JOB DESCRIPTION

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners” development projects, by providing sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organisations. As a self-financing entity within the UN system, UNOPS must ensure that the projects it delivers meet client expectations in terms of cost, quality and time, while at the same time ensuring that these projects collectively meet a broader array of success criteria.

As part of its UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office (SEEMCO) operations, and in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation in Montenegro (the Ministry), UNOPS in Montenegro is initiating an “Enhancing School Infrastructure in Montenegro (ESIM)” Project, funded by European Investment Bank (EIB), which is designed to enhance the capacity of national and local stakeholders, primarily the Ministry, to better plan, deliver and manage school infrastructure. This Project is part of a broader programme that will contribute to improved quality of pre-school, primary and secondary education in Montenegro and it is part of the broader vision focused on further comprehensive education reforms. The key beneficiaries of the Project are the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and schools in Montenegro.

The Department for Investments and Public Procurement of the Ministry, which includes Office for coordination and implementation of capital budget and project loans, is responsible for planning and management of educational facilities, as also oversees property-related documentation, drafts capital budget proposals, and monitors the condition of educational institutions and their infrastructure. It manages public procurement procedures, prepares reports on infrastructure projects, and ensures compliance with standards and norms for school buildings and equipment.

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme and direction of the Project Manager, the Senior Architect is responsible for providing expert architectural support for the design and development of education infrastructure in Montenegro, in accordance with relevant national regulations and proven international/EU standards. The Senior Architect will provide technical support for the Project’s infrastructure-related activities, with a primary focus on supporting development of technical designs for the educational facilities in Montenegro, in line with relevant requirements and standards. The design, in addition to complying with technical standards, shall meet functional and spatial requirements, safety and security, accessibility and inclusion criteria, as well as sustainability requirements.

The Senior Architect provides expert architectural support for the design and development of education infrastructure in Montenegro, ensuring compliance with national regulations, EU standards, and international best practices. The role involves reviewing technical documentation, translating functional needs into architectural requirements, and providing recommendations on space planning and sustainability.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Expert Architectural Advice and Support

• Provide expert advice on the Project’s infrastructure-related activities.
• Provide subject-matter expertise and architectural advice in relation to educational infrastructure design and planning.

2. Review and Assessment of Technical Documentation

• Review and assess existing architectural and technical documentation related to the educational buildings, including new educational buildings.

3. Consultation and Requirements Translation

• Support the Project team in consultations with the Ministry and beneficiary institutions to translate functional and operational needs into architectural requirements.

4. Design Brief and Design Review

• Contribute to the preparation and/or review of the design briefs, concept designs, preliminary and detailed designs, ensuring compliance with national legislation, EU standards, and international best practices for educational buildings.

5. Integration of Contemporary Standards

• Ensure that architectural solutions integrate contemporary standards of functionality and spatial efficiency, accessibility and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and educational requirements, supporting modern teaching and learning processes.

6. Space Planning and Functional Zoning

• Provide expert recommendations on space planning and functional zoning within educational facilities, ensuring that layouts support modern pedagogical practices, inclusiveness, and safe use of spaces.

7. Technical Reviews and Quality Assurance

• Participate in technical reviews, site visits, and meetings with stakeholders to provide architectural insights and quality assurance.

8. Project Reporting

• Contribute to project reports, including recommendations for the design and development of educational infrastructure.

9. Capacity Building

• Contribute to capacity-building activities, primarily for the Ministry of Education, to strengthen the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of school infrastructure.

10. Regulatory Framework Support

• Provide technical support for the development of regulatory frameworks for effective school infrastructure management.

Education

• An Advanced University Degree in Architecture is required.
• Bachelor”s Degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of experience in the field of architectural design and construction of public buildings is required.
• Experience in design of complex building construction (high-raise or vertical structures) projects is required.
• Experience in functional and spatial planning of educational facilities is considered an asset.
• Experience in engagement and cooperation with governmental institutions is considered an asset.
• Previous involvement in architectural projects in Montenegro or the Western Balkans region is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION.

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.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) – retainer*

Contract level: IICA 3 (ICS 11)

Contract duration: Up to 50 working days in the period of one and a half year

*If the selected candidate is based in a duty station where there is a national scale, s/he may be offered the local equivalent position.

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

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.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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. 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.

The UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office is supporting sustainable development across Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Montenegro, UNOPS has supported national and local authorities with project management, infrastructure, procurement, and technical assistance services since 2018.

Working closely with international partners, national authorities, local governments, media and civil society, UNOPS helps advance EU integration, strengthen the rule of law and fundamental rights, improve border management, enhance educational infrastructure, modernise digital governance, improve public services and systems, and conduct waste disposal.

Along with providing emergency response, such as during COVID, UNOPS supports the country in advancing national development priorities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, thus improving the quality of life of its citizens.

The projects UNOPS delivers in the country are funded by the European Union, the European Investment Bank, Governments of Norway and Montenegro, and the UNEP/MAP-GEF.