Interior Designer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the UN headquarters in Africa, was established by the UN General Assembly in 1996 in the capital city of Kenya. UNON is headed by a Director-General at the Under-Secretary-General level, who serves as the representative office of the Secretary-General in Nairobi and performs representation and liaison functions with permanent missions, the host-country and other Governments, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in Nairobi, as well as other organizations of the United Nations system in Kenya.

UNON also facilitates cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, and provides administrative support, public information support, conference services, and safety and security services for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and joint and common services to other organizations of the United Nations system in Kenya.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of UNON FMTS (Facilities Management and Transport Section) projects and flagship programming initiative, among others.

UNON FMTS is looking for creative, detail-driven candidates with strong project management skills and a passion for client service for the positions of Interior Designer\s. The Interior Designer’s key responsibilities include skilled collaboration and effective communication from large to small, personalized projects; integrate with cross-functional fast-paced professional teams; seamlessly tailor the client’s specific design needs and requirements avoiding the-one-size-fits-all approach and liaise competently on a technical level with contractors and suppliers and service providers. The candidates will be expected to have a meticulous and organized approach and be adept at managing budgets, timelines, and resources whilst effectively ensuring that the project remains on track and within scope. The ability to problem solving and approach challenges with a positive attitude to find solutions to any roadblocks will be key in this environment.

Visualizing and sketching design proposals from inception through to completion as per client goals will be a daily practise, including sourcing products and materials, determining costs, and inspecting construction to ensure alignment with design specifications are met. The candidates will require experienced skill sets focusing on client engagement and building client trust and rapport is essential. The ability to present design proposals and presentations with ease, confidence, and charisma is essential. The selected candidate will also be expected to comply with the regulatory environment.

around inspections and building codes. The Interior designer shall be able to think creatively about the use of space, colour, and movement and will draw on other artistic mediums for creative inspiration.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief FMTS the UN Volunteer will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Outline client design objectives
• Conceptualize and sketch design plans
• Determine cost of completion and project requirements in the budgeting phase
• Set a timeline for the completion of an interior design project
• Source materials and products included in plans
• Create 'mood boards' to sample design vision
• Utilize computer applications in the design process (2D and 3D visuals)
• Provides technical input/specifications into feasibility/options studies
• Design, procurement, and installation of coordination services related to:

• Modular and/or systems office furniture products and solutions • Specialist flexible, collaborative, hybrid office furniture products and solutions • Repurposed, upcycled, and or custom furniture products and solutions • Associated interior finishes, fixtures, graphics, and branding products and solutions.

• Inspect design after completion to determine whether client goals have been met
• Prepare plans for the event management team, including furniture layout, circulation scheme, etc.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Professionalism

• Teamwork
• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organisin

Interior design is required.

Three (3) years of experience in the implementation and supervision of interior design projects, as well as coordinating and managing Vendors and Suppliers, are required.

Proficiency in AutoCAD (or Revit), SketchUp, 3D Max, Illustrator, or other design programs, Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and the internet are required.

The below requirements are desirable assets for this position:

• effective communication skills.
• knowledge of sustainable practices.
• experience in renovation works
• Working knowledge of cost estimates for furniture procurement
• experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners;

ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; self-motivated; ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The Republic of Kenya lies across the equator on the East Coast of Africa. It borders Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan to the North, Uganda to the West, the United Republic of Tanzania to the South and the Indian Ocean to the East. The official languages of the Republic of Kenya are English and Kiswahili.

Kenya has a population of 53 million according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in 2022. Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city with a population of 5 million people.

The weather in Nairobi is generally very pleasant. February-March ordinarily marks the end of the dry season before the onset of long-rains in April. During the rainy season, heavy showers are common, especially at night. Given the tropical nature of the Nairobi region, humidity during that period tends to be high. Average temperatures during February-March are 27°C (80°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) or lower for cold nights.

The official currency of the Republic of Kenya is the Kenya Shilling (KES) which is a convertible currency. The use of credit cards to pay for purchases and services in major facilities is fairly common.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) banking services are situated at major centres across the city. ATMs services are also available on the UN compound.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the main airport in Kenya and serves as a regional hub for many global airlines. JKIA is 15 Kilometres from Nairobi’s central business district and 25 Kilometres from the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Gigiri.

It is UNVs’ responsibility to obtain visas for Kenya. A valid passport, not expiring for at least six months from date of departure is required for an entry visa into Kenya.

Public health

Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving in Kenya from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Malaria: Nairobi is generally malaria-free, but it is still recommended to consult your doctor about all malarial prophylaxis if traveling into Kenya and beyond Nairobi, especially if going to the Kenya coast and Lake Victoria region. Adequate safeguards against mosquito bites are recommended, such as insect repellents, bed nets, long trousers, and long-sleeved clothing covering all arms.

Diarrhoeal Diseases: In Kenya, food poisoning and infection from waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, are common - depending on the hygiene standards of the places you visit for food. It is

advisable to avoid raw foods, while fruits and vegetables that must be peeled and cleaned properly. Drinking water directly from the municipal taps is not advisable. Please ask for treated bottled water from a certified company with a secured seal.

General Security precautions

Nairobi is a beautiful city with a large expatriate community and modern amenities where people can move around freely in a relatively safe manner. However, it is advisable to take necessary precautions and exercise common sense in light of certain security concerns. It is also advisable to be vigilant, especially in Nairobi where petty crimes like phone and handheld property snatching, theft of valuables, including from in vehicles, are not uncommon.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”