Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP), United Nations Office at Geneva. The Architect reports to the Chief, Design and Construction, SHP.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Design and Construction, SHP, the Architect will be responsible for the following: 

Manages and coordinates the UNOG Design team: 
1. Reviews and comments the drawings and specifications from the consultants / contractors at various stages to ensure compliance with the project objectives, 
2. Coordinates with the transition team the impact of the temporary accommodation to comply with the business continuity objectives, 
3. Manages (as part of the Strategic Heritage Plan team) the stakeholder engagement and user requirements for the renovation and restoration works of the Palais des Nations in Geneva with respect to timeline schedules, key deliverables, and budget. 
4. Supervises the analysis of user data and spatial requirements for the proposed planning, design, and construction strategies and providing expert opinion on their feasibility. 
5. Recommends solutions to design planning and renovation challenges. 
6. Assists in the establishment of stakeholder working groups to act in an advisory capacity at key milestones of the renovation and restoration process.
7. Evaluates proposed solutions, taking into account such factors as user requirements, aesthetics, architectural integrity, sustainability, local regulations, occupancy phasing, available space and existing conditions. 
8. Keeps abreast of significant trends related to the development of improved planning, architectural and engineering means and methods through relevant professional journals. 
9. Participates in the overall efforts of the team by studying the critical determinants relating to strategic planning, design and renovation works. 
10. Makes sound recommendations for the resolution of problems in specialized areas as deemed necessary. 
11. Acts as a liaison between users and operators to ensure that proposed systems and spaces meet the operational and programmatic requirements of the Organization. 
12. Works collaboratively with the Programme Management Consultants and other UN substantive offices and stakeholders in assessing existing conditions and providing solutions to challenging issues. 
13. Contributes to the development of a risk management plan related to the overall strategic planning proposal. 
14. Contributes towards the implementation of a communication strategy directed to all stakeholders.
15. Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of buildings and engineering, renovation and constructions projects. Knowledge of Cafm (Archibus) and Revit design software. Proven ability to supervise technical teams required. 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. 

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in managing large-scale construction and renovation projects of which a minimum of five years with international construction projects. At least two years of experience in heritage and patrimonial projects and in office space planning for large premises accommodating more than 1,000 staff is required. Experience in interior design and contract management is required. Experience with international organizations or construction management companies is an asset. Experience in facility management or related area is desirable. Experience with BIM (Building Information Management), Revit and Autocad is highly desirable. Experience supervising technical teams is also desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the 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 in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.