good commend of the local language is preferred.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

Duration of Assignment: Two months from the contract start date

Duty Station: Beijing

Contract fees: Consultant to quote on expected fee for assignment

Travel: UNICEF to cover travel and related costs (Ticketing and Daily Subsistence Allowance-while in Beijing)

Deadline of receiving quotations: 16 Aug 2019

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.