Senior Architect - Civil Engineer to support UNCT on Disability Inclusion

Result of Service UNCT Albania submitted its Disability Inclusion Scorecard for the first time in May 2021 and is now looking into concrete actions for advancing disability inclusion at country level.

1) Assessment of physical accessibility status, feasibility study, pre-assessment of refurbishment works for the UN House and an administrative unit/physical space of Leve No One Behind Joint Programme (20 workdays) a. Undertake onsite visits to the two facilities and assess their status of physical accessibility for persons with disabilities, based on the national relevant standards and regulations ; (3wd) b. Identify, for each facility, any items that are not in conformity with the accessibility requirements and assess whether remedial modifications are feasible; specify the kind of feasible refurbishment works for each proposed facility (for example: ramps, handrails, doors, toilettes, signage, lift, parking space, information panels, etc.); define for each facility which could be the minimum and the maximum of works that would make it respectively partially and/or fully accessible. Such information should be provided in the way that allows the project to negotiate with the beneficiary institution on the degree of the modifications to make; (5 wd) c. Provide a rough estimate of the cost for refurbishment works for each building where works are feasible and, when possible, provide a breakdown of this cost; (2wd) d. Provide the estimated time frame required for the feasible works in each proposed building and, when possible, provide time details for the different works in each facility; (1 wd) e. Assess the refurbishment works that necessitate construction permission; (1wd) f. Document inputs and outputs of the above in two separate reports, one for each facility and submit them to the Client (UNCT) for review; (5 wd) g. Discuss the reports’ outputs with the Client (UNCT, facilities’ owners and users, and other beneficiaries including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations) to agree and decide on the modifications/refurbishment works to undertake; (3wd)

2) Preparation of Engineering design for two facilities (20 workdays) a. Prepare topographic and geotechnical survey where needed. b. Prepare a preliminary engineering design (about 50% completed) for works in each facility and submit them to the Client (UNCT) for review. c. Prepare a detailed engineering design package, for each facility, including drawings, specifications, detailed cost estimate, tentative construction schedule and Terms of Reference for the Construction Contracts. d. Design the interior for each facility, particularly regarding signage and information panels, including preparation of the price list for items to be purchased. e. Assist in the preparation and filing of the applications for construction permissions for both projects, and if necessary, for connection with the utilities. f. Meet regularly with the Client (UNCT) during the design period.

Competencies: - 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. - Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. - Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. - 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. - Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. 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; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Work Location Albania

Expected duration 40 working days (22 August-14 October 2022)

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) was launched by the Secretary-General in June 2019 to raise the United Nation’s (UN) performance on disability inclusion across the organisation. The Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the UN work in peace and security, human rights, and development. The Strategy enables the UN system to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other international human rights instruments, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through the Strategy, the UN system will systematically embed the rights of persons with disabilities into its work, both externally, through programming, and internally, through its leadership, operation and organizational culture, and will build trust and confidence among persons with disabilities to ensure that they are consulted and valued; their dignity and rights are respected, and that, in the workplace, they find an enabling environment in which to fully and effectively participate on an equal basis with others.

United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) are requested to report on the implementation of the UNDIS.

The Strategy includes the UNCT Scorecard on Disability Inclusion which is an accountability framework with 14 practical indicators covering both programmes and operations, with clear benchmarks to accelerate and track progress on disability inclusion.

The UNCT Scorecard is a critical tool at country level for implementing and reporting on the Strategy. It was endorsed by the UNSDG in June 2020 and was developed through a consultative process led by the Disability Team in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, in close collaboration with the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO).

As part of this commitment to make the United Nations an inclusive organization for all, Resident Coordinators are strongly encouraged to actively lead UNCTs in the implementation of the Strategy.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: At minimum a Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or other relevant field for the assignment is required.

Experience: At least 5 years professional experience covering building design is required. Knowledge and expertise in a wide range of subjects including, inter alia, architecture, structural engineering, and procurement expertise in preparation of tender dossiers for construction works is desirable.

Prior experience working with issues related to persons with disabilities and/or knowledge of key issues pertaining to the concept of Leaving no one behind/intersectionality between disabilities and other historically marginalized populations is desirable.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written Albanian and English is required.

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.