Interior Architectural Designer

* CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : * IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device Staff in the General Service category are recruited locally from the Primary Location area, which is where the office is located. • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality • FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production , better nutrition , a better environment, and a better life , leaving no one behind.
* Organizational Setting The Infrastructure Services (CSLI) within the Logistics Services Division (CSL) is responsible for the maintenance of the headquarters premises and for providing services to FAO employees. CSLI assists FAO Decentralized Offices in facilities maintenance, technical projects, infrastructure activities and technically innovative systems to reduce their carbon footprint. CSLI also coordinates the special safety projects funded by the Government of Italy, which involves upgrading the headquarters buildings to the current safety norms. In addition, it drives the implementation of Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy within headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
The post is located in the Corporate Logistics and Operational Support Team of the Infrastructure Services (CSLI) within the Logistics Services Division (CSL) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Main Purpose The Interior Architectural Designer coordinates and oversees the design of architectural solutions for headquarters and field buildings applying UN security, safety and sustainable standards. Supervision Received/Exercised The Interior Architectural Designer reports to the Facilities Management Officer in charge of the civil works within FAO headquarters; according to the business needs, she/he might cooperate with other Facilities Management Officers operating in other sectors (technical installations, Field Offices, Corporate Environmental Responsibility, or others). Work is performed autonomously, showing a high degree of initiative and independent judgment. Supervision received is focused on facilitating service delivery. The incumbent provides guidance and training to other staff and/or affiliate workforce. Working Relationships The incumbent maintains a wide range of contacts with managers and staff throughout the Organization. The incumbent collaborates closely with internal clients and outside contractors, ensuring the quality and timeliness of the services.
Key Functions/Results • Prepare a concept and detailed architectural drawings considering structural/systems constraints; prepare technical specifications, cost estimates and presentations related to internal refurbishment as well as small-scale infrastructure projects.
• Design architectural solutions for headquarters and field buildings applying UN security, safety and sustainable standards.
• Carry out surveys of structural, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and installation systems for headquarters and field buildings and prepare technical drawings.
• In collaboration with the Facilities Management Officer in charge of space management, develop space planning and office space design proposals, focusing on innovation, functionality, ease of maintenance, value for money, ergonomics and sustainability.
• Design specific building safety and upgrading projects according to local building codes.
• Update headquarters and field architectural plans as well as technical installations in the Revit database model.
• Ensure adherence to the FAO drawing and documental standards for architectural and engineering documents.
• Support project management activities contributing to the coordination and oversight of construction and alteration works to ensure that the quality of contractors' services is in accordance with set terms and conditions, codes and standards as well as health and safety rules and regulations.
• Liaise with projects stakeholders to reach mutually satisfactory approaches to problems.
• Update Supervisor/Managers periodically on projects status.
• Apply commonly used architectural standards, codes and practices for projects related to the design and implementation of refurbishment or new construction projects.
• Carry out site visits, technical assessments and prototype inspections.
• Review project proposals to assess technical feasibility and resources estimation.
• Prepare technical specifications, construction drawings (when needed), bills of quantity and cost estimates for bidding packages.
• Assist the Supervisor in preparing draft proposals for construction and alteration work including preparation of construction drawings, technical specifications, bills of quantity and cost estimates.
• Participate in technical review of submitted offers; study drawings and sketches for review and discussion to determine extent of work required; present alternative solutions to problems as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Impact of Work The incumbent plays a lead role in the coordination of design architectural support services FAO. The incumbent's work has a direct impact on the smooth and efficient work as well as the reputation of the work unit.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements Education: Secondary school education. A technical/vocational certificate in construction/architecture/engineering or related area.
Experience: Five years of experience in facility maintenance, or design and construction of complex projects.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of one of the other FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian).
IT Skills: Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment. Full proficiency with computer aided design software (CAD) and a minimum of three (3) years of experience with BIM software (Revit or similar).
Competencies • Results Focus
• Team Work
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical Skills • Demonstrated competency in modern building techniques applied to office buildings.
• Capacity to deliver cost estimates and time plans for renovation or new construction projects.
• Experience in the integration of energy-saving and environmental-friendly solutions in office building renovation projects.
• Knowledge of European and Italian building codes for fire safety, workplace safety and furniture ergonomics.
• Experience in space planning is desirable.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of graphic, 3D rendering and presentation software.
Desirable Qualifications and Skills
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Previous experience in projects related to office buildings.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of Italian. *_______________________________________________________________________________________
FAO staff are expectedto adhereto FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency _______________________________________________________________________________________
* ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
•FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
•Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at
• The length of the appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to extension of appointments
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
•General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application."Commuting distance" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.
•No international benefits will be payable as selected candidates are recruited locally and paid in the local currency of the office location
• For additional information visit the FAO employment website:
REMUNERATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link:

* HOW TO APPLY
•To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Once completed, please apply and submit your application, withlanguage certificates as attachments. Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications. FAO reserves the right to request candidates to undertake a language test in the future, as appropriate
•Incomplete applications will not be considered
•Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
•Incomplete applications will not be considered
•Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
•Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered
•Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
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