Project Architect, Interiors and Accessibility, P3 at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Responsibilities

•  Applies commonly used architectural practices and precedents in monitoring and completing portions of larger projects related to the interior design, construction, or repair of buildings.
•  Coordinates and checks the work of architectural and engineering consultants specializing in the areas of interiors, design and compliance with energy, accessibility and safety standards.
•  Plans and designs specifications for projects.
•  Conducts preliminary site investigations to obtain field data such as soil characteristics, drainage and other data required for building site selection.
•  Prepares design layout for smaller or less complex portions of buildings and facilities.
•  Develops technical data regarding materials, sizes, dimensions, and quantities and costs to be incorporated in formal specifications.
•  Estimates costs of repairs of damaged buildings, facilities and systems to determine feasibility of repairs or replacement.
•  Liaises with UNON project stakeholders for related specialized phases to arrive at mutually satisfactory approaches to problems by exchanging and comparing data.
•  Conducts investigations to develop improved designs and construction techniques.
•  Analyzes project proposals to ensure technical feasibility and to ensure that project objectives are attainable within prescribed resources.
•  Assists in tendering of construction services and site supervision.
•  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.
•  Any other duties as assigned.

Competencies

•  PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply architectural skills and to participate in architectural projects, including preparation of cost estimates, research of data and preparing graphs. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.
•  CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in engineering, architecture 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in architecture or related
• area is required.
• Experience in utilizing AutoCad and Revit is required.
• Experience in using Building Information Modelling (BIM) is desirable.
• Experience in interior design of conference rooms or large meeting rooms is desirable.
• Experience in undertaking accessibility projects 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 position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.