Architect

UNOPS is the implementing partner of the Project “Enhancing Capacities and Preparedness of Montenegro’s Judiciary for EU Integration”, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and designed to contribute to the enhancement of the rule of law by increasing independence, efficiency, and accountability of the judicial system and supporting progress in implementation of the Action Plans for EU Accession Chapters 23 and 24. 

The EU has allocated 2,000,000 Euros through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance 2022 (IPA) in support of the Project, which will be implemented over a period of 24 months.

The Project encompasses activities related to the optimisation of the selected processes within judiciary institutions, the conduct of training programmes, and the conduct of ICT and infrastructure related assessment. It also includes the preparation of technical documentation for the construction of a judicial complex in Podgorica, which is an important action in an effort to ensure adequate working conditions for judicial institutions while enhancing their accessibility, efficiency and effectiveness.

The  Architect works closely with and under the supervision and direction of the Project Manager to ensure support for the efficient and effective implementation of the Project. While contributing to the planning, management, monitoring, and reporting of Project activities, the Architect is primarily responsible for ensuring quality delivery of work packages related to the development of technical documentation for the construction of judicial complexes in Podgorica and for conduct of infrastructure assessment of selected judiciary institutions.  

In performing her/his work, the Architect promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach, and works closely with the Support Services to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.  

The Architect will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:

• Provide specialised knowledge needed for the quality delivery of infrastructure related work packages and activities. 
• Develop terms of references (ToRs) related to infrastructure work packages and activities, including ToRs for the development and review of technical documentation and infrastructure assessment.
• Monitor and review progress and conduct quality checks of infrastructure related activities.
• Actively follow and contribute to the technical design development and review processes, ensuring alignment with project objectives and compliance with technical standards.
• Engage with infrastructure related stakeholders, including beneficiary institutions, Project experts/retainers, internal UNOPS entities, primarily design review committee.  
• Support the Project Manager in engaging with the Project's key stakeholders, including the donor,the Delegation of the European Union, and the Ministry of Justice.
• Establish and cultivate close cooperation with Support Services in support of procurement, finance, human resources, logistics, and administrative actions. 
• Participate in evaluation panels related to infrastructure activities. 
• Manage and or coordinate infrastructure related consultants and experts.   
• Provide inputs to the Project work plans, forecasts, procurement and other Project’s plans in parts related to infrastructure work packages. 
• Contribute to the development of the Project’s reports and analysis within the scope of the assignment. 
• Contribute to the identification and assessment of risks and implementation of mitigation measures in accordance with the Office/Project Risk Management Approach. 
• Contribute to the maintenance of the Project’s archive, with a focus on infrastructure work packages and activities. 
• Contribute to the identification and sharing of the Project’s lessons learned and the best practices. 
• Provide support to the Project’s communication and visibility activities.
• Produce meeting minutes and reports and contribute to the development of briefings and other Project documentation. 
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering is required.

• Five years of working experience in architectural and/or infrastructure projects is required.
• Experience with the conduct of infrastructure related studies or the development of technical documentation and designs would be an asset. 
• Experience in engagement with Governmental institutions, international organisations and donors would be an asset. 
• Experience with Government infrastructure projects, including with implementation of security standards would be an asset.

• Fluency in Montenegrin and English language is required

• A driving licence and the ability to travel independently is a requirement

• Membership in the Engineering chamber or Engineering licence from the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property in Montenegro would be an asset.

his is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of Montenegro and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - ICS 8
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

The UNOPS Republic of Serbia Multi Country Office (RSMCO) is implementing 16 projects in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

In Serbia, where UNOPS has been active since 2000, and North Macedonia and Montenegro where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable socio-economic development, good governance, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with the funding from the European Union (EU), Kingdom of Norway, Governments of Switzerland, Sweden and North Macedonia.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.