Takween’s mission focuses on innovative and concrete solutions that have been researched, tested and implemented to meet the needs of communities and their specific built environments to achieve inclusive urban spaces that will thrive for generations to come. With this mission, Takween aims to improve the quality for inhabitants living in cities across Egypt and the Middle East.
Design Manager
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Location
Maadi, Cairo, Egypt
Department
Design & Planning
Closing Date
Monday, July 7, 2025
About the job
The Design Manager leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive architectural and urban design solutions across Takween’s projects. The role ensures the production of high-quality, context-sensitive, and stakeholder-informed design outputs that comply with regulatory standards and meet project objectives. The Design Manager oversees internal teams and external consultants to ensure timely, cost-effective, and technically sound project execution. This position also contributes to capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge documentation to support sustainable urban development outcomes.
The Design Manager is expected to achieve key outcomes, including:
- Delivering accurate, standards-compliant design packages on time and with minimal revisions.
- Conducting design sessions and integrate stakeholder feedback into project outputs.
- Managing project costs effectively by aligning design estimates and procurement documents with budget limits.
- Supervising internal teams and consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables and timely performance reviews.
- Documenting all project stages and submit clear, timely technical reports.
- Leading capacity-building activities and contribute to knowledge products that support institutional learning.
- Identifying project risks early and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
Key Result Areas
Program Management / Technical Responsibilities
- Supervise the collection of primary and secondary data, site documentation, and field surveys to ensure the production of precise and reliable analysis of existing site conditions. This includes generating photographic records, measured drawings, condition surveys, and comprehensive site analysis reports.
- Lead participatory design workshops with community members, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to understand user needs and ensure that design solutions are inclusive, functional, and approved by all concerned parties.
Oversee the development of design alternatives and ensure the production of integrated architectural and engineering packages that are financially feasible, environmentally sustainable, and compliant with applicable codes. This includes reviewing concept designs, detailed drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities, and cost estimates.
- Participate in conflict resolution and negotiation processes with stakeholders to address concerns, resolve design-related challenges, and facilitate smooth implementation of project activities under the supervision of the Unit Manager.
- Draft and review Requests for Proposals (RfPs) for hiring external consultants, ensuring alignment with project requirements, clarity in scope, and adherence to procurement standards.
- Coordinate with consultants throughout all phases of design and implementation to review, provide feedback, and approve their deliverables, ensuring compliance with quality benchmarks and regulatory frameworks.
- Supervise internal design teams and oversee the timely provision of detailed construction documents, technical specifications, and implementation guidelines to support accurate execution on site.
- Review and approve materials and fixtures in consultation with the implementation team, ensuring they align with design intentions, meet safety standards, and comply with building codes.
- Ensure comprehensive documentation of all phases of project implementation, including 'before and after' conditions, and produce materials such as rehabilitation manuals, as-built drawings, and process documentation for reporting and learning.
- Plan, coordinate, and supervise technical workshops and capacity-building initiatives for local partners and stakeholders to enhance knowledge transfer and support long-term sustainability.
Administrative and Financial Management
- Review and verify consultants’ contracts, payment requests, and claims to ensure they align with Takween’s financial procedures and client requirements, and support the efficient implementation of unit activities.
- Supervise the organization and maintenance of all project records and archives—including drawings, photographs, notes, and digital files—ensuring ease of access, data integrity, and long-term preservation.
Human Resource Management
- Oversee the work plans, performance, and professional development of subordinate staff, ensuring their responsibilities are clearly defined and aligned with project needs and company HR policies.
Communication and Reporting
- Track progress of technical activities against approved schedules and budgets, prepare progress analyses, and recommend necessary adjustments to ensure timely achievement of unit objectives.
- Supervise the drafting and submission of technical progress and final reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timeliness of submitted documents.
- Lead and participate in coordination meetings with project teams, consultants, and stakeholders, and report regularly to the Programs Director on the progress and challenges of project activities.
Assistance to Higher Management Levels
- Support the Unit Manager in formulating multi-year strategies and developing the unit’s annual operational plans to align with Takween’s strategic vision and programmatic goals.
- Assist in managing day-to-day operations of the design unit, including task delegation, progress tracking, and ensuring quality control and budget adherence.
- Contribute to the preparation of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) documentation, including reports, presentations, and communication materials that demonstrate project impact and support organizational learning.
- Collaborate with the Unit Manager to implement communication and awareness campaigns and build technical capacity within the team to promote sustainability and enhance project outcomes.
Identify and assess risks affecting the implementation of unit activities, and propose mitigation strategies and adaptive measures to maintain efficiency and quality delivery.
Requirements
Qualification:
- B. Sc. in Architecture or equivalent university degree in related area of study
Experience:
- 15-20 years of working experience in urban development, urban upgrading, and projects development (minimum five years in a management position);
Knowledge:
- Fair understanding of critical urban planning issues in the Egyptian context
- Familiarity with urban conservation, upgrading of informal areas, housing, and participatory planning issues
- In-depth understanding of production and coordination of design packages, technical drawings, and tender documents
Skills:
- Fluency in oral and written Arabic and English is a must;
- Excellent analytical and writing skills in Arabic and English is desirable;
- Strong interpersonal communications skills;
- Excellent working knowledge MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite: (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premier), AutoCAD, relevant 3D modeling and rendering software;
- Graphic design, photography and sketching skills are an advantage;
Competencies:
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects under pressure with effective planning and organization.
- Self-motivated, eager to learn, and driven to explore creative, innovative solutions.
- Collaborative team player with strong communication and active listening skills.
- Demonstrates accountability, ethical conduct, and commitment to quality standards.
- Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking to address challenges efficiently.
Office Location:
The Design Manager will be based in Cairo and is expected to travel regularly to field project sites; Takween will provide necessary accommodation and transportation support.
About us
Takween Integrated Community Development (Takween) is an urban development firm established in 2009 in Egypt by a dynamic team with extensive experience, in response to a foreseen growing demand for innovative urban solutions in a world where it is predicted that by 2030, 60% of the world’s inhabitants will be living in urban centers. Takween specializes in the development of integrated packages in urban development services and solutions to support and complement efforts of tackling urban challenges. Takween provides project planning, design, and implementation services to a range of local and international clients. Takween fields of interventions include integrated urban development and upgrading, heritage management and conservation, community development and mobilization, participatory design and planning, and construction activities.