Architect (Fixed-term Limited)

This post is located in the Strategic Heritage Plan project in the United Nations Office at Geneva. The incumbent will be under the direct supervision of the Team Lead, Architecture.

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Manages and coordinates contractor design activities and professional services for the renovation of building E. • Leads reviews of the contractor’s technical design and execution documents, ensuring consistency with project requirements, and engaging specialized consultants as needed, according to the relevant discipline. • Critically assesses and advises on the value engineering proposals submitted by the contractor, ensuring that any cost optimization measures maintain design integrity, functional performance, quality standards, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. • Responds to contractor’s queries. • Works closely with the document manager to ensure the efficient processing and timely review of a high volume of project documentation, in line with the established submittal schedule. • Evaluates proposed solutions, taking into account such factors as user requirements, aesthetics, architectural integrity, sustainability, local regulations occupancy phasing, available space, and existing conditions. • Keeps abreast of significant trends related to the development of improved planning, architectural, and engineering means and methods through relevant professional journals. • Reviews and approves materials and mock-ups. • Supervises the execution of architectural works according to agreed method statements and documents. • Participates in final architectural reviews before substantial completion. • Participates in punch list resolution. • Contributes to the development of a risk management plan related to the overall strategic planning proposal. • Performs other related duties as required.

Professionalism: Proven ability to monitor contractor performance, to review shop drawings, method statements, and material submittals, and to enforce compliance with approved designs and project specifications. Proven ability to manage high-volume documentation workflows in line with construction phases and project sequencing. Knowledge of computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software, such as Archibus; architecture and building design software, such as Revit; and computer-aided design software, such as AutoCAD. 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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.

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in architecture or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

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 is required. At least two years of experience in construction contract management, including the review and validation of shop drawings, method statements, and material submittals is required. At least two years of experience in construction supervision in a design-and-build contract environment, including site inspections, identifying non-conformities, and advising on implementation of corrective actions is required. Experience in design coordination and synthesis on large scale programs is required. At least two years of experience in heritage and patrimonial projects, conference facilities planning, and in office space planning for thousand plus staff is required. Experience in fire engineering is required. Relevant experience with international organizations, governments, or large non-governmental organizations is desirable. Experience in cost estimation is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English

and

French are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

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

The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Office at Geneva. The candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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