Lead Architect - Retainer at UNOPS Ethiopia

 UNOPS Ethiopia Job Vacancy

Position: Lead Architect - Retainer 

 Application Deadline: September, 12/2023

 Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-Country Office (ETMCO) exciting career opportunity UNOPS-ETMCO is recruiting for this position: Lead Architect (Retainer), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Qualified women and candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. 

The Ethiopia Multi-country office (ETMCO), which covers Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti, was created in 2014. Since its creation, ETMCO has been an active member of the United Nations Country Team, working closely with other UN organizations to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ETMCO designs projects to reinforce and bolster the development priorities of the host governments and other partners in sustainable procurement, project management and infrastructure through direct implementation, advisory and transactional services. ETMCO is committed to promoting the principles of sustainability and national capacity development through meaningful contributions and serving people in need. In 2022, UNOPS ETMCO delivered more than $187.5 million in services.  

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the ETMCO Senior Programme Manager, the Lead Architect will perform duties including, but not limited to: 

i) Technical Study and Design Development

ii) Procurement 

iii) Supervision and Monitoring

i) Technical Study and Design Development

• Preparation/revision of design and drawings of new/existing buildings to be constructed/rehabilitated;

• Preparing preliminary/detailed design drawings and relevant design documents;

• Organizing the necessary team resources and leading the preparation of proposals for new projects;

• Leading the team during the design concepts/presentations required to ensure timely, cost-effective and quality delivery of work;

• Developing technical specifications and detailed BoQs/technical design documents for infrastructure projects;

• Coordinating with UNOPS Infra team the preparation for all required design documents to initiate the required design review process/certificate and the relevant construction permits;

• Leading, coordinating and supporting the design review and developing the necessary work drawings/documents, when required during the implementation of the project;

ii) Procurement 

• Developing required technical bidding documents for Infrastructure related projects as per the UNOPS Procurement Manual;

• Supporting the procurement team in the pre-bid meetings and providing the necessary clarifications to bidders;

• Conducting technical evaluations for the selection of contractors/suppliers as per the Procurement Manual;

iii) Supervision and Monitoring

• Advising on good project management and construction practices;

• Advising on good environmental practices during construction and mitigating environmental impacts of the works; 

• Generating regular project reports in accordance to the contractual agreements; 

• Preparing regular updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures;

• Actively engaging in knowledge sharing and also improving one’s professional skills;

• Maintaining design and construction records and contributing to the production of “As Built” drawings and required design details;

• Checking technical specifications and detailed BoQs for assigned projects;

• Maintaining updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures;

• Maintaining accurate, quality and completed documentation as identified in the responsibilities above;

• Support in the implementation of Health, Safety, Social and Environmental measures at the project sites;

• Performing any other duties requested by the Head of Infra and/or Project Manager & Project Engineers.

Impact of Results

• Improved efficiency in the delivery of architectural design in infrastructure projects.

• High-quality Architectural assessment, design drawings and reporting. 

• Improved staff capacity.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• An advanced University Degree (Master's Degree) in Architecture, Engineering, or any other relevant field is required.

• A first University Degree (Bachelor's) in Architecture, Engineering, or any other relevant field may be considered with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience.

• A professional Registration License (Professional Architect- PAR) is required (please attach it when submitting the application).

b. Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of experience with an advanced University Degree (Master's Degree) in an architectural conceptual design that includes preparation of scheme and final architectural design drawings, Graphics and presentation drawings, and specification OR a First University Degree (Bachelor's Degree) with Seven (7) years of experience having the stated experience is required.

• At least five (5) years of experience in AutoCAD is required. Experience working on other CAD Visualization software is an added advantage.

• At least three (3) years of experience in the supervision of civil engineering construction activities is required. 

• Experience in proposal development is an advantage.

c. Language

• Fluency in speaking, reading and writing English is required.

• Knowledge of another UN Official language is an advantage.

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, and thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

•  Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

•  Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

•  Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

•  Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

•  Open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

•  Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

•  Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA)

Contract level: LICA-10 (ICS10)

Contract Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

This is a local position and hence is open to Ethiopian nationals only.

Additional Information

• 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 that 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.

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. 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.

How to Apply

• Register using THIS LINK