Architect

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly. Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and offering a range of services including education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages individuals seeking a rewarding opportunity to join its mission.

Job Overview:
The Architect position at UNRWA involves carrying out both preliminary and detailed architectural designs for various building projects, which include schools, hospitals, clinics, shelters, warehouses, and rehousing projects. The role requires adherence to the agency's needs, policies, design criteria, standards, and local and international codes of practice. The architect will maintain and apply existing standard details of architectural works using relevant software and will review drawings prepared by Technical Assistants or CAD operators. Additionally, the architect will contribute to the preparation of tender documents, including specifications for special design needs, and will identify non-standard items to enhance the quality of implemented works. The position also involves researching emerging models and technologies to identify materials and techniques that meet evolving requirements, as well as participating in studies and technical activities to incorporate green elements into designs and address environmental protection needs. The architect will provide technical advice for alteration works on agency premises, write technical reports on architectural aspects and building system inspections, and liaise with construction teams regarding architectural design issues that arise during construction. Furthermore, the architect will update architectural design drawings to reflect changes based on as-built drawings received from the field, ensuring that these drawings comply with relevant technical instructions and standards. The role requires coordination with other designers to optimize designs while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing costs, as well as drafting terms of reference for consultants and supervising their work to ensure compliance with design criteria and standards. The architect will also provide substantive input for various reports, including weekly and monthly progress reports and ad-hoc reports, and perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Architect at UNRWA include:

• Conducting preliminary and detailed architectural design for various building projects, ensuring compliance with agency needs and relevant codes.
• Maintaining and applying existing architectural standards and reviewing drawings prepared by Technical Assistants/CAD.
• Contributing to the preparation of tender documents and identifying non-standard items to improve project quality.
• Researching and exploring new materials and technologies to meet changing design requirements.
• Participating in studies to incorporate green elements into designs and address environmental protection needs.
• Providing technical advice for alteration works on agency premises and writing technical reports on architectural inspections.
• Liaising with construction teams on design issues during construction and updating architectural drawings based on as-built conditions.
• Coordinating with other designers to optimize designs while ensuring structural integrity and cost-effectiveness.
• Drafting terms of reference for consultants and supervising their work to ensure adherence to standards. 1
• Providing input for various reports, including progress reports and ad-hoc reports. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Architect position include:

• A university degree in architecture from an accredited university or institution.
• Proficiency in architectural design software and computer-aided design tools, such as AutoCAD.
• At least four years of relevant experience in architectural design, with a minimum of two years in designing public buildings and developmental projects.
• Knowledge of relevant greening approaches and protection needs in design work is desirable.
• A record of involvement in outside activities, such as employment, consulting, teaching, or voluntary work, is required, and candidates must disclose this information accurately.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in architecture from an accredited university or institution. This educational background is essential for understanding the principles of architectural design and the technical aspects required for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant experience in architectural design, with a minimum of two years specifically focused on designing public buildings and developmental projects. Experience with architectural design software and computer-aided design tools, such as AutoCAD, is also required. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that candidates are equipped to handle the complexities of the projects they will be working on.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as outlined by the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability, satisfactory performance, and ongoing need. The monthly basic salary for this position is JD 919.80, along with a 60% Special Occupational Allowance (SOA). Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. Employees are entitled to sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave as specified. This vacancy is open to internal candidates only, and applicants must reside in Amman and have authorization to work in the duty station at the time of application. The agency will not facilitate work permits, and without a valid permit, the appointment may be rescinded. The incumbent may be required to travel within the agency's area of operations and may need to work outside normal duty hours. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who assist the agency in achieving gender parity. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. The agency emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information in applications, as misrepresentation can lead to disqualification or termination of employment.