General Information

Position Title

Lead Architect

Job Category

Engineer

Duty Station(s)

Addis Ababa

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer

Contract Level

LICA 10

Posting Start Date

08-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

22-Dec-2025

Duration

One year, renewable based on satisfactory performance and budget availability

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to lead architectural design and supervision for impactful infrastructure projects, contributing to sustainable development across the Horn of Africa. The position offers exposure to diverse projects, multidisciplinary collaboration, and professional growth within a leading UN organization.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Job Specific Context

The Lead Architect will report to the Senior Project Manager and operates within a dynamic project environment, leading the design and supervision of architectural works for buildings and infrastructure projects across the Horn of Africa. The role is crucial for ensuring the quality, functionality, and compliance of designs with national and international standards, contributing to the successful implementation of impactful development initiatives.

Role Purpose

The Lead Architect will lead the design, review, and supervision of architectural works for buildings and infrastructure projects in line with UNOPS guidelines, the National Building Code, standards set by relevant government agencies, and recognized international practices. The Lead Architect will ensure the quality, functionality, and compliance of designs throughout project implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Site Assessment

• Lead the assessment and review of site conditions, existing buildings and infrastructure to identify rehabilitation needs and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead site assessment activities and conduct assessment before commencement of design works.
• Conduct on-site inspections to verify structural, architectural, and functional conditions, preparing detailed assessment reports with actionable recommendations.
• Participate in feasibility studies and support the evaluation of project requirements in line with national and international standards.

2. Design Works and Design Review

• Lead the preparation and revision of design briefs, drawings, and documentation for new and rehabilitated infrastructure projects.
• Develop technical specifications, detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and design documentation to guide project implementation.
• Ensure design compliance with national and international standards and guidelines, including Ethiopian Standards (ES/EN), UNOPS Guidelines, ISO standards, FIDIC conditions of contract, and other relevant local or international codes of practice for building and infrastructure projects.
• Prepare 3D models and presentations of building and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate the development of conceptual, preliminary, detailed, and working drawings, as well as design review certificates and construction permits.
• Prepare a complete design package for design review and respond to design review comments.
• Support the procurement team by preparing bidding documents, participating in pre-bid meetings, providing clarifications to bidders, and evaluating technical and financial proposals.

3. Construction Supervision and Quality Control

• Lead the review and coordination of construction details and working drawings during the project lifecycle, ensuring quality and compliance with design specifications.
• Provide technical advice on project management, construction practices, and environmental safeguards, mitigating potential impacts during construction.
• Maintain accurate construction records and contribute to the preparation of “As Built” drawings.
• Generate regular progress and project reports in line with contractual obligations and UNOPS standard procedures.

4. Leadership, Coordination, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Organize and lead project design teams, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality delivery of architectural services.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, to ensure integrated infrastructure solutions.
• Actively liaise with UNOPS staff, authorities, contractors, and stakeholders to facilitate smooth project implementation and compliance with regulatory requirements.

5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Maintain design and construction documentation, including technical specifications, BoQs, and reports.
• Participate in knowledge sharing initiatives and continuously improve professional skills to keep abreast of industry best practices.
• Contribute to the development of guidelines, manuals, and lessons learned for institutional capacity building.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and leadership to junior architects and technical staff, fostering professional development and knowledge transfer.

Skills

ArchiCAD, Architectural Design, AutoCAD, Revit, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Writing

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

Required Education

• An advanced University Degree (Master”s) degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or any other relevant field is required.

• A first University Degree (Bachelor”s) in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or any other relevant field will be considered with additional 2 years of work experience.

Required Certification

• AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Revit and/or other CAD Visualization software
• PPAR Practicing Professional License Registration

Desired Certification

• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP)

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles (LEED certification).

Experience Requirements

Required

• At least 5 years of experience in architectural conceptual design, preparation of scheme and final architectural design drawings, Graphics and presentation drawings and specification is required.

• At least 5 years of experience in AutoCAD and other CAD Visualization software is required.

• At least 5 year of experience in supervision of civil engineering construction activities is required.

Desired

• Experience in proposal development.

• Communication skills.

• Experience in the development and interpretation of topographic maps.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredAmharicFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. 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. 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.
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.