Architectural Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• 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. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. 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 Architectural Engineer position involves supporting the Chief of the Architecture & Design Division in the development, application, and review of architectural and design policies, strategies, technical instructions, and standards. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing and implementing the Division’s work plans and priorities, ensuring the effective delivery of architectural services aligned with the Agency's objectives. This role requires the identification and analysis of architectural design risks, constraints, and trade-offs arising from site conditions, technical requirements, and regulatory frameworks. The Architectural Engineer will develop technically robust, cost-effective, and implementable options to mitigate risks and support the timely and efficient delivery of construction projects. The position also entails reviewing and providing technical clearance for architectural preliminary designs, feasibility assessments, and concept options in accordance with Agency needs and applicable local/international codes of practice. The incumbent will coordinate closely with the Design Section to resolve architectural issues and ensure consistency in design intent and standards. Additionally, the role includes providing technical support and quality assurance to Field offices, assisting in monitoring design development and implementation, and contributing to value engineering and post-implementation reviews as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Architectural Engineer include:

• Supporting the Chief of the Architecture & Design Division in developing and reviewing architectural policies and strategies.
• Identifying and analyzing architectural design risks and developing options to mitigate them.
• Reviewing and providing technical clearance for architectural designs and tender documentation.
• Coordinating with the Design Section to resolve architectural issues and ensure design consistency.
• Providing technical support and quality assurance to Field offices and assisting in monitoring design implementation.
• Contributing to the preparation and updating of the Division’s procedures and standard documents related to architectural works.
• Managing consultancy assignments, including preparation of design briefs and review of deliverables.
• Acting for the Chief during absences and ensuring continuity of operations.
• Identifying training needs and supporting learning activities in architectural standards and quality assurance. 1
• Maintaining professional awareness of building codes, accessibility, fire safety, and sustainability standards.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Architectural Engineer position include:

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in architectural engineering from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency in computer-aided architectural design and documentation tools, such as AutoCAD or equivalent.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in architectural design and delivery for building/infrastructure projects, with a minimum of three years in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience in preparing, reviewing, and providing technical clearance for preliminary design drawings and tender documentation.
• Experience in multidisciplinary coordination and supervision/technical guidance of staff.
• Experience in managing architectural consultancy assignments, including terms of reference and deliverables review.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in architectural engineering from an accredited educational institution. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of architectural design and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and codes.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in architectural design and delivery for building/infrastructure projects. This experience must include at least three years in a supervisory capacity, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Additionally, candidates should have experience in preparing and reviewing architectural designs and tender documentation, as well as coordinating multidisciplinary inputs and providing technical guidance to staff.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per 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 the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The monthly basic salary for this position is JD1246.60, with additional benefits including a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and dependency allowance if applicable. The position may require travel within the Agency's area of operations. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who assist the Agency in achieving gender parity. Only candidates residing in Amman and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible to apply. The Agency will not facilitate the issuance of work permits in Jordan.