Associate Architect- Retainer, Multiple positions

UNOPS is implementing a number of infrastructure projects in Lebanon, including, rehabilitation and construction of buildings, public spaces, roads retrofitting, supply and installation of Solar PV Systems, rehabilitation of water networks infrastructure, solid waste management, etc..

The detailed designs for the projects are prepared by UNOPS who also supervises the execution of the works as per its applicable standards and procedures.

The functions/duties/key results of the assignment 

The incumbent will operate under the direct supervision of Project Managers, Head of Programmes, Programme Management Advisor or their assignees, and in close coordination with the Programme and Partnerships teams, providing technical expertise in architectural design preparation, overseeing construction works, and supporting documentation tasks. Responsibilities include support in ensuring high-quality architectural design production, documentation, effectiveness, transparency, and integrity, as well as ensuring that site work complies with technical requirements, specifications, timelines, and budget constraints. The incumbent will utilize specialized architectural and design software and applications.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct field assessments, generate mission reports, and provide technical recommendations for cost-effective designs and works.

• Participate in preparing proposals for new projects and contribute to preliminary planning and design documentation.

• Revise architectural and infrastructural designs of existing buildings for rehabilitation, ensuring alignment with applicable engineering codes.

• Support detailed drawing works for architectural designs and collaborate in coordinating structural, electrical, mechanical, and sanitation drawings.

• Support in preparing and checking technical specifications and detailed Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for assigned projects.

• Ensure compliance with engineering codes by reviewing architectural drawings and specifications provided by technical teams or external consultants.

• Streamline standardization of technical specifications, drawing preparations, and administrative procedures for infrastructural projects.

• Support in implementing project management principles to ensure projects are delivered on time.

• Assist other technical teams in design-related tasks, including architectural detailing, materials selection, equipment specifications, and manpower planning.

• Produce regular project updates and progress reports, adhering to organizational standards and contractual agreements.

• Attend coordination meetings to ensure design alignment and project objectives.

• Collaborate with project teams to plan, schedule, and develop integrated designs.

• Conduct site inspections and prepare detailed reports documenting progress, issues, and lessons learned, supplemented by photographic evidence.

• Monitor contract deliverables to ensure alignment with contract terms, international standards, and organizational requirements.

• Participate in system testing, commissioning, and final handover to beneficiaries, ensuring quality and compliance.

• Support in ensuring contractors’ compliance with set designs.

• Participate in coordinating and documenting meetings with contractors, technical supervisors, and other stakeholders, contributing to meeting minutes for construction-related discussions.

• Verify design documentation, including design briefs, reports, calculations, drawings, and specifications, for accuracy and compliance with international standards.

• Maintain high-quality AutoCAD drawings and organized records of site instructions, memos, and materials

• Support in preparing/reviewing comprehensive design documentation, including design briefs, reports, calculations, drawings, specifications, and schedules in accordance with Beneficiary requirements and international standards.

• Assist in reviewing architectural design accuracy, suitability, and potential improvements, offering practical solutions where applicable.

• Support in ensuring all tasks meet applicable Quality Management Plan (QMP) and Quality Control (QC) standards.

• Produce/review high-quality AutoCAD drawings and maintain accurate site records for all memos, instructions, and materials.

• Assist in archiving and managing architectural works design and engineering documentation related to road projects.

• Assist in scheduling and tracking related to road projects-related tasks, maintaining organized records and documentation.

• The incumbent may be assigned additional relevant tasks as necessary to support project objectives and organizational goals.

Final Product

Deliver delegated tasks by the supervisor on time and as per the required cost and quality parameters. Ensure that projects design and construction are prepared and performed with high quality, while observing the applicable local, international and UN standards and ensure adherence to relevant Health, Safety, Security and Environmental procedures and Protection against Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment- PSEAH measures are implemented throughout the project implementation, as per the country PSEAH action plan

Education 

• A Technical Diploma in Architectural design is required.

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Architecture, engineering, or a related field is highly desirable.

• A Master’s degree from a recognized university in Architecture, engineering, or a related field is preferable.

• Membership of the Lebanese Order of Engineers and Architects (Beirut or Tripoli) is an asset.

• Possession of Project Management Certificates is an asset.

Work Experience 

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in Architectural design is required with a Technical Diploma, including at least 1 year dedicated to managing and implementing Architectural design aspects of projects.

• With a Bachelor’s degree, the required experience is reduced to 3 years, with at least 1 year focused on managing and implementing Architectural design aspects of projects.

• With a Master’s degree, the required experience is further reduced to 1 year, with at least 1 year focused on managing and implementing Architectural design aspects of projects.

• Experience in computer design software, particularly “AutoCAD” is required.

• Demonstrated computer ability in using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.) is highly desirable.

• Experience in computer scheduling software, particularly Primavera and/or MS Projects is highly desirable.

• Work Experience with an international organization and/or UN Agencies will be well regarded.

Certifications (Desirable)

The below certificates are highly desirable:

• AutoCAD 3D Certification.

• LEED Accreditation (LEED Green Associate or LEED AP).

• BIM Certification (Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture).

• Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD).

Languages

• Fluency and communication skills in English and Arabic are required.

• Working knowledge of the French Language is an asset

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• This postion is open for the national of the country only

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.