CTG
CTG overview:
CTG staff and support humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world, providing a rapid and cost-effective service for development and humanitarian missions. With past performance in 17 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, we have placed more than 20,000 staff all over the world since operations began in 2006.
CTG recruits, deploys and manages the right people with the right skills to implement humanitarian and development projects, from cleaners to obstetricians, and mechanics to infection specialists, we’re skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Key to successful project delivery is the ability to mobilise at speed; CTG can source and deploy anyone, anywhere, in less than 2 weeks and have done so in 48 hours on a number of occasions.
Through our efficient and agile HR, logistical and operational services, CTG saves multilateral organisations time and money. We handle all our clients’ HR related issues, so they are free to focus on their core services.
Visit www.ctg.org to find out more
Overview of position:
In support of the realization of the ambitious Saudi Arabia & Middle East green initiative under the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center for Vegetation Cover & Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been tasked with combating desertification, rehabilitating forest vegetation cover, protecting local endangered plant species & managing national parks. This project is designed to support NCVC in increasing necessary institutional, technical & technological capacities to realize its mandate more effectively & efficiently. The enhanced NCVC capacity will be achieved through transforming information technology & digital capabilities, establishing cooperation & strengthening its network internationally & promoting forest conservation practices & increasing environmental awareness to ensure the long term sustainability of NCVC activities at the policy level & on the ground. The project will support the achievement of the ambitious Saudi green initiative by designing a model of a tree nursery & seed bank with a road map for establishing a large scale nursery facility to meet the Kingdom’s afforestation goals, along with by aligning policy & standards of tree planting & creating a mechanism to coordinate the afforestation work among different actors. These objectives will be achieved through a whole of society approach, in close partnership with the private sector, academia, youth & other relevant stakeholders to ensure the long term sustainability of the activities across the project lifecycle & beyond. This project will build upon the long standing Standard Basic Framework Agreement (SBBA) which was agreed upon between the Kingdom & our client in 1975. The project expected outputs are:
Output 1: Strengthening international cooperation & network.
Output 2: Promoting conservation practices & strengthening environmental awareness via advocacy & outreach.
Output 3: Model tree nursery design & ecosystem conservation.
Output 4: Transformation of information technology & digital infrastructure.
Output 5: Strengthening institutional & technical capacity.
Role objectives:
The Senior Architect for Sustainable & Environmental Design will play a key role in developing the capacity of the NCVC to provide & manage architectural designs aimed at improving the environment & reducing the negative environmental impact by designing energy efficient, sustainable buildings that reduce carbon emissions & promote the use of renewable energy sources on NCVC projects in national parks as well as in other NCVC departments. S / he will direct his efforts towards the integration of buildings & their surrounding environment through the use of sustainable designs, environmental materials & innovative technologies & shall reflect the cultural heritage of the different areas in the Kingdom in his / her designs to promote & preserve the national identity. The Senior Architect for Sustainable & Environmental Design will also foster collaboration to enhance international & national cooperation & partnerships for the NCVC.
The scope of work will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Integrating environmental principles into design:
Design architectural projects based on the concepts of sustainability & provide integrated design solutions to the environment.
Study & evaluate the environmental impacts of architectural projects & analyze how to reduce environmental permeability & resource consumption.
Apply green building design principles & using advanced environmental techniques & technology.
Implement designs that use environmental & sustainable materials in order to reduce the consumption of natural resources.
Monitor & manage the implementation and follow up on the execution of environmental projects & ensure the achievement of specified sustainable standards.
Research & innovation in the field of designing environmental projects & following up on technological developments in the field.
Maintain close collaboration with related KSA agencies & in particular the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Design development & knowledge sharing:
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers & others to ensure integrated project implementation.
Conduct personal studies & tests on traditional building materials & construction techniques in congruence with the existing environmental conditions & implement energy efficient design solutions for the adaptive reuse of restored buildings in accordance with bioclimatic architecture principles.
Propose innovative MEP design solutions in coordination with Building Services Engineers in congruence with existing design constraints.
Facilitate knowledge sharing & collaboration through workshops, field visits, study tours & exchange programs with national & international entities & partners.
Facilitate knowledge sharing & capacity building activities on international best practices, standards & innovative approaches in the field of sustainable architectural designs.
Adopt or develop internationally recognized standards for nature based recreation services including visitor facilities, communications & education.
Initiate relevant capacity building programs for NCVC staff & relevant stakeholders in developing sustainable designs across nature based recreation, sustainable tourism & ecotourism projects.
Nature based design, development & management:
Take lead on the architectural schematic design concept of projects.
Develop or modify existing planning tools for the selection of priority areas for sustainable nature based recreation projects on NCVC lands & waters.
Deep understanding of all phases of the project from design to post construction, including project resource planning (in house / outsourcing) & time scheduling.
Develop or modify design tools suitable for the natural & cultural settings of the Kingdom, for sustainable nature based projects on NCVC lands & waters.
Development or modify tools to assist in the development & management of the nature based projects on NCVC lands & waters.
Collaborate with responsible divisions within NCVC to ensure the integration of the nature based projects within overarching management plans.
Evaluate & determine need for use of outside consultants or vendors with NCVC’s Department Directors & negotiate scope of work, deliverables & price with consulting firms on specialized works.
Reviewing detailed drawings & other parts of architectural design, including coordination drawings, general drawings, details, written specifications, general reports, as built drawings.
Reporting & representation:
Regularly produce detailed design assessment reports to aid planning & decision making.
Serve as the primary contact point for all matters related to architectural design at NCVC.
Represent the centre in relevant discussions, meetings & events when necessary.
Visualize & prepare the conceptual design in a comprehensible manner to stakeholders.
Lead the coordination of tender drawings & documents with the different Engineers.
Mentor junior Architects referred by NCVC management for training on specifics of architectural & construction design.
The Senior Architect for Sustainable & Environmental Design will be responsible for delivering the following:
Integrating environmental principles into design:
Comprehensive design packages for architectural projects with a focus on sustainability & environmental integration.
Detailed reports evaluating the environmental impacts of projects, with strategies to reduce environmental footprint & resource consumption.
Implementation plans showcasing the application of green building principles, advanced environmental techniques & sustainable materials.
Monitoring reports on the execution of environmental projects, ensuring adherence to specified sustainable standards.
Research documents & innovation reports in the field of environmental architectural design, including updates on technological advancements.
Develop a strategic plan for the development of sustainable environmental designs to serve tourism, eco tourism & nature based recreation projects across NCVC lands & waters.
Maintain & report on regular communication with the Saudi Tourism Authority & other partners & stakeholders & participate in national design & planning initiatives.
Design development & knowledge sharing:
Collaborative project plans developed with teams of Civil & Electrical Engineers, ensuring integrated implementation of sustainable designs.
Study reports on traditional building materials & construction techniques adapted for energy efficiency & environmental conditions.
Innovative MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) design proposals in line with bioclimatic architecture principles.
Records of workshops, field visits, study tours & exchange programs aimed at knowledge sharing & collaboration.
Development & dissemination of best practice guidelines & standards for sustainable architectural designs.
Capacity building program plans for NCVC staff & stakeholders in sustainable, nature based recreation & ecotourism projects.
Nature based design, development & management:
Schematic design concepts for nature based projects, demonstrating integration with the natural & cultural setting of the Kingdom.
Tools & methodologies for selecting & managing sustainable nature based recreation projects.
Comprehensive project management plans, including resource planning & time scheduling.
Reviews & evaluations of the use of external consultants or vendors, including negotiated scopes of work & deliverables.
Detailed architectural drawings & specifications, including coordination drawings, general drawings, details & as built drawings.
Reporting & representation:
Regular design assessment reports supporting planning & decision making processes.
Documentation of representation & communication efforts at meetings, discussions & events related to architectural design.
Visual presentations & conceptual designs prepared for stakeholder comprehension.
Coordination reports of tender drawings & documents with various engineering disciplines.
Training & mentoring materials for junior Architects in architectural & construction design.
It’s important to note that the expected outputs & deliverables may be subject to adjustment & refinement during the project based on evolving needs & priorities.
Project reporting:
The Senior Architect for Sustainable & Environmental Design will work under the direct supervision of the NCVC’s CEO & indirectly under the supervision National Project Coordinator at NCVC & the National Project Officer.
This advisor consultancy will be implemented under the total supervision of NCVC, which is according to the NCVC act no. (8) by law, is responsible for the design, establishment, operation & supervision of national parks, whether terrestrial or geologic parks, including but not limited to infrastructure, services, mapping, signposting, education services & the imposition of fines for violations of national law or its regulations.
Key competencies:
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, environmental design, or a related field any advanced degrees or certifications in sustainable design, environmental architecture or green building design are highly preferred.
A minimum of 7 – 10 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable architectural design, with a proven track record in environmental & nature based projects.
Substantial knowledge & applied experience in sustainable design & heritage architecture within the private & public sectors, preferably in the Arabian Gulf region.
Substantial experience in the heritage architecture of the region.
Substantial experience in the creation & management of multi disciplinary teams.
Excellent conceptual design skills.
Strong analytical & problem-solving abilities.
Effective communication & interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently & as part of a team.
Demonstrated ability in assessing environmental impacts & implementing green building techniques.
Familiarity with the Middle East region & specifically the Gulf region & understanding of its environmental challenges.
Experience in working with national & international stakeholders on sustainable cultural heritage projects.
Knowledge of sustainable development goals & their implementation in design.
Design management skills & experience in coordinating & overseeing complex projects.
Familiarity with digital design programs.
Excellent proficiency in English & Arabic (both written & spoken) is required.
Sets & aligns challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, that have a lasting impact.
Proactively mitigates potential risks, develops new ideas to solve complex problems.
Creates & acts on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
Proactively initiates & champions change, manage multiple competing demands.
Thinks beyond immediate tasks / barriers & takes action to achieve greater results.
Politically savvy, navigates complex landscapes, champions inter agency collaboration.
Appreciates benefits of diverse workforce & champion inclusivity.
Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies (general assembly, ECOSOC, UNDESA, etc.), including respective mandates, ways of working & negotiation processes.
Ability to take decisions in a timely & efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise & resources.
Experienced in conservation & sustainable use of biodiversity, land, forests & oceans.
Strong knowledge of reduced emissions from deforestation & forest degradation.
Strong knowledge of green economy & green growth.
Strong knowledge on economic transformation, policy & planning.
Effective & efficient delivery & implementation of programs & projects.
Team management:
Strong team management experience is required for this role.
Further information:
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.
The expected duration of the work is 12 months.
The post is anticipated to start on 1st January 2024 & end on 31st December 2024.
The completion of deliverables & milestones will be spread out throughout the duration of the project, with specific timelines provided in the deliverables table.
The timeline for review & feedback on deliverables will be communicated by the Project Manager at the NCVC.
Any adjustments or extensions to the duration of the work will be mutually agreed upon by the Senior Specialist & the NCVC, considering the project’s progress & requirements.
This assignment will be based in NCVC Riyadh.
Our client will cover the around ticket to / from the duty station.
If unforeseen travel outside the consultant’s duty station city is requested by our client & not required by the Terms of References (ToR), such travel shall be covered by our client in line with applicable rules & regulations & upon prior written agreement. In such cases, the consultant shall receive living allowances not exceeding the United Nations (UN) Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate for such other location(s).
A written approval from our client & relevant authorities will be required to facilitate the consultant’s travel to any locations than stated on this ToR on official missions where necessary.