Senior Project Architect

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Building Projects Section, Central Services Division, Administration, Finance and Management Sector.

The Building Projects Section oversees the renovation and modernization of all buildings on the WIPO campus, which consists of office and conference facilities. In line with WIPO real estate strategy, the program of projects includes major renovation of buildings, as well as workspace modernization and technical infrastructure upgrade projects.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Senior Project Architect oversees, defines, and manages activities related to the renovation and modernization of administrative buildings (or parts thereof). This includes responsibility for the full project lifecycle, with stakeholder coordination, from project inception to handover to end-users and facility management. The incumbent will provide architectural and project management services to ensure high-quality, sustainable, and timely and cost-effective implementation of building projects.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of the Building Projects Section.

d.    Work Relations

The Senior Project Architect will collaborate closely with members of the Premises Management Service and other internal stakeholders such as Security, IT and building end-users. S/he also coordinates extensively with external architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and, where relevant, local authorities.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Define, plan, and manage all phases and multidisciplinary activities related to projects for the renovation, transformation, or modernization of buildings, ensuring alignment with project objectives, WIPO standards, sustainability objectives, and user requirements. Project management activities include needs assessment, design coordination, procurement, scheduling and progress monitoring, contract management, construction management and project closure.

b.  Conduct feasibility studies, develop architectural concepts, provide architecture drawings and technical specifications, ensuring compliance with relevant norms and building codes.

c.  Coordinate the design and implementation phases with internal stakeholders and external architects, engineers and contractors. Review design documents for conformity, completeness and technical coordination. Ensure integration and alignment of various technical aspects (HVAC, fire protection, IT, safety, accessibility, sustainability, etc.). Ensure construction complies with specifications, schedule and safety requirements. Provide technical expertise to solve complex problems related to design or construction activities.

d.  Exercise full administrative and financial oversight of assigned projects. Prepare and maintain detailed project estimates, procurement documentation and cost reports. Monitor and control expenditures against approved commitments and project budgets.

e.  Monitor and report on the progress, risks and deliverables of assigned projects. Formulate proposals and recommendations to address delays, cost deviations or emerging issues, and promptly escalate significant risks or impacts to relevant internal stakeholders.

f.   Oversee logistical operations linked to project implementation, including office relocations, space allocations, and user impact mitigation, in close coordination with relevant WIPO departments.

g.  Ensure compliance with internal WIPO procedures and external regulatory standards. Respond to internal and external audit or oversight inquiries on project matters.

h.  Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in architecture. A first-level university degree in architecture combined with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Education (Desirable)

Certification in project management methodologies such as Prince2 or PMP.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant professional experience in architecture and project management, with a focus on renovation or modernization of administrative or institutional buildings.

Experience should include leading multidisciplinary project teams and managing construction contracts.

Proven experience with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and project planning tools.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in office modernization projects and construction management in Switzerland.

Familiarity with international or intergovernmental environments is an asset.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of French (oral and written) and good working knowledge of English.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

In-depth knowledge of project management, architectural design and construction principles, practices, and tools.

Strong knowledge of building techniques, core and shell, interior fit-out, and technical installations.

Excellent ability to communicate technical information clearly to both expert and non-expert audiences.

Sound budgeting and financial management skills.

Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with strong problem-solving orientation.

Excellent command of computer-aided drawing tools (Autocad).

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of SIA norms and other Swiss building standards.

Familiarity with BIM tools and document management systems.

Understanding of business continuity and sustainable building practices.

4.     Organizational Competencies

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