Building Projects Section, Premises Infrastructure, Central Services Division, Administration, Finance and Management Sector
Contract Duration - 1 year
Duty Station: CH-Geneva
Application Deadline: 17-Aug-2026, 11:59:00 PM CET
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
The position is located in the Building Projects Section, Premises Infrastructure, Central Services Division in the Administration, Finance and Management Sector. The Building Projects Section oversees the renovation of buildings on the WIPO campus. The project portfolio includes major renovations of various buildings, as well as projects to modernize office spaces and upgrade technical infrastructure.
b. Purpose Statement
The Senior Project Engineer provides the specialized technical leadership necessary to execute WIPO’s building modernizations and high-stakes energy transition, specifically the integration of the campus into the SIG GeniLac network.
By bridging complex technical infrastructure projects with the requirements of an operational international organization, and acting as the primary technical authority, the incumbent is accountable for delivering sustainable, modernized infrastructure while ensuring no disruption to WIPO’s business continuity.
This role fills a critical gap in high-level technical oversight and contract management, responding to a strategic shift toward capital renovation projects that require expert-level accountability.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of the Building Projects Section.
d. Work Relations
The incumbent will collaborate closely with members of the Premises Management Service and other internal stakeholders such as Security, IT and Procurement. S/he also coordinates extensively with external architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and, where relevant, local authorities.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Conduct surveys of existing technical systems and perform feasibility studies. Lead the definition of technical strategies and establish requirements for complex building projects.
b. Monitor and coordinate studies. Review drawings and specifications (including, but not limited to, HVAC, electrical and sanitary installations) to verify compliance with Swiss SIA standards and WIPO technical requirements. Propose and/or review and approve technical optimizations.
c. Lead the technical evaluation in the awarding of contracts. This includes defining procurement strategies, drafting complex specifications, and negotiating technical terms with engineering specialists and contractors.
d. Oversee the implementation phase. Manage contract performance, verify that the work complies with technical specifications, standards, regulations and safety requirements.
e. Ensure close coordination with operations and security teams to guarantee WIPO business continuity and compliance with the Organization’s internal procedures. As needed, coordinate temporary technical installations and logistical operations related to project implementation.
f. Participate in the commissioning of facilities and the handover of works to building operations managers. Monitor the resolution of any defects identified during acceptance inspections and during warranty periods.
g. Exercise full delegated authority for financial management, including budget forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and financial reporting.
h. Monitor and report on progress, risks, and deliverables. Proactively identify and mitigate technical or financial bottlenecks and escalate critical risks with proposed solutions.
i. Perform other project-related tasks as needed.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
Advanced university degree in HVAC, mechanical or electromechanical engineering, or a related field in building services engineering.
Experience (Essential)
At least seven years of relevant professional experience in planning, design and implementation of building services projects.
Extensive experience in construction project management and multi-disciplinary technical coordination.
Experience (Desirable)
Demonstrated experience in large-scale and complex building renovation projects in occupied sites.
Experience with rules and regulations relating to buildings in Switzerland.
Prior experience in building operations and experience with GeniLac.
Language (Essential)
Excellent written and spoken knowledge of French and good working knowledge of English.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Extensive knowledge of building services, including HVAC, electrical, sanitary installations, BMS (Building Management Systems).
Strong understanding of business continuity on an operational site.
In-depth knowledge of design and construction principles related to technical systems, adhering to relevant building codes.
Strong mastery of contract management and the ability to oversee the technical lifecycle of a project from feasibility study to hand-over.
Strong project management skills.
Excellent ability to clearly communicate technical information to both expert and non-technical audiences.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a strong focus on problem-solving.
Working knowledge of computer-aided design tools (AutoCAD) and project planning tools.
Job Related Competencies (Desirable)
Knowledge of Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA) norms.
Knowledge of building information modeling (BIM) tools.
Familiarity with rules and regulations relating to buildings in Switzerland.
4. Organizational Competencies
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Demonstrating integrity.
4. Valuing diversity.
5. Producing results.
6. Showing service orientation.
7. Seeing the big picture.
8. Seeking change and innovation.
9. Developing yourself and others.
For more information, including on the salaries and benefits, please check the WIPO Careers website.
