Architect

UNOPS 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.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner 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 we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. 

The Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.


Background information - Mali Programme


There is a problem of weapons and explosive contamination in Mali, following historical and recent conflict. There is clear evidence of the presence of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), improvised explosive devices (IED) and insecure stockpiles of weapons and ammunition (abandoned or neglected). There were more than 130 recorded victims of UXO since 2012.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established under Security Council Resolution 2100 and the mandate further developed under resolution 2164. In accordance with these mandates, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has engaged UNOPS to implement a mine action programme in Mali.

The UNMAS mine action programme is seeking to:

• · Reduce the explosive threat to AFISMA/MINUSMA and United Nations personnel;
• · Enhance national capacity to mitigate explosive threats;
• · Improve the protection of civilians.

Under the overall guidance of the Civil Engineer, the Architect shall give his/her technical expertise as required to deliver any designs assigned and related documentation works. He/she is responsible for performing high quality technical design and documentation of projects which is carried out in a timely manner.

The Architect will assist the Civil Engineer in monitoring and reporting on-site quality controls. In this role, he/she will be expected to report on the progress and conformity of the built projects. He/she will perform the following functional responsibilities:

• Assist the Civil Engineer in the technical assessment of building projects, project feasibility studies and design briefs;
• Draft technical designs for new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing buildings, in compliance with the UNOPS Design Planning Manual and relevant local and international codes and standards;
• Initiate the preparation of conceptual designs and specifications, for proposed new projects;
• Support the Civil Engineer in the development of the documentation composing the design brief in accordance with the UNOPS Design Manual requirements. In particular, Bill of Quantities and Technical drawings;
• Assist Site Engineer in potential project site survey, and elaborate fully informed 2D documents as a baseline for project development within the Engineering service;
• Follow-up on remarks and suggestions following Design Review and update Technical Designs accordingly and in a timely manner;
• Assist with the drafting of the scope of works and the Preliminary Design Package for UNMAS Mali Infrastructure requirements;
• Assist Site Engineer in the reception of projects, report on functional and operational aspects, to perform within the required timeline;
• Liaise with assigned Peer Reviewer during assessment process to UNOPS Issuance of Certificate of Design Compliance;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others;Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
• Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; Treats men and women equally; Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of views and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; Does not discriminate against any individual or group.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibilities for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture or any relevant field with two (2) years of relevant experience is required; or 
• First level university degree (Bachelor's degree or similar) in Architecture or any relevant field with four (4) years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degrees.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in Building Design using 3D modelling software is required;
• Experience in construction particularly with a focus on site planning would be an asset;
• Demonstrated skills in reporting within the different phases of a construction project (i.e. evaluation, implementation and reception) would be an asset;
• Experience working in Africa would be an asset.

Language

• Fluent in French (reading, writing, and speaking) is required;
• Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required;
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• 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.