Architectural Engineering Technician – Senior Associate

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

This position operates within the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO), supporting critical infrastructure and building projects across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The Architectural Engineering Technician Senior Associate plays a vital role in the design and documentation phase, ensuring the accuracy and quality of architectural and engineering drawings. This role is essential for the effective implementation of development initiatives aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods in underserved regions, directly contributing to HAMCO’s mission of sustainable development and regional stability.

Role Purpose

The Architectural Engineering Technician Senior Associate performs specialized technical support services in architectural and engineering design, integrating multiple processes to ensure high-quality design documentation and coordination for infrastructure and building projects. The candidate applies professional principles of architectural engineering to manage service delivery, contributes to process improvements, and ensures the integrity and accuracy of design outputs.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Project Manager,  the Architectural Engineering Technician Senior Associate shall perform the following duties, including but not limited to:

1. Design Preparation

• Contribute to the preparation of CAD drawings, 3D models, Renderings, and design documentation for infrastructure and building projects, including preliminary design drawings.
• Support the development of design concepts and presentations to ensure timely, cost-effective, and quality delivery.
• Utilize relevant software tools to prepare drawings that convey materials, technical specifications, dimensions, and construction requirements.
• Prepare architectural drawings including plans, sections, elevations, site layouts, and detailed working drawings using the latest version of AutoCAD, REVIT or equivalent software.
• Produce structural drawings (e.g., floor plans, columns, beams, reinforcement detailing) based on inputs provided by the relevant professionals.
• Prepare drawings for disciplines including sanitary, electrical, mechanical based on information provided by the relevant professionals.
• Ensure drawings are prepared in accordance with given instructions, schematic designs, and technical specifications.
• Assist in the preparation of as-built drawings and project documentation.

2. Design Review and Revision

• Support the revision and updating of design drawings for new and existing buildings and infrastructure projects.
• Translate technical instructions, sketches, and mark-ups into accurate drawing outputs.
• Revise drawings and details throughout the design and construction phases as required.

3. Site Coordination and Technical Support

• Participate in technical coordination meetings and attend site visits as required.
• Support site assessments by preparing sketches, layouts, and drawings reflecting site conditions.
• Assist in identifying drafting-related issues and propose practical solutions.

4. Documentation and Knowledge Management

• Maintain organized records of drawings, revisions, and project documentation.
• Support the preparation of as-built documentation and final drawing packages.
• Engage in knowledge sharing and continuous professional development.

5. General Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Project Manager  or Infrastructure team.

Skills

3D Modeling, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, AutoCAD, Engineering Design, Knowledge Management, Revit, Technical Drawing.

Education Requirements

Required

•  A High School Diploma/Secondary School Diploma, combined with seven (7) years of relevant experience, is required.

Desired

• A Technical/Professional Diploma is desired and may substitute for some of the years of experience required.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field is an asset and may substitute for up to four (4) years of the required relevant work experience.

Experience Requirements

Required

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in preparing architectural and engineering drawings using AutoCAD, REVIT, or equivalent software is required.

•  Proficiency in AutoCAD is required.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

Language Requirements

Language	Proficiency Level	Requirement
English	Fluent	Required
Amharic	Fluent	Required