BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat is the lead agency within the United Nations system for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer and healthier places with better opportunities. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector. This post is located in the Urban Energy Unit of the Urban Basic Services Branch. Within this Programme, the objective of the focus area on urban energy is to promote approaches, methods, and instruments for promoting sustainable urban energy.
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the leader, Urban Energy Unit. He/she will provide continuous architectural support to the Urban Energy Unit of UN-Habitat in its various programmes by providing technical advice on ongoing mass housing projects regarding the incorporation of energy efficiency measures in buildings in East Africa.
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Provide architectural input in the delivery of the Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Buildings in East Africa (PrEEBEA) project.
· Create awareness and support experts and stakeholders in the knowledge and application of energy efficiency in buildings.
· Create awareness in the influence of users’ behavior in buildings promoting energy efficiency actions.
· Provide technical advice on ongoing mass housing projects regarding the incorporation of energy efficiency measures in buildings in East Africa.
Other tasks include support to publications, support on the organization of workshops, trainings and other activities.
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and principles of bioclimatic architecture. Strong analysis and interpretation of climatic data as well as experience of working in human settlements issues with good research and analytical skills is required.
Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English; excellent capacity to produce and manipulate graphic documents and drawings; ability to articulate ideas in an effective, clear and concise style; and a proven ability to prepare comprehensive, well written and accurate documents and reports is important.
Teamwork: Proven ability to work collaboratively across the organization with staff at different levels in a flexible manner; working with all branches, offices and units, establish an effective working relationship that facilitates cooperation and provision of inputs; and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity is essential.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Minimum advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, or related field that is relevant for sustainable building. Experience in energy efficiency in buildings will be considered an advantage. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
At least 3 years’ experience practicing as an architect. During this period, the candidate must have been involved in projects addressing sustainable buildings design. He / she must have good understanding and knowledge of bioclimatic architecture.
Language:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other UN languages is an added advantage
Other Skills:
Knowledge of climatic data analysis; good knowledge of design software (ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Revit, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator etc.), building simulation software (EnergyPlus, Ecotect etc.) and any climatic data analysis tool; proven ability to produce technical drawings and technical guidelines; and good reporting skills.
Remuneration:
See UN website http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should include:
Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org). Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a Personal History Profile (PHP).
The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
All applications should be submitted to:
Souleymane Diawara
Urban Energy Unit, UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: Souleymane.Diawara@unhabitat.org