Job Description
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides technical assistance to Member States to strengthen their capacities in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking.
Through the PANZ41 project, UNODC contributes to the work of strengthening the administration of justice, which includes the construction of adequate infrastructure to house judicial offices.
Functions and responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Architect will have the following responsibilities:
- Support the Project Coordinator in the definition and execution of the works to be carried out.
- Make recommendations to the coordinator on design and structure.
- Support the Coordinator in the preparation of reports, correspondence and other documents.
- Participate in technical meetings with the Counterparts to understand their needs and propose the best distribution of interior and exterior spaces, including the equipment required to satisfy all needs.
- Generate very high quality 3D-Renders architectural images of all the projects that are developed and will be developed as part of the execution of the works of the infrastructure component of PANZ 41.
- Carry out surveys, measurements, inspections and technical meetings on site at the different sites nationwide where buildings will be developed within the framework of this project.
- Make visits to Government Organizations and Institutions that have influence in the certifications and approvals of the plans, in order to have the information required for the preparation of the terms of reference, estimation of the duration of the different phases of the project.
- Evaluate the implementation of new technologies that are necessary to use to guarantee the functioning of the infrastructures to be built.
- Prepare technical reports, technical specifications, terms of references, plans, construction details and carry out research for the design, development of plans, execution and inspection of the works.
- Prepare the specifications for the construction and remodeling works in the context of this project.
- Generate, review and update work execution schedules.
- Carry out calculations of materials, equipment and labor to estimate the cost of works, detailing the breakdown of activities and preparing budgets for the design and construction of infrastructure projects.
- Support in the coordination of technical and design aspects with professionals who will design other disciplines in the works to be developed.
- Ensure compliance with the standards on processes and procedures of the UNODC office in the development of project functions.
- Be part of the technical review committee and support the financial review committee in the selection and contracting processes of the companies involved in the execution of the works.
- Carry out inspections and follow up on the development of construction works, ensuring that the guidelines specified in the plans and contractual conditions of each work are faithfully complied with.
- Prepare work progress reports during the execution of the project.
- Review and approve the companies, finishes, materials, equipment and systems specified in the works that the project will develop.
- Control the technical documentation generated by the project and by the contracting companies, guaranteeing that the contractual conditions are met.
- Keep a record and control of the physical and financial progress of the works.
- Collaborate in preparing payment order requests for work progress, according to the progress of the construction processes and the approval or not of the accounts, claims and change orders of the projects.
- Control the times assigned for the design and development of plans and preparation of the technical specifications of the company contracted for the design, development of plans, technical specifications and construction of the work; in accordance with the design and construction proposal of the works to be executed, following up on the schedule presented by the contracting company.
- Review and approve the designs and development of the plans, calculation reports and technical specifications, in accordance with the terms and design proposal presented by the company contracted for the design, development of plans, technical specifications and construction of the works.
- Ensure the quality of construction works in accordance with the provisions of the contract documents, terms of reference, technical specifications, construction plans and the Project Quality Plan developed by the contractor.
- Support in the review of technical documents that will be delivered at the closing of the project, such as as-built drawings, technical specifications, operation and maintenance manuals and warranties for electromechanical equipment.
- Support in the review and validation of the tests required for the commissioning of the buildings.
- Request and support the contracted companies in the preparation of the plans generated on site, as well as the review or preparation of the work reports, certifying the satisfaction of all the works completed in accordance with what is specified in the Contracts.
- Ensure the proper use of the resources assigned to the works; guaranteeing quality, savings and the use of materials.
- Ensure that the contracted companies comply with national regulations and laws regarding construction and request corrections or rectifications from the companies in this matter when necessary.
- Prepare execution reports and satisfaction certifications for all works in accordance with what is specified in the execution schedules, plans and contracts.
- Support other projects in related functions and related to the aforementioned.
- Any other function assigned by the Project Coordinator and/or by the UNODC Regional Representative for Central America and the Caribbean in Panama, related to the functions of the position.
Skills
- INTEGRITY: Commitment to the values and principles of the United Nations and personal integrity.
- COMMITMENT: To the vision, mission and strategic goals of the organization.
- SENSITIVITY: Adaptability without personal prejudices regarding intercultural issues, gender, religion, race, nationality and age.
- RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY: Work effectively with people of any race, gender, beliefs, etc.
- CUSTOMER FOCUSED: Establishes, builds and maintains effective relationships within your work unit and with internal and external customers. Responds promptly to customer needs.
- RESULTS FOCUS: Demonstrates ability to identify problems and propose solutions. Planning and organizational skills; preparation of reports.
- TEAMWORK: Proactive attitude and affinity for a participatory work style, demonstrating openness to change and ability to handle complex issues. Ability to relate to others and work as a team in a multicultural work environment and a sense of respect for diversity.
Skills and Experience Required:
Education:
- Bachelor of Architecture.
- Certificate of suitability in Bachelor of Architecture, issued by the Technical Board of Engineering and Architecture of Panama (exclusive requirement).
Experience:
- At least seven (7) years of relevant experience in the design, development and/or review of plans and inspection of works.
- At least four (4) years of experience in developing 3D-Renders images for very high quality architectural presentations. The candidate will be contacted to send a professional portfolio with 3D Render-type images that they have developed in the last two (2) to four (4) years of their professional career. (Essential requirements. Indispensable requirements).
- Experience in the design, development of plans and supervision of construction projects with project amounts exceeding one million dollars (USD).
- Work experience in the Republic of Panama. (Certification Letters).
- Experience in quality control in construction works.
- Knowledge of efficient and transparent public procurement procedures.
- Knowledge of design and construction laws and regulations in Panama.
- Knowledge of occupational safety issues in construction.
- Management of computer tools:
- MS Office – Advanced
- Software for drawing up plans and 3D:
- AutoCAD – Advanced
- Skecth Up – Advanced
- Photoshop – Intermedio
- Knowledge of rendering software such as V-Ray, 3D Studio Max, Lumion
Required languages:
- Excellent command of the Spanish language, oral and written.
- Basic level of the English language.
Nationality:
- Only Panamanian citizens and/or foreigners with permanent residence, a valid work permit and a certificate of suitability in a Bachelor of Architecture, issued by the Technical Board of Engineering and Architecture of Panama (exclusive requirement) may apply for this vacancy.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
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