Organization: UNHABITAT – United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Location: Nairobi
Grade: Mid level – P-3, International Professional – Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2024-11-12
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. Under the supervision of the Chief, Land, Housing and Shelter Section, and Head, Urban Practices Branch, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
Responsibilities
The Programme Management Officer reports to the Practice Lead for Land, Housing and Shelter Finance in the Land, Housing and Shelter Section. The focus of the position is the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations and other activities in the field of urban and municipal financing, for the promotion of land tenure security. The post is required to provide an alternate to the Practice Lead in providing normative leadership and technical advice across UN-Habitat. Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programme/projects related to land, housing and shelter finance. Provides thorough, well- reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Develops and maintains effective working relationships. Promulgate coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients. Efficiently uses of resources. Participates in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects in the field of urban and municipal financing; monitors and analyzes programme development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. Performs assignments in planning and facilitating participatory workshops and assisting in developing action plans to improve programme delivery and manage the change. Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends of urban and municipal finance policies, affordable housing solutions, land value capture and local economic development, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies issues and prepares conclusions. Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Provides substantive support to meetings, conferences, etc., which includes proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, etc. Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics. Participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission reports, etc. Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents and reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to strategic and statutory planning, urban design and regional planning; Good understanding of urban spatial dynamics and their relation with sustainable development and of the linkages between urban planning and institutional and capacities development. Ability to identify, analyze and participate in the resolution of complex urban development problems and to identify strategic spatial dimensions of development at local and regional level. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, utilize different source of data and inputs for decision making, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, social sciences, urban development, management, economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) qualifying years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years (5) of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, research, analysis, policy and tool development in the area of urban finance, is required. Experience in land, housing and shelter finance, particularly in less developed contexts and fragile states, experience in planning and conducting outreach activities such as missions, workshops, seminars and learning events is desirable A minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
• This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
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.