Senior Project Engineer

- CH-Geneva
- 13-Jul-2026
- 17-Aug-2026, 9:59:00 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

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.

5. Information

Annual salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.

Please note that this estimate is for information only.The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.

The figures quoted below are based on the June 2026 rate of 86.8%.

P4

Annual salary

$77,326

Post adjustment

$67,119

Total Salary

$144,445

Currency USD

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

 Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.