Background The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) mandate is to act as a project delivery platform for UN system agencies, funds and programmes, international and regional financial institutions, intergovernmental organizations, donor and recipient governments, and non-profit non-governmental organizations. As a self-financing entity within the UN system, UNOPS must ensure that the projects it delivers meet client expectations in terms of cost, quality and time, while at the same time ensuring that these projects collectively meet a broader array of success criteria. The UNOPS Kenya Operations Centre (KEOC) serves multiple clients in the provision of infrastructure works and associated project support services. It recently signed a Service Level Agreement with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime to provide project support services under its Counter Piracy Program. The Project Architect will report directly to the UNOPS Project Infrastructure Unit (PIU) Manager. The Project Architect will liaise with the PIU Manager and Deputy Manager and shall be responsible for preparation of designs and architectural proposals for ongoing and future construction and rehabilitation projects for the PIU.
Duties and Responsibilities The Project Architect is responsible for assisting with all construction management tasks and design work required to ensure timely, cost effective and quality delivery of the projects. He/she reports to the PIU Manager and will be required to undertake the following tasks; • • • Participate in the preparation of proposals for new projects, and be responsible for the relevant preliminary planning and design documentation; Contribute to revising the design and drawings of existing buildings and infrastructure, for rehabilitation; Prepare and check technical specifications and detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) of assigned
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projects; Review and certify the Architectural drawings and specifications provided by the technical personnel of the project, or private consultants in order to comply with the applicable engineering code; Check required amendments relating to cost and/or timeframe for projects under implementation and submits the necessary documentation for the PIU Manager’s approval; Provide technical leadership, oversight, advice and guidance on all infrastructure projects and work undertaken through the PIU; Assist the PIU Manager and Deputy with preparing and monitoring of the engineering department work plan, including budget oversight; Implement latest UNOPS project management principles in order that assigned projects are successfully delivered on time; Close monitoring and supervision of all the draftsmen and their assigned projects to be undertaken; Advise on best environmental practices and controls during construction and mitigate environmental impacts of the works; Participate in field assessments as needed and when required; prepare mission reports and technical recommendations. Assist in generating regular project reports in accordance to the contractual agreements; maintain updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures; Perform any other duties deemed necessary by the PIU Manager or Deputy Manager.
Required Selection Criteria Competencies • • • • • • • • • 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 multitask; 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 AutoCAD 2012, ArchiCAD 14, Microsoft Office programs and other drawing and design software.
Education/Experience/Language • • • • • • • Higher education degree (bachelor’s degree equivalent) in Architecture with at least 5 years of relevant experience; Previous experiences in developing countries and knowledge in the country context related field essential; Experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies is an asset; Experience working on infrastructure projects in conflict/disaster prone areas is an asset; Experience working on specialized structures is an asset; Experience in contracting and/or construction environment is also an asset. Excellent command of English both verbally and in writing required.
Submission of Applications * Please note that this is a local post and is open to all nationals of the country of the duty station and to individuals who have a valid work permit. Candidates are strongly requested to carefully review the application guidelines below, incomplete documents and/or submissions not meeting the application guidelines will not be considered. Interested candidates must submit their applications, including 1. Letter of interest 2. Complete Curriculum Vitae 3. Complete, updated and signed United Nations P.11 form All of the above required documents must be sent via e-mail to vacancieskeoc@unops.org.Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email. The body of the email must include the table below with responses in the exact format. Last name: First name: Highest completed educational qualification: Exact years of experience relevant to the assignment Experience with the United Nations (Yes/No). If yes, specify name of agency, Fund or Programme and exact years of relevant experience: Professional qualification and/or experience UNOPS reserve the right to reject any application without the above format in the submission email. Additional Considerations 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. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.
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