Project Architect

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The UNOPS East Africa Hub is located in Nairobi and oversees the organizations operations in Somalia, South Sudan and Burundi. The Hub covers a large geographic spread, including Eritrea, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros, in addition to those mentioned above. UNOPS in Kenya implements a large portfolio of projects in partnership with other UN agencies and various donors on the ground, ranging from physical infrastructure to transactional projects.

EAH has its own Design Services Unit (DSU) which consists of design production office and engineering project management cell, consisting of Civil, Structural, M&E Engineers, Architects, Design Associates and Quantity Surveyors. The DSU carries out low risk engineering works and building structures. This generally involves concept designs, feasibility studies and low/medium risk designs that include buildings of up to 2 stories in height (as per the UNOPS design planning manual) and civil works that may include using standard designs of structures for rural roads. High risk building and structure designs are outsourced to specialist design firms.

EAH DSU offers services that are complimentary to the front end of any physical infrastructure project including, feasibility studies, construction assessments, developing standard systems and manuals for infrastructure development with local government counterparts, detailed construction design and documentation with Bills of Quantity (BoQ’s) and specification. It offers complete turnkey design solutions to serve its clients’ needs.

The Project Architect will support the DSU Project Manager to manage the DSU design projects and the day to day operation of the unit with particular focus being on the design, planning and oversight of the delivery of the design element of the infrastructure projects. For the allocated assigned work package/s, the Project Architect shall through the DSU Project Manager or as Officer in Charge during the former’s absence be accountable and   responsible to the UNOPS Project Board.

Under the overall supervision of the DSU Project Manager, the Project Architect will perform the following tasks:

Project and Budget Management:

• Assist the DSU Project manager to provide technical leadership, oversight, advice and guidance on all design elements for infrastructure projects and work undertaken by the DSU.
• Assist the DSU Project Manager on DSU costs, burn-rates, and project budgets, including development of a cost schedule for design office staff.
• Assist the DSU Project Manager in  budget oversight.
• Responsible for preparing and monitoring of the work plans for the DSU.
• Carrying out any relevant administrative and operational efforts of the Unit as requested by the DSU Manager.

Project Development:

• Participate and provide advice on business development efforts as necessary, including preparation of preliminary cost estimates, preliminary design documentation, and other tasks as necessary.

Infrastructure Design and Development:

• Responsible for the preparation of proposals for new projects.
• Responsible for the relevant preliminary planning and design documentation for infrastructure projects.
• Responsible for the revision and oversight of the department design work for infrastructure projects;
• Responsible for the timely production of conceptual and detailed drawings for architectural, structural, electrical, sanitation, mechanical etc. for vertical structures in according accordance with the UNOPS Design Planning Manual and/or applicable engineering code.
• Responsible for reviewing and certifying the Architectural drawings, BoQs and specifications produced by the DSU technical team and/or private consultants, in order to ensure compliance with the UNOPS Design Planning Manual and/or applicable engineering code and DSU drawing standards;
• Carrying out site inspections and assessments as need arises and prepare subsequent reports.

Contract Management and Procurement:

• Close monitoring and supervision of all components of the design services contracts as part of the assigned projects to be undertaken for the different Project Managers.
• Assist the DSU Project Manager in providing substantial advice in the tendering process for construction-related contracts, including technical evaluation of significant contract awards.

Personnel Management:

• Assist the DSU Project Manager to manage and oversee activities of the DSU, consisting of 8 permanent and 5 retainer staff including architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and draftsmen as well as support staff.
• Responsible for organizing and co-ordinating design team and external consultant meetings.
• Assist the DSU Project Manager to manage and provide mentoring for national and international personnel in the DSU office. In particular, he/she will be responsible for arranging for student internships and mentoring in accordance with UNOPS Capacity Building obligations and objectives.

Others:

• Advise on best environmental practices, on streamlining UN sustainable procurement and infrastructure practices into DSU processes and controls during construction and mitigate environmental impacts of the works
• Shall actively engage in knowledge sharing for the improvement of the design unit professional skills

UNOPS Core Values/Competencies

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for diversity
• Creativity and innovation
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Accountability
• Planning and organization skills
• Results orientation
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Client orientation
• Technological awareness

• Ability to work under pressure and tight schedules in a multi-cultural environment;
• Knowledge and capacity to manage project documentation to professional and accurate standards;
• Flexibility and ability to quickly grasp complex structures;
• Good team player attitude;
• Ability to perform with professionalism, integrity and commitment to project demands;
• Ability to work accurately, control quality and multi-task;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Advanced-user level in relevant computer software applications such as CAD, Microsoft Office programs and other relevant software.

Skills

•  Architecture Planning
•  Report writing
•  Post-conflict experience 
•  Private sector experience 
•  Geographical exposure 
•  Post-disaster and reconstruction experience 
•  Client experience 

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or equivalent .
• Should be a registered member with the 'Board of Registration of Architect and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya' (BORAQS) and holder of a valid practicing License .

• 4 years or more of relevant professional experience.
• Previous experiences in developing countries and knowledge in the country context related field.
• Experience of working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies (UNOPS) will be highly regarded.
• Candidates with experience working on International /local projects in conflict/disaster prone areas will be preferred.
• Candidates with experience working on specialized structures will be preferred.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.