ARCHITECT – NAIROBI | UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR PROJECT SERVICES (UNOPS) 2026

Position Title: Architect
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026
Category/Department: Building and Construction / Infrastructure / Project Services

Introduction

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), operational arm United Nations implementing projects UN System/international financial institutions/governments/partners aid world, is recruiting Architect support design/development/implementation infrastructure components portfolio full accordance UNOPS guidelines/procedures national/international standards.

Under direct supervision Senior Programme Manager/assignees, role supports infrastructure designs review/liaison stakeholders quality assurance/monitoring construction/independent technical evaluation/recommendations integrity implementation/business development efforts. Requiring Bachelor’s Architecture/related + 2 years relevant experience OR Master’s 0 years, CAD proficiency (AutoCAD/alternative), knowledge Myanmar construction norms/standards (contextual note – role Myanmar-based despite Nairobi listing), these full-time responsibilities demand technical expertise/compliance/sustainability. Ideal for qualified architects passionate sustainable/resilient infrastructure, this opportunity offers impactful contribution UNOPS mission global development.

About United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

United Nations Office for Project Services operational arm United Nations dedicated implementing projects UN System/international financial institutions/governments/partners aid world.

UNOPS fosters culture integrity, innovation, sustainability, delivering efficient/effective project management worldwide.

Roles & Responsibilities

Technical Responsibilities

Support Senior Programme Manager/assignees ensuring compliance design development/implementation/construction phase UNOPS regulations Myanmar national codes/standards necessary oversee process.
Contribute producing requisite project deliverables comprehensive risk assessments design documents identify potential issues collaborate project teams formulate mitigation strategies ensure project success.
Foster effective communication/collaboration diverse design disciplines architecture/structural engineering/mechanical engineering/electrical engineering ensure harmonious integrated design approach.
Play pivotal role coordinating design consultants/performance design development phase particularly architectural/spatial sustainability/energy building efficiency disciplines operations/maintenance Health Safety considerations.
Assist Senior Programme Manager/assignees providing technical expertise team monitoring quality assurance design implementation/construction phase.
Review equipment/material technical specifications ensure adherence quality standards.
Explore/assess cost-effective design alternatives/opportunities value engineering optimise project outcomes cost/performance/sustainability.
Support Senior Programme Manager/assignees coordinating technical design review approvals continuously evaluating/enhancing design review process streamlining workflows identifying potential areas efficiency improvements improve overall efficacy design review function.
Provide impartial technical evaluations/recommendations devoid conflicts interest uphold integrity technical opinions face project pressures.
Actively participating progress reviews/project coordination meetings subsequently creating meeting minutes.
When necessary collaborate procurement team assess bids contribute evaluation reports.
Support business development efforts necessary including liaison potential clients preparation preliminary cost estimates preliminary design documentation other tasks necessary.
Undertake travels outside Yangon other Duty Stations/project sites Myanmar required.
Execute other responsibilities assigned Supervisor.

Technical Documentation and Reporting

Developing technical documentation/guiding projects creating designs.
Generating comprehensive/accurate bills quantity keeping estimating rates up date.
Assist Supervisor preparing monthly/quarterly progress reports.
Cooperating fellow Infrastructure practitioners collect/maintain construction data.

Knowledge Sharing and Management

Engage project evaluation process identifying/highlighting project-related challenges actively participating continuous improvement cycle.
Support delivering training/knowledge transfer national/contractor personnel offering guidance sound design/construction/engineering practices promoting environmental management practices sustainability/resilience measures appropriate health safety standards.
Contribute dissemination/exchange best practices/lessons learned enhance development planning/knowledge development.
Participate relevant Communities Practice fostering interaction fellow Infrastructure practitioners broader community share case studies lessons learned best practices Knowledge System.
Provide constructive feedback Practice Leads policies/supporting guidelines enhance UNOPS policies continuously.

Final Product
Deliver tasks delegated supervisor time required cost quality parameters. Ensure assigned project(s) designed/implemented high quality adhering applicable local/international/organisational standards. Ensure adherence relevant Health Safety Security Environmental procedures Protection against Sexual Exploitation Abuse Harassment (PSEAH) measures throughout project implementation line country’s PSEAH action plan.

Skills
Application Architecture, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Architecture, AutoCAD Architecture, Sustainable Architecture

Competencies

Treats all individuals respect; responds sensitively differences encourages others same. Upholds organisational ethical norms. Maintains high standards trustworthiness. Role model diversity inclusion.
Acts positive role model contributing team spirit. Collaborates supports development others. For people managers only: Acts positive leadership role model motivates directs inspires others succeed utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding impact own role all partners always puts end beneficiary first. Builds maintains strong external relationships competent partner others (if relevant role).
Efficiently establishes appropriate course action self/others accomplish goal. Actions lead total task accomplishment concern quality all areas. Sees opportunities takes initiative act them. Understands responsible use resources maximizes impact beneficiaries.
Open change flexible fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach suit changing circumstances requirements. Reflects experiences modifies own behavior. Performance consistent even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data courses action reach logical pragmatic decisions. Takes unbiased rational approach calculated risks. Applies innovation creativity problem-solving.
Expresses ideas facts clear concise open manner. Communication indicates consideration feelings needs others. Actively listens proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively overcoming differences opinion finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) Architecture related fields 2 years relevant experience OR
Master’s degree (or equivalent) above related fields 0 years relevant experience required.

Desired