Overview and Functions of Post

The UNESCO Office in Iraq is implementing the Phase III of the project Reviving Mosul and Basrah Old Cities. The aim of the project is to create the right conditions for local stakeholders to take over the process of urban and cultural revitalization by supporting them to develop policy frameworks while building up capacities at each step of the process: decision makers, community representatives, academics, technical agents, and workers involved in the recovery of the Old Cities and the promotion of their cultural life.

Phase III is supporting several project activities aimed at the recovery of the historic urban landscape of Basra, Iraq, through the rehabilitation of historical houses and public spaces. Another activity of the project will be the drafting of Guidelines for architectural interventions on Heritage Buildings in Basrah.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of UNESCO’s Architect and of the Basrah Team Leader and working in close collaboration with other staff of the UNESCO Iraq Program, the Trainee Architect will be involved in a range of technical assignments in support of the project activities:

• Participate in on-site survey activities as required.
• Assist with research and gathering of data and documentation relative to project buildings.
• Participate in the condition assessments of buildings and documentation of structural and surface damage and deterioration. Prepare CAD and manual/hand sketch drawings from site assessment notes, as appropriate.
• Support in the writing of architectural briefs prior to the architectural design process.
• Prepare Rehabilitation Reports for project interventions.

• Participate in the design of rehabilitation of or adaptive reuse projects; prepare architectural and technical drawings, details and sketches from conceptual to final versions.
• Develop drawings for presentations in close coordination with UNESCO’s technical team.
• Assist in the correction and updating of drawings ensuring corrections are made across multiple software platforms.
• Assist UNESCO’s technical team in the preparation of project Bills of Quantity and Technical Specifications.
• Complete assignments within timelines.
• Assists in performing field inspections, measurements or calculations.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the UNESCO Technical Team.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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Required Qualifications

Academic qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in architectural program or Architectural Engineering.

Work experience

• Previous work experience in architecture is desirable.
• Experience of interventions in historical/ heritage/ vernacular buildings is desirable.
• Previous experience in the Basrah area, preferably in the Old City of Basrah is desirable.
• Previous experience with the UN and/or other international organizations is desirable.

Competencies and Skills

• Advanced knowledge of current versions of AutoCAD Software.
• Advanced knowledge of at least one 3D modeling program, such as: Sketchup, AutoCAD 3D,3D Max or Rhinoceros.
• A strong portfolio of architectural drawings or other graphics with a keen eye for aesthetics and details.
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesi9gn, Illustrator, Freehand, After Effects, Dreamweaver, CorelDraw Graphic Suite, Microsoft Publisher & Visto is an asset.
• Interest in heritage conservation and urban recovery as demonstrated in past projects, even university projects, is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal, mediation and dispute resolution abilities and communication skills.

• Respect for social and cultural diversity, environments and living conditions.

Language requirement

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

• Knowledge of any other UN language (French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian) is desirable.