VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Issued on: 5 July 2013 Vacancy No. NO 02/2013
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT DUTY STATION: Nairobi FUNCTIONAL TITLE: National Officer (Kenya) GRADE: NO - A POST DURATION One year initial appointment with possible extension for second year) CLOSING DATE: 19 July 2013
BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, 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. The main documents outlining the mandate of the organization are the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, the Habitat Agenda, the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium, and UN General Assembly Resolution A/56/206.
As our cities and towns grow at unprecedented rates, setting the social, political, cultural and environmental trends of the world, sustainable urbanization is one of the most pressing challenges for the global community in the 21st century. In 1950, one-third of the world’s population lived in cities. Just 50 years later, this proportion has risen to one-half and will continue to grow to two-thirds, or six billion people, by 2050. Cities are now home to half of humankind. They are the hub for much national production and consumption- economic processes that generate wealth and opportunity. But they also create disease, crime, pollution and poverty. In many cities, especially in developing countries, slum dwellers number more than 50% of the population and have little or no access to shelter, water and sanitation. This is where UN-Habitat is mandated to make a difference for the better.
Sustainable Urban Development Sector in Kenya:
From May 4-15, 2008, the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement and the Embassy of Sweden conducted a joint mission to prepare programmes for support in the urban and local government sector in Kenya.
Together the aforementioned actors formed the Urban Local Government and Decentralization Group (ULGDG). The ULGDG has been discussing with the Government of Kenya a comprehensive strategy for engaging in a systematic transformation of the urban and local government sector in the country. The following three programs have been proposed and are being discussed with relevant sectoral ministries:
Kenya Municipal Program (KMP), lead agency: Ministry of Local Government; (i) Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme (KISIP), a multi-sector operation with Ministry of Housing as lead agency; and (ii) Nairobi Metropolitan Services Project (NMSP), a multi-sector operation with Ministry for Nairobi’s Metropolitan Development as lead agency. Together these three programmes are referred to as the Joint Urban Development Programme and aim to help address core issues that are constraining the development potential, efficiency, equity and competitiveness of Kenya’s urban areas.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The National Officer will provide support to the Strategic Advisor who has been commissioned to increase collaboration and harmonization between urban actors in Kenya and to support and enhance the work of the Joint Urban Development Programme.
The National Officer will provide direct support to the Strategic Advisor on the following responsibilities:
a. Support to the Joint Urban Development Programme • Assist the Strategic Advisor in organizing meetings with partners, and in the dissemination of best practices and expertise to the relevant actors within the Joint Urban development Programme; • Assist the Strategic Advisor in organizing studios, seminars and workshops relevant for urban development in Kenya and provide detailed documentation of these sessions; • Assist the Strategic Advisor in liaising with partners and target participants for the activities within this project.
b. Documenting and Reporting: The National Officer must assist the Strategic Advisor to ensure that there is adequate reporting in the area of urban development in Kenya, thus allowing for greater initiatives to be developed and strengthened into the future. The role of the National Officer will be: • Assist in monitoring developments in, and relevant to, the urban sector in Kenya; • Assist the Strategic Advisor in biannual reporting on the progress of the Joint Urban Development Programme; • Be responsible for managing and maintaining the records for all activities within this project. Prepare concept notes for the dissemination of knowledge and best practices, and presentations for workshops and training programs.
c. Assist in further collaboration between all actors in the urban field The National Officer should help identify and find further ways in which s/he can promote further collaboration between all actors working in the urban field in Kenya. • Assist in organizing annual meetings for the network where actors can meet, share best practices and give progress reports on their work; • Support in strengthening relations with key actors within the Kenyan urban sector; • Keep a detailed record of all partners in the Kenyan urban sector; • As a Kenyan national, ensure that cultural sensitivity is embraced throughout the entirety of the initiative- special emphasis to be placed on heritage, architecture, need for research, creation of open space and other communal land, and additional Kenyan monitoring and evaluation.
Supervision: The National Officer will be located in the Regional Office for Africa at the UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the direct supervision of the Strategic Advisor, the National Officer will be responsible for liaising with the relevant UN-Habitat programme officers and administrative staff, and coordinate with them to implement the responsibilities according to programme priorities.
Recognizing UN-Habitat’s existing experience with working in Kenya and their extensive expertise and resources in the urban field generally, the National Officer should utilize the capacity and resources of colleagues to further the capability of the Joint Urban Development Programme.
Travel: The National Officer position will require frequent travel within Kenya to support projects related to the Joint Urban Development Programme
COMPETENCIES Professionalism Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrated ability to think strategically, to analyze complex information and offer creative, practical solutions, 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; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for contingencies in planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education Bachelors Degree in Political Science/ International Development, Urban and Regional Planning or other relevant discipline.
Advance knowledge of computer programmes such as Word, Excel, Email and internet search functions. Experience in preparing presentations using PowerPoint is required.
Work Experience
At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in relation to human settlements projects and program management support. Previous experience within the UN system would be an asset.
A firm understanding of urbanization issues, legal mechanisms and processes within Local Governments and project management procedures is a merit
Language
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 another UN official language, is an advantage, as is working knowledge of Kiswahili.
Other skills.
Development communications and managing and organising networks would be desirable
Remuneration
See UN website http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html
How to apply:
Applications should include: • Cover memo (maximum 1 page) • CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile (PHP).
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
All applications should be submitted to:
Mr. Grace Nyonyintono Lubaale
Email: grace.lubale@unhabitat.org
Deadline for applications: 19 July 2013
UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org
National Officer
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