Senior Project Engineer

WIPO • Geneva, IL

32d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Project Engineer provides specialized technical leadership for WIPO’s building modernizations and high-stakes energy transition, specifically the integration of the campus into the SIG GeniLac network. This role bridges complex technical infrastructure projects with the requirements of an operational international organization, 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.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in HVAC, mechanical or electromechanical engineering, or a related field in building services engineering.
• 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.
• Excellent written and spoken knowledge of French and good working knowledge of English.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys of existing technical systems and perform feasibility studies.
• Lead the definition of technical strategies and establish requirements for complex building projects.
• 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.
• Lead the technical evaluation in the awarding of contracts.
• Define procurement strategies, drafting complex specifications, and negotiating technical terms with engineering specialists and contractors.
• Oversee the implementation phase.
• Manage contract performance, verify that the work complies with technical specifications, standards, regulations and safety requirements.
• Ensure close coordination with operations and security teams to guarantee WIPO business continuity and compliance with the Organization’s internal procedures.
• Coordinate temporary technical installations and logistical operations related to project implementation.
• 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.
• Exercise full delegated authority for financial management, including budget forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and financial reporting.
• Monitor and report on progress, risks, and deliverables.
• Proactively identify and mitigate technical or financial bottlenecks and escalate critical risks with proposed solutions.
• Perform other project-related tasks as needed.

Benefits

• Net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars
• Post adjustment (cost of living allowance)
• Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
• Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior