Architect Consultancy - National

Job Title: Architect / Architectural Firm

Department: Programming

Division: Programming

Duty Station: Erbil

Line Manager: NA

Line Management Responsibility: NA

Position Type: Consultant

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is an international organization working to protect civilians and strengthen peace through nonviolent means. In line with its mission, NP plans to establish a Center for Nonviolence and Healing that will serve as a safe, inclusive, and restorative space for individuals and communities affected by conflict, violence, and displacement.

The centre is envisioned as a place that promotes healing, dialogue, learning and peace initiatives, while reflecting NP’s core values of nonviolence, direct action, radical connection, process-oriented, independence, nonpartisanship, redemption and healing, pluriversality and accountability.

To support this initiative, NP seeks to engage a qualified Architect / Architectural Firm to develop a comprehensive architectural design for the centre.

Key Responsibilities:

The Architect / Architectural Firm will be responsible for the following:

• Develop a conceptual and architectural design of the Center for Nonviolence and Healing
• Prepare site layout, floor plans and sections for the proposed center
• Design functional and inclusive spaces, including (but not limited to):
  • Community and dialogue spaces
  • Training and workshop rooms
  • Healing or reflection rooms
  • Administrative and support areas
  • Outdoor or green contemplative spaces
• Ensure the design is accessible, including for people with disabilities
• Integrate culturally appropriate and context-sensitive architectural elements
• Apply environmentally sustainable and climate-responsive design approaches where feasible
• Provide design narratives and visualizations (2D/3D) explaining how space supports healing and nonviolence
• Consider cost-effectiveness and constructability in the proposed design

Technical Specifications:

The proposed design shall meet, at a minimum, the following technical specifications:

• Total Area: Approximately 250 m²
• Flooring: Durable, easy-to-clean tiles suitable for high-traffic community use
• Walls: Painted surfaces with washable and low-maintenance finishes
• Roof: Weather-resistant construction with appropriate thermal insulation
• Doors & Windows: Secure and lockable, allowing for adequate natural light and ventilation
• Electricity: Complete electrical wiring with sufficient lighting provided in all rooms
• Water & Sanitation: Connection to a safe water source and functional sewage system
• Ventilation: Combination of natural ventilation and mechanical systems where required
• Fire Safety: Provision of fire extinguishers, clearly marked emergency exits, and safe evacuation routes

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field
• Valid professional license or registration to practice architecture
• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in designing community centres, healing spaces, educational facilities, or social infrastructure
• Demonstrated experience with NGOs, humanitarian, or donor-funded projects is an asset
• Strong understanding of inclusive, gender-sensitive, and context-appropriate design
• Proficiency in architectural design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, or similar tools
• Ability to deliver quality work within agreed timelines

Application Process

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are expected to upload the following:
  • Concept design package (drawings and narrative)
  • Functional layouts and space allocation plans
  • Visual representations (2D/3D)
  • Summary design report
• The closing date for applications is Saturday, 10th January 2026.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.
NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.