Senior Architect – retainer position

Location: Home based

Organization: UNOPS

Deadline: 11-Nov-2025

Job Description

Background Information – Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ development projects, by providing sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organisations. As a self-financing entity within the UN system, UNOPS must ensure that the projects it delivers meet client expectations in terms of cost, quality and time, while at the same time ensuring that these projects collectively meet a broader array of success criteria.

As part of its UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office (SEEMCO) operations, and in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation in Montenegro (the Ministry), UNOPS in Montenegro is initiating an “Enhancing School Infrastructure in Montenegro (ESIM)” Project, funded by European Investment Bank (EIB), which is designed to enhance the capacity of national and local stakeholders, primarily the Ministry, to better plan, deliver and manage school infrastructure. This Project is part of a broader programme that will contribute to improved quality of pre-school, primary and secondary education in Montenegro and it is part of the broader vision focused on further comprehensive education reforms. The key beneficiaries of the Project are the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and schools in Montenegro.

The Department for Investments and Public Procurement of the Ministry, which includes Office for coordination and implementation of capital budget and project loans, is responsible for planning and management of educational facilities, as also oversees property-related documentation, drafts capital budget proposals, and monitors the condition of educational institutions and their infrastructure. It manages public procurement procedures, prepares reports on infrastructure projects, and ensures compliance with standards and norms for school buildings and equipment.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme and direction of the Project Manager, the Senior Architect is responsible for providing expert architectural support for the design and development of education infrastructure in Montenegro, in accordance with relevant national regulations and proven international/EU standards. The Senior Architect will provide technical support for the Project’s infrastructure-related activities, with a primary focus on supporting development of technical designs for the educational facilities in Montenegro, in line with relevant requirements and standards. The design, in addition to complying with technical standards, shall meet functional and spatial requirements, safety and security, accessibility and inclusion criteria, as well as sustainability requirements.

The Senior Architect provides expert architectural support for the design and development of education infrastructure in Montenegro, ensuring compliance with national regulations, EU standards, and international best practices. The role involves reviewing technical documentation, translating functional needs into architectural requirements, and providing recommendations on space planning and sustainability.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Expert Architectural Advice and Support

Provide expert advice on the Project’s infrastructure-related activities.
Provide subject-matter expertise and architectural advice in relation to educational infrastructure design and planning.

2. Review and Assessment of Technical Documentation

Review and assess existing architectural and technical documentation related to the educational buildings, including new educational buildings.

3. Consultation and Requirements Translation

Support the Project team in consultations with the Ministry and beneficiary institutions to translate functional and operational needs into architectural requirements.

4. Design Brief and Design Review

Contribute to the preparation and/or review of the design briefs, concept designs, preliminary and detailed designs, ensuring compliance with national legislation, EU standards, and international best practices for educational buildings.

5. Integration of Contemporary Standards

Ensure that architectural solutions integrate contemporary standards of functionality and spatial efficiency, accessibility and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and educational requirements, supporting modern teaching and learning processes.

6. Space Planning and Functional Zoning

Provide expert recommendations on space planning and functional zoning within educational facilities, ensuring that layouts support modern pedagogical practices, inclusiveness, and safe use of spaces.

7. Technical Reviews and Quality Assurance

Participate in technical reviews, site visits, and meetings with stakeholders to provide architectural insights and quality assurance.

8. Project Reporting

Contribute to project reports, including recommendations for the design and development of educational infrastructure.

9. Capacity Building

Contribute to capacity-building activities, primarily for the Ministry of Education, to strengthen the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of school infrastructure.

10. Regulatory Framework Support

Provide technical support for the development of regulatory frameworks for effective school infrastructure management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

An Advanced University Degree in Architecture is required.
Bachelor’s Degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of experience in the field of architectural design and construction of public buildings is required.
Experience in design of complex building construction (high-raise or vertical structures) projects is required.
Experience in functional and spatial planning of educational facilities is considered an asset.
Experience in engagement and cooperation with governmental institutions is considered an asset.
Previous involvement in architectural projects in Montenegro or the Western Balkans region is an asset.

Language Requirements