Table of Contents

UN-Habitat is Hiring A Program Management Officer

The UN General Assembly mandates the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanisation 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 urbanisation 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 Chief, Urban Practices Branch, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

Duties

Developing and implementing UN-HABITAT’s normative activities related to housing policy, with the main focus on slum upgrading and prevention through pro-poor housing delivery mechanisms, and assisting in the design, advice and implementation of relevant strategies and programmes in collaboration with other UN-HABITAT units in line with the Strategic Plan and other relevant frameworks; responsible for research and networking; updating existing knowledge and information sources in the organisation; prepare documentation for the governing bodies of UN-HABITAT, World Urban Forum and other international bodies and conferences and contribute to relevant programmes.

1) The incumbent will work with others in designing and coordinating normative aspects, including research and monitoring activities related to enabling housing policies and strategies, with particular focus on slum prevention and upgrading, through:

a) In relation to the Strategic Plan and other relevant frameworks, monitoring progress in the development of enabling policies, approaches and tools globally and exploring innovative approaches to address, in particular, housing targets, including informal and slum housing;
b) Reviewing and assessing developments in the shelter field globally and ongoing research activities, particularly regarding slum upgrading and prevention to develop pro-poor strategies;
c) Updating and developing documentation on relevant subjects such as policy and implementation guidelines, standards, tool kits and strategy papers;
d) Contributing to the production of the World Cities Report and UN-HABITAT policy statements on topics regarding slum upgrading and housing delivery;
e) Updating housing development programmes and projects with particular focus on pro-poor slum upgrading and housing delivery policies, strategies and modalities contributing to the development of database, website, tools, media packs and related promotional materials;
f) Contributing to relevant campaigns and global programmes on housing and land from the housing side.

2) The Officer will perform advisory and networking functions to governments, agencies, organisations, institutions, and individuals on issues and operational activities related to pro-poor slum upgrading and housing development, through:

a) Organising and co-ordinating ad-hoc expert-group meetings and other activities such as regional policy consultations, capacity building workshops and seminars on technical exchange of experiences;
b) Preparing background material for the meetings;
c) Identifying and liaising with consultants, resource persons and other participants;
d) Undertaking logistical arrangements for such meetings;
e) Representing UN-HABITAT at these meetings by preparing and presenting papers;
f) Preparing final reports of the meetings;
g) Undertaking technical advisory backstopping missions, augmenting the work of UN-HABITAT Regional Offices and strategic partners, with emphasis on policy and institutional development, practical procedural advice and developing tools and guidelines as well as monitoring project execution;
h) Promoting initiatives executed by UN-HABITAT Regional Offices and strategic partners for slum upgrading, improving living conditions of slum dwellers, including social, economic and environmental aspects;
i) Establishing and implementing cooperation agreements, MOUs and grant agreements for governments and strategic partners, monitoring effective use of funds allocation;
j) Co-ordinating special initiatives requested by the Executive Director on slum upgrading, housing delivery and activities such as relief operations, programmes and projects for the provision of emergency shelters, and disaster management;
k) Setting up a network with stakeholders to facilitate information and experience exchange.

3) The targeted officer is expected to have wide experience and knowledge to address the matter at stake. The knowledge of the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of UN-Habitat and UN inter-agency activities through:

a) Research and other activities necessary to produce thematic publications;
b) Organisation of awareness campaigns, training and capacity-building activities;
c) Further development of the housing-related knowledge and databases;
d) Establishment of networks with stakeholders in the housing rights field;
e) Supporting global monitoring and evaluation systems related to housing rights;
f) Development and implementation of advisory mechanisms and field projects related to housing rights;
g) Organisation and co-ordination of ad-hoc expert-groups meetings and other activities such as regional consultations, workshops and seminars within the housing rights field with a specific focus on the right to secure tenure.

4) Develops, mobilises resources for and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.

5) The incumbent is expected to come with rich experience to make significant input. Moreover, their input will contribute to general administration and documentation concerning activities of the UN-HABITAT governing bodies and the World Urban Forum, through:

a) Servicing the Sessions of the governing bodies, the World Urban Forum and inter-governmental conferences and seminars by preparing documents on slum upgrading and prevention and pro-poor housing delivery;
b) Supplying inputs as requested by partners and the Committee of Permanent Representatives on relevant topics in these areas. Collects and analyses data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualisation methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Performs other duties as required.
Competencies

Targeted Expertism

Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations.

The ability to analyse and interpret data in support of decision-making and to 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.

Working strategies

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates an 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.

Mission

Identifies strategic issues, opportunities, and risks; clearly communicates the links between the Organisation’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates a broad, compelling organisational direction, inspiring others to pursue it; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. 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.

Level of Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, engineering, or urban/regional planning, with a focus on issues related to shelter development, slum upgrading, and enabling housing policies in Developing Countries, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in place 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.

The desired Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience, including at least six years at the international level, with normative work on low-income slum upgrading and housing policies and programmes, is required. Experience in field research in the broad field of housing and urban development, including slums and informal settlements, is required. Publications –including co-authoring- in one of the following themes: housing and/ or land rights, slum upgrading, building materials and technology is desirable.

Experience in slum-upgrading projects in Asia, Africa, or Latin America is desirable. Experience making presentations on behalf of an organisation at international/national meetings is desirable. Experience in developing and/or implementing international sustainable development programmes involving the donor community, clients and civil society groups is desirable. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

The Needed Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. No additional desirable languages are specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, as per the UN Language Framework (please refer to https://languages.un.org for details).

Targeted Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking
English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

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.
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. It 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 in accordance with staff rule 4.16 or the staff selection process, including the review by a central review body established pursuant to staff rule 4.15.
Staff members of the United Nations common system organisations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement during 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 Organisation, unless
(a) The operational requirements of the Organisation 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.

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.

UN-Habitat is Hiring A Program Management Officer in Nairobi

UN-Habitat is Hiring A Program Management Officer

Duties

Targeted Expertism

Working strategies

Mission