Architect

Job content

Hardship Level

H (no hardship)

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted

No

Target Start Date

2023-03-24

Job Posting End Date

April 20, 2023

Standard Job Description

Architect

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Architect is responsible to deliver a wide range of services in space planning, facilities management and other general support services. The incumbent has supervisory responsibility.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• There is no safety risk to staff and building facilities at premises.
• UNHCR has efficient and effective space planning at premises that does not cause serious disruptions to the delivery of the organisation’s programmes.
• Staff and management are satisfied with the working space at premises.
• Develop and coordinate the architectural management of the premises to ensure that needs are properly addressed.
• Work very closely with the Security Unit to maintain and improve all the technical security installations in the building.
• Discuss, assist and negotiate on architectural issues with local authorities and letting agents.
• Conceive designs, coordinate and conduct works on premises with third party providers.
• Work regularly with the IT counterpart to improve, adapt and maintain IT installations and meeting rooms.
• Design, plan and coordinate the architectural and engineering works for structural alterations to premises (in coordination with the building’s landlord).
• Conduct discussions and negotiations on space planning with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate and control the delivery of all facilities management services by external providers.
• Plan and manage efficiently and effectively budget sectors related to building works, facilities management and improvement of office premises.
• Ensure that modifications of office space are carried out in a satisfactory manner.
• Prepare designs and layout plans.
• Provide technical advice when required.
• Prepare submissions to the Committee on Contracts relating to building works, facilities management and improvement of premises.
• Propose strategies to improve the efficiency of premises, in term of space planning and technical installations.
• Develop a sustainable architecture for premises and raise awareness on sustainability among users of the building.
• Support the wider UN greening initiative.
• Decide on the final execution of works and moves at premises in order to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the office space according to the needs and constant changes of the organisation.
• Propose solutions to office space reorganization.
• Provide advice on technical improvements to premises.
• Verify and certify executed works delivered by outsourced service providers.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P3 - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

• Architecture or other relevant field.
  
  

(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses

• ArchiCAD Assisted Design Software - Other
  
  

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Essential

Relevant Job Experience

Relevant years’ of experience in alignment with the degree level working in building construction projects and management. Proven experience working with Computer Assisted Design software application. Very good knowledge of applicable local regulations to be compliant with. Experience in facilities management and maintenance. Previous experience in a similar role working for a UN entity or another international organization.

Desirable

Knowledge in mechanical engineering including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, control of access, fire detection and video surveillance systems. Experience in managing a facilities management contract.

Functional Skills

• AD-Facility Management
• DV-Basic Vehicle Mechanical skills
• GB-Building Maintenance
• GB-Facility Management
• IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD)
  
  

IT-IT Facility Planning and Coordination

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Judgement and Decision Making

Managing Performance

Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Innovation and Creativity

Planning and Organizing

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

Desired Candidate Profile

A highly motivated person with a clear focus on quality, efficiency, and service; A team player who works with and inspires others towards a common goal.

• Strong and proven negotiation skills on architectural and space planning issues with both external actors (local authorities, letting agents, landlords, etc.) and internal stakeholders, such as heads and directors of various departments within the organization.
• Rich experience in managing and coordinating building projects with different stakeholders.
• Ability to reach compromise through communication and negotiation.
• Excellent drawing and writing skills, visual awareness, and proven experience working with Computer Assisted Design software application Graphisoft/ArchiCAD.
• Advanced Knowledge of mechanical engineering, including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, control of access, fire detection, and video surveillance systems.
• Abundant experience in managing facilities management contracts. Ability to identify the needs of the organization on architectural and space-planning issues and provide sound and optimal solutions.
  
  

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

French

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Desired languages

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

The Architect position plays a critical role in building and facilities management, and more specifically in discussing, negotiating and assisting on architectural issues with the Swiss authorities and letting agents, namely the FIPOI. The Architect also conceives designs, coordinates and conducts works on HQ premises with third party providers. He should hence have an in-depth knowledge of applicable local regulations to be compliant with and demonstrated experience in managing procurement contracts in the area of building and facilities management. This positions is part of the Global Infrastructure Section (GIS) within the Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM).

Living and Working Conditions:

Skills

Additional Qualifications

Education

BA: Architecture (Required)

Certifications

ArchiCAD Assisted Design Software - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

March 2023 Compendium - Part B

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance