HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OFFICER, P4,(NAIROBI)

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the 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. This post is located in the Housing and Slum Upgrading Branch of UN-Habitat.
		Responsibilities
	Under the supervision of the Coordinator, Housing and Slum Upgrading Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Designing and coordination of normative aspects:• In relation to the Millennium Development Goals, monitoring progress in the development of enabling policies, approaches and tools globally;• Reviewing and assessing developments in the housing field globally and on-going research activities, particularly regarding sustainable, adequate and affordable housing  and slum upgrading and prevention to develop pro-poor strategies;• Updating and developing documentation on relevant subjects such as policy and implementation guidelines, standards, tool kits and strategy papers;•Contributing to the production of the Global Report on Human Settlements, State of the World Cities Report, Habitat Debate and UN-Habitat policy statements on topics regarding housing delivery and slum upgrading;• Contributing to the Global Housing Strategy to the Year 2025, the World Urban Campaign and the Medium Term Plan focus area on Housing and Slum Upgrading.2.Advisory and networking functions:• Organising and coordinating ad-hoc expert group meetings and other activities;•Preparing final reports of the meetings;• Undertaking technical advisory backstopping missions;•Promoting initiatives executed by UN-Habitat Regional Offices and strategic partners for housing and slum upgrading policies, programmes and projects;•Establishing and implementing cooperation agreements, Memorandum of Understanding and grant agreements for governments and strategic partners, monitoring effective use of funds allocation.3.Implementation of the UN Housing Rights Programme:•Researching and other activities necessary to produce thematic publications;•Organizing awareness campaigns, training and capacity-building activities;•Establishing networks with stakeholders in the housing rights field;•Developing and implementing advisory mechanisms and field projects related to housing rights.4.General administration:•Servicing the sessions of UN-Habitat Governing Council, World Urban Forum and inter-governmental conferences and seminars;• Providing inputs as requested by the Committee of Permanent Representatives on relevant topics.5.Performing other related functions as may be assigned.
		Competencies
	Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Strong writing and oral communication skills. Ability to prepare and edit a variety of documents, reports and other communication. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Uses time efficiently. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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. Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; Acts without consideration of personal gain; Resists undue political pressure in decision-making; Does not abuse power or authority.
		Education
	Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in architecture, engineering or urban/regional planning or related field with emphasis on housing and slum upgrading. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of seven years of professional experience in normative work on low-income housing and slum upgrading policies and programmes. Operational experience in the housing delivery and slum upgrading field would be an advantage. Experience in the field of human settlements in different geographical regions is desirable.
		Languages
	English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages (French, Spanish or Arabic) is desirable.
		Assessment Method
	Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
		Special Notice
	Staff members are subject to the authority of Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening.  Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.  If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received.  In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.
		United Nations Considerations
	The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OFFICER, P4,(NAIROBI), Deadline:-21 October 2012