Architect

Mid Senior Engineering

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Afghanistan

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan through delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s national priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Operations Centre (AFOC) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFOC is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads, bridges, justice and security, health, and water supply) development, procurement services, HR services, capacity building, and humanitarian protection, amongst others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, the international donor community, and other UN agencies.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFOC is to contribute to the achievement of the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFOC is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the reconstruction and development of the country. UNOPS AFOC’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFOC’s services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve significantly the lives of all Afghans in need.

Programme Established in 2015, Resolute Support (RS) is a NATO-led, non-combat mission with a mandate to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF), who assumed nationwide responsibility for Afghanistan’s security following the conclusion of the previous NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission.

The purpose of RSHQ is to help the Afghan security forces and institutions develop the capacity to protect its citizens in a sustainable manner and to manage/improve security enhancements with Kabul city. The purpose of the UNOPS/RSHQ engagement is to support NATO for both the ANA Trust Fund and Kabul Security Force funding streams; for procurement of goods and services, contract management, maintenance of equipment(s), physical security enhancements, construction projects and construction work packages, as well as coordination and facilitation of RSHQ operations, programs and activities (non-kinetic only).

The UNOPS/RSHQ engagement is a complex and challenging programme which is set to expand significantly during 2020 and beyond.

Functional Responsibilities

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Architect provides technical assistance and expertise with reference to the feasibility/design/construction requirements as well as field coordination, ensuring high quality and consistency of work. The Architect promotes a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Project Team. He/She will also provide mentorship to junior team members ensuring knowledge transfer for capacity development.

The Architect will report to the Infrastructure Project Manager.

Specifically, the Architect will be responsible for multiple construction sites and shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Summary of Key Functions

• General construction
• Feasibility/needs assessment
• Design Management
• Construction supervision
• Knowledge management

Specific details:

1. General Construction

Plan and coordinate work activities with the Infrastructure Project Manager and Design Team.

Establish technical specifications and detailed product schedules and bills of quantities;

Advise on good project management, design and construction practices;

Take timely action to prevent potential delays during design development, design reviews and/or cost overruns that can be avoided.

Advise remedial actions regarding potential delays and/or cost overruns to the Infrastructure Project Manager.

Provide supervision of project work progress and quality for on-time project delivery.

Advise on good environmental practices and controls during construction and mitigate environmental impacts of the works ;

Prepare project related documentations such as periodic progress reports, site monitoring reports, stakeholder meeting minutes, engineer's instructions and variation orders, contractor's bills review reports, certifications, client hand-over documents and contracts close-out reports.

Manage final hand over and acceptance report based on technical specifications against the approved project.

Ensure UNOPS FIDIC contracts are administered appropriately.

Ensure proper liaison, coordination and exchange of information with the Municipal Authority

Accompany all site visits by any Authority and Donor representatives

Coordinate and lead meetings when required;

Coordinate among all project partners and stakeholders to ensure streamlined and efficient implementation of all project activities and help achieve the project’s goals and expected results.

Perform any other duties deemed necessary by the Infrastructure Team Leader.

2. Feasibility /needs assessment

Complete needs assessment, organize preliminary studies and monitor/supervising junior team members.

Lead the review of requests for new construction and rehabilitation works.

Carry out assessments and prepare reports with recommendations for follow up actions.

Advise the Project Manager in redacting the tender dossier, with particular focus to the technical documents (drawings, BoQ, technical specification and standards).

Provision of assistance with regard to the Procurement in Tendering and Awarding of contract;

3. Design Management

Outline design requirements including concept, preliminary and final stages where applicable.

Design and drawings of new and existing buildings and infrastructure, for rehabilitation and construction;

Develop design requirement for new projects, and is responsible for the relevant preliminary design drawings and design documentations;

Develop design concepts and presentations required to ensure timely, cost effective and quality delivery of the work;

Ensure the revisions of details, design and drawings if and when required during the project lifespan;

Manage the design plan ensuring deliverables are available on time, and to the required quality inline with UNOPS design planning manual and reviewer requirements

Prepare a design brief after a site reconnaissance and meetings with Partners outlining the design program, timeframe and budget estimates;

Ensure testing and commissioning for handover and acceptance of deliverable is done to clients.

Produce architectural design concepts based on a design brief by UNOPS and conduct presentations to partners;

Produce architectural design development drawings that include plans, sections, elevations and details of working drawings using CAD software in accordance with local and international standards;

Review the design drawings for the projects from the field in term of accuracy and suitability to overall design and construction requirements, including Identifying improvements in the designs and be able to propose practical solutions;

Review the accuracy of the bill of quantities of the projects proposed matching the international standards;

Review and approve the Bill of Quantity (BoQ).

Lead the ongoing Programming, Design, and Construction Administration effort;

Lead the provision of design development and Tender/Construction Documents (Drawings, Specifications, Bill of Quantity) -with appropriate presentations for review and approval);

4. Construction supervision

Supervise design and construction works, and administer works execution as per the contractual provisions and the design specifications.

Ensure that works are consistent with the project technical specifications and inform promptly of eventual deviations.

Ensure constructions works are completed on time, within budget and to quality standards.

Periodically support site supervision and monitoring to ensure that the work is done according to instructions, drawings and technical specifications as per contractual agreement and give the same support to site teams liaising with the Project Managers and Project Engineers.

Advise and work with the procurement team with technical assistance in preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis where required;

Review and advise on contractor shop drawings;

Provide construction oversight and contract management;

Ensure as-built drawings and maintenance manuals for the finished materials used in the works;

Ensure sustainability solution in design and choice of materials are embedded;

Accompany all site visits by any Authority and Donor representatives.

Ensure design submittals are on time and review comments are communicated on timely manner and inline with UNOPS planning manual and design review comments.

5. Knowledge management

Provide training and technology transfer to national personnel and contractor’s personnel and advice on good design and construction practices, good environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction

Guide and advice UNOPS design review team to enhance knowledge management;

Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

Establish system for maintaining design and construction records and contributes in the production of “As Built” drawings and details for all design documentation, memos and instructions in correct format;

Ensure the maintenance of accurate, quality and completion documentation as identified in responsibilities above.

IV. Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Architect directly impacts on achievement of the projects and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering/Master degree in relevant field from a recognized university is preferred;

B. Work Experience

• Minimum 7 years of work experience as Architect in construction projects required;
• Proven experience of project implementation and architectural designs
• Previous work experience with the United Nations or any of its agencies, partners and affiliate is desirable but not a requirement;
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, 3Dmx, and other appropriate Architectural Design software;MS Office programs, MS Project,
• Knowledge of G Suit Package
• Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is an advantage;
• Fluency in both written and oral English is required;

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Specialist Contract level: LICA-10 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Apply now

Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: jobs.unops.org