Lead Architect
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.
Location: Addis Ababa (with travel to project locations)
Organization: UNOPS
Deadline: 22-Dec-2025
Job Description
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 End Date: 22-Dec-2025
- Duration: One year, renewable based on satisfactory performance and budget availability.
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
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
Role Purpose
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
Education Requirements
Required Education
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An advanced University Degree (Master’s) degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or any other relevant field is required.
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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
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Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP)
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Knowledge of sustainable design principles (LEED certification).
Experience Requirements
Required
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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.
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At least 5 years of experience in AutoCAD and other CAD Visualization software is required.
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At least 5 year of experience in supervision of civil engineering construction activities is required.
Desired
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Experience in proposal development.
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Communication skills.
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Experience in the development and interpretation of topographic maps.
Language Requirements
| Language | Proficiency Level | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| English | Fluent | Required |
| Amharic | Fluent | Required |
