Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS is the implementing partner of the Project โEnhancing Capacities and Preparedness of Montenegroโs Judiciary for EU Integrationโ, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and designed to contribute to the enhancement of the rule of law by increasing independence, efficiency, and accountability of the judicial system and supporting progress in implementation of the Action Plans for EU Accession Chapters 23 and 24.
The EU has allocated 2,000,000 Euros through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance 2022 (IPA) in support of the Project.
The Project encompasses activities related to the optimisation of the selected processes within judiciary institutions, the conduct of training programmes, and the conduct of ICT and infrastructure-related assessments. The key output of the Project is the preparation of technical documentation for the construction of a judicial complex in Podgorica, an essential action to ensure adequate working conditions for judicial institutions while enhancing their accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness.
The key national Project partner is the Ministry of Justice, which benefits from the outcomes of the Project along with the range of rule of law institutions. 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 Projectโs 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 Projectโs 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 requirementsEducation
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 assetALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION. Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - retainer*
Contract level: IICA 3 (ICS 11)
Contract duration: Up to 100 working days in the period of one year
*If the selected candidate is based in a duty station where there is a national scale, s/he may be offered the local equivalent position. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.Background information โ UNOPS Serbia
The UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office is supporting sustainable development across Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In Montenegro, UNOPS has supported national and local authorities with project management, infrastructure, procurement, and technical assistance services since 2018.
Working closely with international partners, national authorities, local governments, media and civil society, UNOPS helps advance EU integration, strengthen the rule of law and fundamental rights, improve border management, enhance educational infrastructure, modernise digital governance, improve public services and systems, and conduct waste disposal.
Along with providing emergency response, such as during COVID, UNOPS supports the country in advancing national development priorities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, thus improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The projects UNOPS delivers in the country are funded by the European Union, the European Investment Bank, Governments of Norway and Montenegro, and the UNEP/MAP-GEF.