Senior Architect - retainer position

Dutystation: Home based

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. 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.

2. Review and Assessment of Technical Documentation

• Review and assess existing architectural and technical documentation related to the educational buildings, including new educational buildings.

3. Consultation and Requirements Translation

• Support the Project team in consultations with the Ministry and beneficiary institutions to translate functional and operational needs into architectural requirements.

4. Design Brief and Design Review

• 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.

5. Integration of Contemporary Standards

• 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.

6. Space Planning and Functional Zoning

• 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.

7. Technical Reviews and Quality Assurance

• Participate in technical reviews, site visits, and meetings with stakeholders to provide architectural insights and quality assurance.

8. Project Reporting

• Contribute to project reports, including recommendations for the design and development of educational infrastructure.

9. Capacity Building

• Contribute to capacity-building activities, primarily for the Ministry of Education, to strengthen the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of school infrastructure.

10. Regulatory Framework Support

• 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.