The Project Architect (Consultant) will provide architectural design, planning, and implementation assistance for public health infrastructure projects within health Africa’s Laboratory System and Diagnostics portfolio, including public health laboratories, medical supply hubs, and related facilities. The incumbent will ensure that infrastructure upgrades meet functional requirements, adhere to international best practices, and comply with approved laboratory workflows, biosafety standards, and donor specifications. Collaboration with Project Managers, Engineers, laboratory stakeholders, and contractors is essential to guarantee the high-quality execution of architectural deliverables from conceptualization to completion and final handover.
What you’ll do
To ensure the successful fulfillment of this role, the incumbent must demonstrate the capability to execute each essential duty with a high level of proficiency. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Design architectural plans, drawings, schedules, and technical specifications for public health laboratories, disease surveillance facilities, medical supply distribution centers, and associated infrastructure.
Create high-quality 3D illustrations and visualizations to facilitate design reviews, enhance stakeholder engagement, and streamline regulatory approval processes.
Transform laboratory and diagnostic workflows into practical, efficient layouts by designing one-way pathways for samples, personnel, and waste to ensure optimal flow and minimize cross-contamination.
Incorporate biosafety zoning and infection prevention and control (IPC) principles into every architectural design to ensure adherence to safety and hygiene standards.
Align designs with the approved scope, ensuring they meet constructability standards and cost parameters to facilitate precise budget formulation.
Verify that architectural designs adhere to national building regulations, statutory obligations, and relevant codes.
Adhere to WHO laboratory biosafety standards and internationally recognized best practices applicable to healthcare and laboratory settings.
Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and technical risk evaluations, proactively identifying potential design challenges and recommending effective mitigation strategies during the initial phases of the project lifecycle.
Coordinate architectural contributions across multidisciplinary project teams, collaborating closely with MEP, HVAC, structural, and other engineering disciplines to develop cohesive, integrated solutions.
Collaborate with Ministries of Health, regulatory authorities, donors, the World Health Organization (WHO), and implementing partners via technical meetings, design reviews, and formal presentations to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
Offer technical guidance and coordination assistance to Site Coordinators across various project sites or international locations, maintaining uniform standards and high-quality outcomes.
Conduct site visits, inspections, and preliminary evaluations for both proposed and existing facilities to assess their suitability and compliance.
Conduct thorough inspections of construction activities to ensure adherence to approved architectural plans and specifications, thereby facilitating the identification of defects, completion of snagging procedures, and seamless handover processes.
Craft meticulous project documentation encompassing design reports, technical briefs, meeting records, monthly progress updates, and as-built drawings for seamless handover.
Who you are
The following qualifications reflect essential knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the effective execution of this role.
As a Technical Expert, you will exhibit advanced architectural proficiency in healthcare and laboratory infrastructure, ensuring the rigorous application of biosafety protocols, infection prevention and control measures, and regulatory compliance in demanding operational settings.
Design & Systems Thinking – Converts operational workflows into functional architectural designs that meet compliance standards, ensure safety and efficiency, and support long-term sustainability.
Collaboration and Communication – Demonstrated skill in engaging effectively with cross-functional teams and articulating technical information in a clear, accessible manner to a wide range of stakeholders.
Manage several design projects simultaneously while ensuring rigorous adherence to technical excellence and meticulous documentation standards.
Adapt designs to evolving requirements and devise innovative solutions that harmonize functionality, compliance, and resource limitations.
You will be responsible for overseeing reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and timely submission of data, while supervising a team to meet organizational standards. This role involves managing workflows, delegating tasks, and providing guidance to maintain high performance levels. You will collaborate with stakeholders to gather and validate information, analyze trends, and present insights to leadership. Additionally, you will enforce compliance with policies and procedures, address any discrepancies, and foster a culture of accountability within the team.
The consultant will report directly to both the Project Manager and the Project Engineer.
He or she will deliver progress updates upon request throughout the design development phase and after its completion.
Participate in internal coordination meetings and collaborate effectively with project teams as well as cross-functional groups.
Seeking candidates with a strong educational background and relevant professional experience. Applicants must possess the necessary qualifications and work history to perform the required tasks effectively. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in their field through prior roles or specialized training.
A bachelor’s degree in Architecture or an equivalent discipline is required, with a master’s degree considered advantageous.
Seeking candidates with a minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible architectural design experience, ideally within healthcare, laboratory, or institutional settings.
Proficiency in collaborating with government health organizations, international funding agencies, and managing programs spanning multiple countries.
Proven expertise in developing architectural drawings, technical specifications, and three-dimensional visual representations.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 7 years
