Architect (Retainer) (Port Sudan) – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations Office for Project Services
Job Title	Architect (Retainer)
Vacancy code	VA/2025/B5312/29799
Department/office	AFR, ETMCO, Sudan
Duty station	Port Sudan with travel to project sites, Sudan
Contract type	Local ICA Specialist
Contract level	LICA Specialist-9
Duration	One year, not more than 180 days
Application period	26-Feb-2025 to 02-Mar-2025

 Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for this position  through a Desk Review process- Architect – (Retainer) based in Port Sudan, Sudan with with travel to project sitesQualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.

The Architect, in collaboration with the Infrastructure Project Manager, is responsible for conducting site assessments, preparing design briefs, developing design concepts, and producing drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities. The Architect will coordinate with other disciplines, compile design documents for IPMG reviews, and make necessary corrections based on review comments. This process requires a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and roles and responsibilities of all partners and stakeholders, ensuring that the project outputs align with the business objectives of both UNOPS and its partners. The success of the project, and therefore the Architect’s role, will be evaluated based on the defined success criteria.

 Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Infrastructure Team Leader, the  Architect shall perform duties including, but not limited to:

i) Technical Study and Design Development

• Revise the design and drawings of existing buildings and infrastructure for rehabilitation.
• Organize resources and lead the preparation of proposals for new projects, ensuring responsibility for the relevant preliminary design drawings and design documentation.
• Develop technical specifications and detailed BoQs (technical design documentation) for infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with all required resources, along with the UNOPS team, to prepare all necessary design documents for issuing the required design review certificate and relevant construction permits.

ii) Procurement

• Develop bidding documents for infrastructure-related projects in accordance with the UNOPS Procurement Manual.
• Support the procurement team in pre-bid meetings and provide necessary clarifications to bidders.
• Conduct technical and financial evaluations of contractors/suppliers as per the Procurement Manual.

iii) Supervision and Monitoring

• Share good environmental practices and controls during construction and mitigate environmental impacts of the works.
• Generate regular project reports in accordance with contractual agreements, maintaining updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.
• Actively engage in knowledge sharing and strive to improve professional skills.
• Maintain design and construction records and contribute to the production of “As Built” drawings and details.
• Review technical specifications and detailed BoQs for assigned projects.
• Maintain updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.
• Ensure the accurate maintenance of quality and completion documentation as outlined in the responsibilities above.

Impacts of Results

The successful achievement of results will lead to improved efficiency in the delivery of infrastructure projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective implementation. High-quality architectural design drawings and reports will enhance the overall design and construction processes, ensuring compliance with standards and project requirements. Additionally, the development of staff capacity will contribute to a more skilled and knowledgeable team, fostering long-term improvements in project execution and sustainability. These outcomes will significantly strengthen the overall impact and success of infrastructure initiatives, benefiting both UNOPS and its partners.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s) in Architecture, Engineering, or a relevant field is required.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s) in Architecture, Engineering, or a relevant field may be considered, provided it is accompanied by an additional 2 years of work experience.
• A Professional Registration License (e.g., Professional Architect – PAR) is required.

b. Work Experience

• At least two (2) years of experience (or more, depending on academic credentials) in architectural conceptual design, which includes the preparation of scheme and final architectural design drawings, graphics, presentation drawings, and specifications, is required.
• At least one (1) year of experience with AutoCAD is required. Knowledge of other CAD visualization software is an added advantage.
• Experience in proposal development is considered an advantage.

Language

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

 Competencies

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.

 Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
2. Contract level: LICA-9 (ICS9)
3. Contract duration: One Year (not more than 180 days)

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

** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **
Retainer positions are not full-time positions. They constitute a contract whereby the Retainer may be requested to provide a specific output/deliverable within a specified period of time, on short notice. When holding a retainer contract, individuals may receive ad-hoc requests from the UNOPS project teams or country offices, and the quantity of requests will vary depending on the current needs. UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA. It is possible to have multiple consultancy contracts with or outside UNOPS, as long as it is declared to the UNOPS Ethics Office. Read more about the ICA retainer modality here. 

 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.
• This is a local position and hence is open to Sudanese nationals only

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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.