Senior Architect - retainer position

Job Description

Dutystation: Home based

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 judicial 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 developing the technical design for the judiciary complex in Podgorica, 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.

Specifically, the selected candidate will undertake the following responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice on the Project’s infrastructure-related activities;
• Provide subject-matter expertise and architectural advice in relation to judicial infrastructure design and planning.
• Review and assess existing architectural and technical documentation related to the judiciary buildings and the judiciary complex project.
• Support the Project team in consultations with the Ministry of Justice and beneficiary institutions to translate functional and operational needs into architectural requirements.
• 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 judicial buildings and high-security facilities.
• Ensure that architectural solutions integrate modern standards of efficiency, security, accessibility and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and adaptability to the digitalisation of judicial processes.
• Provide expert recommendations on space planning, workflow optimisation, and functional zoning within judicial buildings.
• Participate in technical reviews, site visits, and meetings with stakeholders to provide architectural insights and quality assurance.
• Contribute to project reports, including recommendations for the design and development of judicial infrastructure.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s level or higher) in Architecture is required.
• Additional academic achievements (e.g. PhD, professorship) in architecture or related fields would be a strong asset.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of experience in the field of architectural design and construction of public buildings is required.
• Experience in the design and/or supervision of complex infrastructure projects, preferably including judicial, governmental, or high-security facilities is required.
• Experience in functional and spatial planning of institutional buildings, with emphasis on workflow optimisation, security, and accessibility requirements, is an asset.
• Experience in engagement with governmental institutions, academia, international organisations, and donors would be an asset.
• Previous involvement in architectural projects in Montenegro or the Western Balkans region is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of Montenegrin, Serbian, Croatian or Bosnian will be considered an asset

About the Organization

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.

We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.