Project Architect, Core and Shell (Project Post), P4 at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

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 Upgrade 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 OREINTATION: 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 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.