UN-HABITAT Consultant Architectural in Nairobi

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Issued on: 18 October 2012
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT DUTY STATION: Nairobi FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Consultant (Architectural) DURATION: 12 months CLOSING DATE: 30 October 2012

BACKGROUND Under the framework of the agency's Medium-Term Strategic and Institutional Plan, UN-HABITAT has identified entry points that will allow it to help clients and partners cope more effectively with the rapid pace of urbanization and also maximize the benefits that come with it. The overarching goal of the programme is to increase UN-HABITAT's capacity to effectively support member states in achieving sustainable urbanization. This programme focuses on the areas of urban planning; urban mobility; urban energy; urban governance and legislation; and urban economy and finance.

Cities, being home to more than half of the world’s population, consume 60 to 80% of the world’s energy resources and produce 70% of the world’s anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Hence, cities must play a major role in improving energy efficiency, using resources more carefully, transforming urban energy systems, enhancing energy security and national prosperity - while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A good understanding of current and projected energy consumption patterns in urban areas as well as their renewable energy generation potentials will provide useful information for urban energy planning. Within this programme, the objective of the focus area on urban energy is to promote approaches, methods, and instruments for promoting sustainable urban energy planning, improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy technologies, and improving access to clean, reliable, and sustainable energy services in urban areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES To provide architectural support to the UN-Habitat’s Urban Energy Unit in its various programmes.

• Collaborate with the Urban Energy Unit to produce architectural design drawings for Multi-functional Clean Energy Centres (MCECs). MCECs constitute an approach adopted by UN-Habitat to tackle the challenges associated with lack of access to water sanitation and modern energy in slums and informal settlements; • To compile a catalogue of building architectural designs that are suitable for the hotter climes prevalent in Africa and other developing countries in contrast to the widely adopted designs that are intended for colder western climates; • Provide architectural input in the delivery of the Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Buildings in East Africa (PrEEBEA) project; • Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, equipment, estimated costs and construction time for the Urban Energy Unit projects whenever required; • Document the process in which he/she is involved.

COMPETENCIES (maximum of five) • Good knowledge of AutoCad software; • Registered Architect with the Board of Architects and Quantity Surveyors; • Proven ability to produce technical drawings and technical guidelines; • Good reporting skills; • Ability to work under pressure in meeting targets and deadlines; • Ability to work independently and without the need for constant supervision; • Excellent communication skills and a commitment to team work are primordial to ensure cohesion with other members of the Urban Energy Unit.

EDUCATION Degree in Architecture from a recognized university.

WORK EXPERIENCE Minimum of two years’ work experience as an Architect

LANGUAGE SKILLS Excellent spoken and written English. Knowledge of any of the other UN official languages will be considered an added advantage for the position

OTHER SKILLS Good skills in organisation, co-ordination and the transfer of knowledge are essential

REMUNERATION Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.

How to apply: 

Applications should include: • Cover memo (maximum 1 page) • Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information: 1. Educational Background (incl. dates) 2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months) 3. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.) 4. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments 5. Expectations regarding remuneration

All applications should be submitted to: Mr. Souleymane Diawara UN-HABITAT P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Email: Souleymane.Diawara@unhabitat.org Fax: + 254 20 7626749

Please be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org

Deadline for applications: 30 October 2012

UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org