Senior Architect - retainer position

Application Period

21-Oct-2025 to 11-Nov-2025

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 education 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 supporting development of technical designs for the educational facilities in Montenegro, 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.

The Senior Architect provides expert architectural support for the design and development of education infrastructure in Montenegro, ensuring compliance with national regulations, EU standards, and international best practices. The role involves reviewing technical documentation, translating functional needs into architectural requirements, and providing recommendations on space planning and sustainability.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Review and Assessment of Technical Documentation
2. Consultation and Requirements Translation
3. Design Brief and Design Review
4. Integration of Contemporary Standards
5. Space Planning and Functional Zoning
6. Technical Reviews and Quality Assurance
7. Project Reporting
8. Capacity Building
9. Regulatory Framework Support

Expert Architectural Advice and Support

Provide expert advice on the Project’s infrastructure-related activities.
Provide subject-matter expertise and architectural advice in relation to educational infrastructure design and planning.
Review and assess existing architectural and technical documentation related to the educational buildings, including new educational buildings.
Support the Project team in consultations with the Ministry 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 educational buildings.
Ensure that architectural solutions integrate contemporary standards of functionality and spatial efficiency, accessibility and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and educational requirements, supporting modern teaching and learning processes.
Provide expert recommendations on space planning and functional zoning within educational facilities, ensuring that layouts support modern pedagogical practices, inclusiveness, and safe use of spaces.
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 educational infrastructure.
Contribute to capacity-building activities, primarily for the Ministry of Education, to strengthen the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of school infrastructure.
Provide technical support for the development of regulatory frameworks for effective school infrastructure management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

An Advanced University Degree in Architecture is required.
Bachelor's Degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of experience in the field of architectural design and construction of public buildings is required.
Experience in design of complex building construction (high-raise or vertical structures) projects is required.
Experience in functional and spatial planning of educational facilities is considered an asset.
Experience in engagement and cooperation with governmental institutions is considered 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.

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION.
Think big. Meet challenges head-on. Help people build better lives.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce is made up of people from varied nationalities, cultures and races. They speak a range of 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. Click apply and join us!

Remarks: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.