Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This position is located at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). The Project Architect, Core and Shell reports to the Chief, Design and Construction Section for the UNON Conference Facilities Project, Division of Administrative Services, UNON.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief, Design and Construction Section, the Architect will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: • Analyzes and advises on the planning, design, construction and maintenance of major systems and facilities such as building superstructures, major interior spaces, horizontal and vertical circulation paths, roads, landscape architecture, and related structures and other architectural activities in the field needed for the project. • Evaluates, reviews and revises project documents, and analyzes design specifications included in project proposals for accuracy, soundness, feasibility and cost. • Reviews and submits for approval of the Chief, Design and Construction Section technical design drawings and specifications, owner's reports, monthly design and construction invoices, master cost breakdowns, general conditions estimates and labor cost reports. • Reviews and approves weekly and monthly project reports from project design consultants and contractors. • Recommends solutions to unusual architectural problems. • Conducts technical studies on architectural topics, developing guidelines for the general planning and maintenance of programs and facilities. • Provides technical inputs regarding architectural design issues affecting proposed structures, taking into account such factors as functional and end user requirements, architectural precedents and nature of building materials to be used. • Keeps abreast, through relevant architectural literature, of significant trends and the development of improved methods and equipment. • Leads efforts of team studying critical problems relating to design or construction of systems and facilities. Makes recommendations for resolution of problems in specialized areas. • Participates in planning missions, serving as technical adviser to committees or international meetings. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply architectural skills and to participate in architectural projects, including preparation of cost estimates, research of data and preparing graphs. Ability to identify and analyze engineering data of significant depth and complexity. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • 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. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, engineering, construction management or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in architecture in large-scale construction or renovation projects or related area is required. Experience working with executive governance boards, public sector and/or external audiences is desirable. Experience working on projects related to conference services, assembly facilities, convention centers, or similar facilities is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for 6 months. Any extension of appointment that may be granted is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.

• Analyzes and advises on the planning, design, construction and maintenance of major systems and facilities such as building superstructures, major interior spaces, horizontal and vertical circulation paths, roads, landscape architecture, and related structures and other architectural activities in the field needed for the project.
• Evaluates, reviews and revises project documents, and analyzes design specifications included in project proposals for accuracy, soundness, feasibility and cost.
• Reviews and submits for approval of the Chief, Design and Construction Section technical design drawings and specifications, owner's reports, monthly design and construction invoices, master cost breakdowns, general conditions estimates and labor cost reports.
• Reviews and approves weekly and monthly project reports from project design consultants and contractors.
• Recommends solutions to unusual architectural problems.
• Conducts technical studies on architectural topics, developing guidelines for the general planning and maintenance of programs and facilities.
• Provides technical inputs regarding architectural design issues affecting proposed structures, taking into account such factors as functional and end user requirements, architectural precedents and nature of building materials to be used.
• Keeps abreast, through relevant architectural literature, of significant trends and the development of improved methods and equipment.
• Leads efforts of team studying critical problems relating to design or construction of systems and facilities. Makes recommendations for resolution of problems in specialized areas.
• Participates in planning missions, serving as technical adviser to committees or international meetings.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply architectural skills and to participate in architectural projects, including preparation of cost estimates, research of data and preparing graphs. Ability to identify and analyze engineering data of significant depth and complexity.
• 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. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, engineering, construction management or other related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in architecture in large-scale construction or renovation projects or related area is required.
• Experience working with executive governance boards, public sector and/or external audiences is desirable.
• Experience working on projects related to conference services, assembly facilities, convention centers, or similar facilities is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• English is required at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening and speaking.