Project Specialist-UN-Habitat, Regional Office for Africa – UNDP jobs in Kenya

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Vacancy No: N/A 
• Salary: N/A
• Organization: UNDP
• Gender: Both
• Deadline: 2024-04-05

Background

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements that is mandated by UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11).

UN-Habitat, through the Regional Office for Africa is collaborating with the EU for the development, implementation and scaling up of the Partnership for the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (PINUA), a joint program among UN agencies to develop models and approaches for filling the gap in affordable housing in the context of Kenya. PINUA is targeting low-income communities living in informal settlements and peri-urban areas, with the view of diversifying the houses stocks and supply in Kenya and looking into vulnerable group. PINUA has two major components: affordable housing and slum regeneration.

This position is located within the Regional Office for Africa under the Kenya Country Programme in Nairobi duty station. The focus of this job is to provide support to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations related to housing and informal settlements in the Kenya Programme.

The Project Specialist will be under the overall supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer in charge of Kenya and the direct supervision of the Human Settlements Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

• Provides well researched and sound analysis of issues and developments affecting programme/project development, administration and implementation, etc.
• Provides thorough, well reasoned written contributions. Effectively, and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Within the delegated authority, the Project Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies.
• Provides technical expertise in the implementation of affordable housing programmes working with high-level Government officials, preparing and coordinating expert group meetings of key housing economy experts.
• Contributes to formulation of strategic plans at the organizational and sector levels and giving policy advice and capacity-building recommendations to human settlement institutions and structuring of memoranda of understanding between UN Habitat and implementing partners in areas of collaboration within housing and urban development.
• Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, concept notes, project documents, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or another specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Programme/Project Management, International Relations, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Administration or a related field.

A first-level university degree in combination with ten (10) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme coordination, administration or related areas, is required.
• Two years working experience in housing or urban planning or slum upgrading within Africa is required.
• Working experience with UN system or similar International Organization is desirable.
• Working experience with government institutions is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.

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