Senior Architect (Cultural Heritage Advisor)

Remote | Home Based - May require travel

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Remote | Home Based - May require travel
Grade: Mid level - LICA-11, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Culture and Sport
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)
The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

Infrastructure
Procurement
Project Management (full service, back on track)
HR and Transactional Services
Grants Management
Technical and Advisory Services
Project Information

UNOPS in Albania

The UNOPS Office in Albania was recently established in 2020 and currently focuses on contributing to improved economic and social conditions in Albania in the aftermath of the earthquake of November 2019 through the flagship EU4Culture Programme.
UNOPS Albania Office will support the Albanian Government with a broad spectrum of:

Project management
Infrastructure
Grants and procurement services
Support to COVID-19 response

UNOPS Albania will work to contribute to fostering Albania’s sustainable development, connectivity and healthcare standards.

Albania Office has been implementing the following projects:

EU4Culture, European Commission, USD 47 M: Rehabilitating and revitalizing cultural heritage sites damaged by the earthquake and contributing to the recognition of cultural heritage as a driver of Albania’s sustainable development
Albania COVID-19 Emergency Project, USD 13 M: Implementation of COVID-19 emergency response in Albania with funding from The World Bank

Background: Project

UNOPS, through ECR AUMCO, is partnering with the Government of Albania and the European Union, as well as with the UN system, to facilitate the post-earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction of a large number of key cultural heritage sites, museums, and cultural hubs and to promote tourism and economic development of the sites.

On 26 November 2019, Albania was hit by its most deadly earthquake in a century. The earthquake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale and caused significant casualties and property damage, resulting in 51 deaths, over 1000 injured, and nearly 14,000 people displaced. To measure and assess the economic damage, a Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) was conducted, estimating the total economic losses at nearly EUR 1 Billion.

The PDNA documented the destruction of public and private infrastructure. Of particular concern was the destruction of cultural heritage monuments and property, as 53 cultural heritage properties were significantly damaged by the earthquake. This project seeks to remediate the effect of the earthquake on Albania’s cultural heritage through the rehabilitation of monuments, as well as contribute to Albania’s socio-economic recovery through the construction and upgrade of these sites. It will be important also to support improvements in the capacity of institutions responsible for the management of these cultural monuments and sites to better accommodate tourism. A final outcome of the project is the effective communication of project results to the wider public and developing and implementing an advocacy platform resulting in better recognition of the important role of culture in the social and economic well-being of Albanian citizens.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Cultural Heritage Adviser and in close coordination with the Country manager, Infrastructure project manager and site engineers, the incumbent shall provide technical assistance and advice to the following activities:

Conduct assessments of the existing cultural sites along with other experts, and provide recommendations for aspects of conservation of artifacts and historical surfaces
Provide inputs into the design stage of each site, including approval of work scope and consideration to ensure all planned works meet necessary cultural heritage local and international standards
Quality assurance for implementation of all measures related to conservation of artifacts of different material, all operations related to artifacts and museological displays and consequential capacity training

Functional responsibilities:

Instructing the Cultural Heritage Adviser at UNOPS on appropriate approach and methodology regarding the conservation of artifacts
The Lead Architect has the responsibility to ensure that all outputs are finalized according to the feedback provided by UNOPS during all the design stages;
In addition, the expert is responsible to comment on the quality of the conservation studies (designs) and to check the overall consistency between all submitted documents;
Advising the conservation design process on matters related to conservation of artifacts of different typology and materials
Participating in advisory boards for conservation design particular to artifacts handling, conservation and museum displays
Collating the assessment into a report format to be submitted to UNOPS;
Making presentations to UNOPS and stakeholders;
Obtaining, archiving and sharing feedbacks if needed from the presentations and collating these feedbacks for the archive;
Engaging in the preparation of the ToR for an international bidding process to implement conservation measures following the approvals of conservation designs
Creating and developing possibilities of capacity training in the field of conservation of artifacts
Leading and tailoring conservation workshops on different sites
Participating at meetings with stakeholders regarding aspects of conservation
Contributing to scientific documentation and reporting regarding conservation of objects and surfaces

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher preferably in a heritage related field which may include history of art, conservation, history of architecture or similar is required.

Work Experience

Proven experience (7 years) in conservation, museology, education and promotion of cultural heritage is required.
In-depth understanding and knowledge of cultural heritage and World Heritage is desired.
Familiarity with budgeting and coordinating conservation projects, including museum collections, archaeological conservation and management, and coordination of field personnel is highly desirable.
Experience with official processes of cultural heritage conservation planning in Albania is considered to be an advantage

Language

Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA - retainer Contract level: LICA-11 (the contract type, i.e. international or national ICA, will be subject to the duty station of the selected candidate)
Contract duration: Up to 150 days, possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.

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

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.

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.