Lead Architect, Multiple positions

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Infrastructure Service Delivery and in close collaboration with the project team, the Lead Architect will support the design, development and implementation of infrastructure components under the portfolio, in full accordance with UNOPS Design Management Policy, guidelines such as The Design Planning Manual for Buildings and other procedures and other applicable national and international standards. 

This includes but is not limited to, supporting the development and review of infrastructure designs, liaison with internal and external stakeholders in assuring the quality of designs, monitoring and assuring of infrastructure quality during the construction phase providing independent technical evaluation and recommendations to uphold the integrity of infrastructure implementation, participating in business development efforts as necessary and knowledge management. More specifically, the Lead Architect will be accountable for the following:

1. Technical Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance of design documentation with UNOPS regulations, as well as Uzbekistan national codes and standards, as necessary, and oversee this process.

• Check  drawings, specifications and other design and construction documentation and instruct on aspects of interventions.

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments on design documents, identify potential issues, and collaborate closely with project teams to formulate mitigation strategies that ensure project success.

• Implement and enforce quality control and quality assurance protocols to uphold adherence to UNOPS Design Planning Manual, established technical codes and standards, and industry best practices, thus championing the delivery of high-quality project outcomes.

• Oversee and manage the quality of project products and their constructability, guaranteeing their acceptance by the relevant stakeholders.

• Foster effective communication and collaboration among diverse design disciplines, such as architecture, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, to ensure a harmonious and integrated design approach.

• Play a pivotal role in coordinating with design consultants and their performance during the design development phase, particularly in the domain of architectural, spatial sustainability and energy building efficiency disciplines, operation and maintenance and health and safety considerations.

• Contribute to producing the requisite project deliverables, and proactively addressing any shortcomings.

• Support the Design Review unit in coordinating technical design review approvals.

• Provide technical expertise to the team in monitoring quality assurance in both the design development and implementation/construction phase.

• Review technical specifications of equipment and materials for adherence to quality standards.

• Explore and assess cost-effective design alternatives and opportunities for value engineering, aiming to optimize project outcomes in terms of cost, performance, resilience and sustainability.

• Continuously evaluate and enhance the design review process, streamlining workflows, and preventing potential delays during design development, design reviews, and/or cost overruns that can be avoided, identifying potential areas for efficiency improvements to enhance the overall efficacy of the design review function.

• Provide impartial technical evaluations and recommendations, devoid of any conflicts of interest, and uphold the integrity of technical opinions in the face of project pressures.

• Actively participating in progress reviews and project coordination meetings, and subsequently creating meeting minutes.

• When necessary, collaborate with the procurement team to assess technical bids for design, and construction and contribute to evaluation reports.

• Participate and provide advice on business development efforts as necessary, including liaison with potential clients, preparation of preliminary cost estimates, concept design documentation, and other tasks as necessary.

• Advise the contractor and site engineers of both UNOPS and the contractor on appropriate fit  for all the design elements.

• Establish system for maintaining design and construction records and contribute in the production of As-Built drawings and details for all design documentation, memos, and instructions in the correct format;

• Engage with government partners and project stakeholders to collect the relevant input to the architectural concept development and planning;

• Manage the production of the final document package including design drawings, specifications, bill of quantities, cost estimates, etc. for the client hand-over for tendering purposes;

• Execute any other responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor.

2. Technical Documentation and Reporting

• Developing technical documentation and guiding projects in developing their designs.

• Collaborating in the oversight of design delivery, ensuring strict adherence to all relevant codes of practice and industry standards.

• Generating comprehensive and accurate bills of quantity, while keeping estimating rates up to date.

• Gathering data and preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports.

• Cooperating with fellow Infrastructure practitioners to collect and maintain construction data.

• Contributing to knowledge management within the unit and reporting on capacity-building activities in the field.

• Assists in preparing the presentation to national authorities for follow up presentations and information.

• Carrying out site inspections, assessments and monitoring to ensure that the work is done according to instructions, drawings and technical specifications as per contractual agreement and give the same support to site teams liaising with the Project Managers and Project Engineers preparing subsequent reports.

• Assisting the with the architectural input for project planning, scheduling of tasks and resources allocation;

3. Knowledge sharing and management

• Engage in the project evaluation process by identifying and highlighting project-related challenges, actively participating in a continuous improvement cycle.

• Collaborate in delivering training and knowledge transfer to national/contractor personnel, offering guidance on sound design, construction, and engineering practices, as well as promoting environmental management practices, sustainability and resilience measures and appropriate health and safety standards.

• Contribute to the dissemination and exchange of best practices and lessons learned to enhance development planning and knowledge development.

• Participate in relevant Communities of Practice, fostering interaction with fellow Infrastructure practitioners and the broader community to share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices through the Knowledge System.

• Provide constructive feedback to Practice Leads on policies and supporting guidelines, with the goal of continuously enhancing UNOPS policies.

Impact of results

The Lead Architect's capacity to efficiently produce outcomes plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project is completed punctually, within budget, and with exceptional quality, surpassing the expectations of all parties involved. This, in consequence, elevates UNOPS' standing as a proficient provider of project services and management, reinforcing its competitive position as the favored collaborator for sustainable development and project services.

a. Education

• Masters degree with 5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a Master's degree, a Bachelor's degree with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted.

b. Work experience 

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure of which 4 years in technical infrastructure engineering/design review is required;

• Experience in development infrastructure is essential to the role

• Knowledge of construction norms and standards of The Republic of Uzbekistan is desired 

• Knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD or an alternative) is mandatory.

• Experience in the UN system organizations is desirable.

c. Languages

• Working knowledge of English is required.

• Working knowledge of Uzbek and/or Russian is an asset.