Lead Architect

Organizational Context

UNOPS operates in 23 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on impactful solutions for sustainable development. The organization specializes in building and improving resilient infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, to enhance quality of life and foster inclusive growth. UNOPS also supports public health through essential medical procurement and strengthens institutional capacities for transparent and efficient public management.

Job Purpose

The Lead Architect will provide specialized technical advisory services to the UNOPS management team. This role involves expert consultation, review, analysis, and reporting on various project stages, from development and design to contracting, construction, and delivery. The consultant will critically assess third-party deliverables, offer high-level technical insights, identify potential risks and areas for improvement, and contribute to strategic discussions. Ultimately, the architect will prepare technical recommendations to support informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring alignment with project objectives and quality standards.

Responsibilities

Provide expert technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle, covering architecture, vertical infrastructure, master planning, design, construction, commissioning, and operational handover. Address strategic queries related to scope, design, constructability, quality, cost, schedule, risks, permits, and execution. Review and validate critical design deliverables, including conceptual designs, master plans, and BIM models, ensuring consistency with contractual scope, quality criteria, and functional requirements. Support technical aspects during procurement, construction, and execution phases, including reviewing terms of reference, technical evaluations, and construction-related queries. Manage technical risks, quality assurance, and constructability by identifying potential issues and proposing mitigation measures. Assist in the commissioning, reception, and handover processes, ensuring operational readiness and contributing to knowledge transfer and team strengthening.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in architecture, master planning, design management, technical coordination, construction, or technical assurance for complex vertical infrastructure projects is required. Proven experience with large-scale projects such as institutional buildings, corporate headquarters, campuses, mixed-use developments, public facilities, or complex urban developments is essential. Experience with sustainability components or in preparing/reviewing terms of reference for design or construction services is desirable.

Skills

3D Modeling, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Architecture, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Revit

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