Organization: UNHABITAT – United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Location: Remote | Nairobi
Grade: Level not specified – Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
Political Affairs
Meteorology, Geology and Geography
Closing Date: 2024-12-03
Result of Service
Provide full-time support to the UN-Habitat’s Policy, Legislation and Governance Section in the areas of metropolitan and regional management; urban policy; and urban governance, specially, supporting metropolitan management workstream global and local projects in Europe, Latin America, among others, including normative work, technical cooperation, partnerships and advocacy, and capacity development.
Work Location
Home-Based
Expected duration
4 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the mandated UN Agency working towards a sustainable urbanization and human settlements. UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries supporting people in cities and human settlements for a better urban future. The agency has been focusing on urban development for over 40 years. Working with governments and local partners, its high impact projects combine world-class expertise and local knowledge to deliver timely and targeted solutions. The Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) is one of the five sections of the Urban Practice Branch of UN-Habitat. The Section works on Policies, Legislation and Governance with specific mandate which include: 1. Develop norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and code of practices at global, regional and national level. 2. Lead testing/piloting of tools and methodologies through pilot programmes and projects. 3. Disseminate norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and code of practices, including knowledge products. 4. Provide technical, policy advice and services on norms, approaches and methodologies to internal and external partners including on implementation of operational programmes/projects. The Policy, Legislation and Governance Section plays a critical role in implementing the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2020-2023, the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (e.g. target 11a.1) and the New Urban Agenda. This assignment is designed to support PLGS work on the following areas: Metropolitan and Regional Management, Urban Policy, and Urban Governance, specially, supporting metropolitan management workstream global and local projects in Europe, Latin America, among others. Report to UN-Habitat Manager The consultant will report to the Chief of the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section or via a delegated authority. Outputs/Work Assignment Monthly report of the consultancy, which presents the advances on outputs and activities developed as well as other important point related with work results. Responsibilities He / she will be responsible for generating, formulating and carrying out those technical, administrative and operational inputs necessary, within the framework of his / her responsibilities, to carry out his / her activities and deliverables. He / she will be responsible for ensuring compliance with their activities and products, as well as the processes that impact their performance, agreeing on the decisions that proceed with the technical team of the project. He / she is responsible for personal security, so he / she should familiarize with the United Nations security mechanisms and comply with them in accordance with the Framework of Accountability for the United Nations Security Management System. He / she will be responsible for having the necessary means for the adequate preparation of the products or deliverables described in these Terms of Reference. He / she will be responsible for preparing reports on the progress of the consultancy, as necessary and requested for the adequate verification of their activities. He / she will be responsible for ensuring that the activities and deliverables under his / her responsibility are aligned with the quality expectations of the Agency and the counterparts. He / she will be responsible for maintaining an orderly and accessible file of information according to the Agency’s systems. He / she will be responsible for ensuring the optimal and timely delivery of the services entrusted in these Terms of Reference. Activities 1. Normative work a. Develop normative outputs for metropolitan and other workstreams projects. b. Collect and analyse data on metropolitan areas around the world. 2. Technical cooperation a. Technical support for on-going and future metropolitan workstream projects in Europe and Latin America, specially through: I. Preparing IHA, Contribution Agreements, and other cooperation agreements. II. Prepare implementation plans, project progress reports, project budgets and other document related to metropolitan management portfolio. III. Working closely with ROLAC, Colombia, Mexico, Spain and other offices as needed. b. Review concept notes and project documents which are presented to the PRC to involve PLGS as corresponds and to include governance, policy and metropolitan and regional approaches within the new Agency projects. 3. Partnerships and advocacy a. a. Consolidate alliances for the Global Metropolitan Management Network, preparing work agendas and network activation projects. Coordinate and Support Voluntary Metropolitan Reviews of the SDGs Carry on fundraising activities for PLGS initiatives and projects. 4. Capacity development a. Organise and deliver trainings, learning sessions, field visits and other knowledge exchange activities, especially those related to on-going projects. 5. Other related tasks a. Participate in and/or organise webinars, workshops and other events as assigned. b. Undertake scoping/field missions to countries and cities as appropriate. c. Prepare inputs for the communication, monitoring and reporting work of PLGS. d. Working with staff, consultants, interns, and other members of the PLGS team and the Agency. e. Undertake any duty as might be assigned by the Chief of the Section and in line with the scope of these terms of refence.
Qualifications/special skills
Academic Qualifications: Advanced Degree in political science, Law, Public Management, and/or related field. Complementary studies on territorial development issues and/or related field is required. A first level university degree with a combination of 2 additional years of qualifying experience is required. At least five (5) years of experience in metropolitan development is required. Experience in developing metropolitan tools is desirable. The ability to control entities, in coordination and direction of projects in subjects related to urban, metropolitan, and territorial development will be highly valued. Prior knowledge and experience with an international organization are required. Computer skills: Good knowledge of MS office software, e.g., Microsoft Office; other software for carrying out research and analysis is an advantage.
Languages
English and French are official languages of the UN, and for this assignment fluency in Spanish is required. Knowledge of other UN languages, particularly English, would be an advantage.
Additional Information
Competencies and values Professionalism. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. 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; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed, Excellent drafting ability and communications skills, both oral and written; proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. Teamwork. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and organizing. Able to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for contingencies in planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.