Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Location: Nairobi
Grade: Consultancy – SB-4 (SC8/SC9), Service Contract, Local Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
Project and Programme Management
Human Settlements (Shelter, Housing, Land, Property)
Closing Date: 2024-05-29
Background
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
Through its Regional Office for Africa (ROAf), located in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-Habitat has been supporting African governments to take early action to position themselves for predominately urban populations to achieve sustainable urbanization and the right to adequate housing for all, within the framework of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda – particularly Sustainable Development Goal 11 to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” – and the New Urban Agenda. Since 1998, the UN-Habitat has implemented several projects in the Horn and East of Africa. Key areas of partnership include: Capacity Building for Sustainable Urban Development, Implementation of the Habitat Agenda, Integrating Local Development Planning and Slum Upgrading in Urban Policy, Cities without Slums, Water for African Cities Programmes, Promoting Sustainable Transport Solutions for East Africa, Support to the improvement of Public Spaces, Support in rehabilitation of Solid waste dump sites in a number of cities, Support in development of Regional plans,
This post is located within the Horn and East of Africa Programmes, Regional Office for Africa. The incumbent would support the implementation of the sub- regional projects, under the overall supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer in charge of the Horn and East of Africa,and under the direct supervision of the Programme 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:
Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitor and analyze specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and recommend corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions.
Provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participate in evaluations or research activities and studies.
Assist in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the national counterparts, by planning and facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan that the national counterpart will use to manage the change.
Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
Provide administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
Undertake outreach activities; participate in the development of training workshops, seminars; participates in and make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Participate in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection.
Participate in the recruitment for the programme; draft Terms of Reference, prepare short-lists, prepare written and oral questions; assist in guiding programme personnel towards the achievement of the Programme’s objectives.
Coordinate 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.)
Ensure that operations, finance management, procurements, logistics, liaison and communication activities assigned to the programme are conducted according to UN-Habitat standards and procedures.
Performs other work related duties.
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 & Organization : 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) with 2 years of qualifying experience in Programme/Project Management, International Relations, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Administration or a related field.
A first-level university degree in combination with four (4) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
Experience:
A minimum of two (2) years with a master’s degree Or four (4) years with a Bachelors of progressively responsible experience in project or programme coordination, administration or related area, is required.
Work experience supporting project implementation in countries within the Horn and East of Africa including design, implementation, monitoring and reporting is required.
Working experience with UN system or similar International Organization is desirable.
Working experience in post conflict countries is desirable.
Experience in implementing cross-cutting projects at the national or regional levels is desirable.
Language:
Fluency in English is required.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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