Associate Architect

The post is located in the Buildings Unit of the Buildings and Engineering Section, Central Support Services, Division of Administration, United Nations Office at Geneva.

**Responsibilities**:
Under the supervision of the Chief of the Buildings Unit, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

- conducts technical briefing on site of proposed vendors/contractors prior to bidding;
- coordinates project activities between outside contractors/in house building shops and affected departments/services during implementation;
- regularly monitors on site of implementation of construction contracts and the progress of work to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications;
- determines justification for technical changes to the contract and giving on site approval of such changes when necessary and within delegated authority;
- prepares progress reports on projects, as required.

Liaises and consults with professional and technical staff of other departments/services as well as outside consulting firms on technical requirements of and inputs for project.

Participates in studying, analyzing and supervising the development of technical solution(s) for proposed construction and/or alteration projects:

- reviews detailed architectural and engineering (mechanical, structural, electrical, sanitation) drawings;
- interprets building codes for construction, fire safety and health for each project;
- determines and preparing outline technical data to accompany project designs;
- contacts representatives of manufacturers and suppliers regarding the performance, cost, and suitability of equipment to meet project requirements;
- assess scope of project work and type and quantity of materials needed in preparing cost estimates for project;
- prepares requisitions for subcontract work; and
- prepares draft technical descriptions for contract bid documents.

Participates in preparing and recommending architectural, structural and engineering concepts for alteration work in the United Nations building/site facilities:

- identifies design parameters;
- analyzes functional/spatial needs of "clients", and
- prepares alternative design solutions, including schematic drawings and sketches, for discussion with supervisor and "clients".

Assists in the establishment and implementation of building maintenance programmes including but not limited to undertaking building condition surveys / assessments in order to obtain information required for maintenance planning; makes proposals for developing the policy for maintenance; prepares prioritized maintenance programmes; implements the works with the assistance of relevant contractors; monitors the progress of the work and budget expenditure.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM
women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING & 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.

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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in architecture, civil engineering, construction project management, building surveying or related field is required. A first-level university degree in one of the fields listed above in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification
Certification/license from an internationally recognized professional body is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in building architectural design is required.

Experience in AutoCad is desirable.

Experience in designing and overseeing construction and/or renovations of office building’s projects including supervision of professional firms is desirable.

Experience in the supervision of a multicultural team is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English or French and knowledge of the other is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

Special Notice
- While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency