Head of Technical Section - Facility Operations and Maintenance

Description & Requirements

Directorate General of Administration (DGA) contributes to the smooth running of the Organisation by performing tasks related to real estate, security and translation, as well as document management and distribution. One of its sub‑entities, the Buildings and Facilities Division, consisting of around 30 staff, manages the Organisation’s real‑estate portfolio and comprises five sections, including the Facility Operations and Maintenance Section.

Your Team

The Facility Operations and Maintenance Section, with a team of five, covers heating, ventilation and air conditioning, high‑ and low‑voltage systems, fire safety systems, elevators, lifting equipment, electromechanical equipment and catering facilities.

Your Role

• Manage and lead the team by supporting staff in their development, allocating responsibilities and workload, assessing performance, and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Assess short‑ and medium‑term logistical, financial, human, technical and methodological requirements; define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Plan, organise, co‑ordinate and monitor maintenance and technical upgrade programmes, upkeep, maintenance and operation of the technical facilities in the Organisation’s real‑estate portfolio (excluding external offices) and the section’s works and projects, particularly as part of Major Maintenance and Renewal (GER) operations.
• Ensure proper implementation of the Council of Europe’s real estate strategy, focusing on business continuity, technical renovation, energy efficiency, sustainable development and digital development.
• Run the energy efficiency strategy, implementing optimisation measures in line with the Organisation’s reduction targets.
• Carry out technical studies for the adaptation and improvement of facilities, prepare the associated documentation (technical data sheets, specifications, estimates and calls for tenders) and ensure integration of projects and new equipment into maintenance and operations, including within the framework of the Capital Master Plan.
• Lead the section’s outsourcing strategy, oversee the operational management of a multi‑technical, multi‑site contract implemented with a service provider team of approximately 30 persons, and ensure compliance with performance commitments and the availability of required resources.
• Ensure regulatory compliance of facilities (public buildings, pressure equipment, periodic inspections, etc.) and the efficiency of operational and risk management systems.
• Oversee the management of technical data relating to facilities and associated digital tools (CMMS, plans, centralised technical management systems (CTM), BIM for maintenance and operation, etc.) and coordinate the section’s communications.
• Possess at least 5 years of proven, relevant experience in managing facilities maintenance, operation and outsourced services and contracts.
• Have very good knowledge of French, both written and spoken, and good knowledge of English.

Qualifications

• Citizen of one of the member states of the Council of Europe and fulfil the conditions for appointment to the civil service of that state.
• Have discharged any obligation concerning national service (military, civil or comparable).
• Not be the parent, child, step‑child or grandchild of a serving staff member of the Council of Europe.
• Be under the age of 65 years.

Competencies

• Managerial – Management of teams
• Operational – Planning and work organisation
• Operational – Analysis and problem solving
• Interpersonal – Teamwork and cooperation
• Professional and technical expertise – Very good knowledge of CAD/CADD software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.), CMMS, etc.
• Managerial – Decision making
• Interpersonal – Negotiating
• Interpersonal – Communication
• Professional and technical expertise – Knowledge of BIM for operation and maintenance.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, the Council of Europe welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion or belief. Under its equal opportunity policy, the Council of Europe is aiming to achieve gender parity in staff employed in each category and grade. At the time of appointment, preference between suitable people shall be given to the person of the gender which is under‑represented in the relevant grades within the category to which the vacancy belongs.

Accommodations

Applicants with specific needs are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact us at , and we will ensure that your request is handled.