Deadline for Applications March 24, 2026 Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS7 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-07-01 Standard Job Description Senior Architect Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships This position is situated within the Division of Resource Management, under the Global Mobility and Infrastructure Service. It interacts closely with senior stakeholders to support cohesive, high-quality design and facility services related to space planning within the HQ premises. The Senior Architect Associate is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of workspace and infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient use of office space, smooth execution of building works, and compliance with UNHCR regulations, while liaising with internal stakeholders, contractors, and service providers. The role requires strong communication and coordination skills, the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, and the creativity to propose practical, forward-thinking solutions. A high level of project management, resource optimization and administration experience is essential. The incumbent will work closely with the building management team, staff in different sections in HQ as well as with the procurement unit and individual suppliers. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties Prepare, update, and maintain building floor plans and architectural designs by hand and using architecture computer aided design software (e.g. Archicad, Autocad), ensuring office configurations reflect continuous staff location changes, new workspace designs, and building improvements as instructed by the supervisor. Coordinate and follow up on work schedules with the maintenance team, technicians, vendors, and service providers, ensuring minimal disruption to staff and optimal use of resources. Receive and process individual workspace requests and gather requirements form Administrative Officers, Chiefs, Heads, and Deputies of Units/Desks/Sections/Services prepare options for review and approval by the supervisor. Circulate and explain plans to relevant staff, explain proposed arrangements, collect feedback and ensure required consultations are completed between building management and concerned parties; keep Security informed on projects and changes. Propose space optimization solutions within operational constraints and coordinate the timely disposal of obsolete furniture and materials in accordance with UNHCR regulations. Identify potential service providers, contractors, and suppliers for building-related projects, maintain supplier information. Support the implementation of infrastructure projects and perform other technical or administrative tasks related to facilities and workspace management as required. Collect and compile cost information assist in estimating financial requirements for buildingrelated activities, and support contract administration by verifying invoices, confirming delivery of services, and ensuring timely processing. Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For G7 – 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses Architecture;* (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Progressively responsible experience in architectural design and delivery of building projects, including planning, design development, construction documentation, and coordination with engineers, contractors, and regulatory authorities. Training and practical experience in using ARCHICAD or AUTOCAD (Computer Assisted Design software) is required. Desirable Experience in Architecture in an international administration. Experience in Facility Management. Background in engineering Functional Skills AD-Facility Management IT-Computer Assisted Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD) IT-Computer Literacy (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. Competency Requirements All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below. Core Competencies Accountability Communication Organizational Awareness Teamwork & Collaboration Commitment to Continuous Learning Client & Result Orientation Managerial Competencies Empowering and Building Trust Cross-Functional Competencies Technological Awareness Analytical Thinking Planning and Organizing All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. Desired Candidate Profile The Senior Architect Associate is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of workspace and infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient use of office space, smooth execution of building works, and compliance with UNHCR and local regulations, while liaising with internal stakeholders, contractors, and service providers at UNHCRs Headquarters in Geneva. For this position the ideal candidate should have: – Demonstrated experience in managing infrastructure and workspace design projects in an international organization. – Demonstrated experience in supporting building management and facilities delivery ensuring high standards of functionality, safety, and cross-site synergy. – A multi-year and hands on experience in architecture within a corporate office environment and/or within an international organization. – Technical background or practical experience in engineering-related fields relevant to the role. – Good technical and coordination skills, with demonstrated success in aligning diverse teams, vendors, and stakeholders to deliver operational excellence and sustained performance improvements. – Strong teamwork skills. – Proficiency in English and the French language is mandatory Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English , French , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Nature of Position: Living and Working Conditions: Additional Qualifications Skills Education Certifications Architecture – Other Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness UNHCR Salary Calculator https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales Compendium Additional Information Eligible candidates might sit for a written test prior interview. Functional clearance This position doesn’t require a functional clearance If you are a former UNHCR international staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in the international professional category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account (Sign In on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can start filling in your data and apply for vacancies. If you are former UNHCR locally recruited staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in your staff category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account (Sign In on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can…