Human Settlements Officer at UNHABITAT , Nairobi

Human Settlements Officer, P4

Job Code Title: Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements

Department/ Office United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Duty Station NAIROBI

Posting Period 8 April 2014-7 June 2014

Job Opening number 14-PGM-UNHABITAT-33961-R-NAIROBI (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

This position is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the 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.

1. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.

2. 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. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira 'Need Help?' link.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

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. The post is located in Nairobi duty station under the Regional Office for Africa of UN-Habitat.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of the Regional Office for Africa , the incumbent will perform the following functions: Project Implementation: Effective and efficient execution of UN-Habitat projects, through technical guidance, quality, cost control and management support; Effective and efficient management of the project resources as per approved project document or substantive work plan. This activity includes coordinating overall work plans and budgets, preparing relevant documentation and reports, initiating procurement and recruitment of human resources, and liaising with implementing partners to ensure quality and timely delivery of UN-Habitat's projects and programmes. Work closely with relevant branches to ensure smooth and coordinated delivery of substantive inputs, tools and technical advice; Technical Assistance, Advisory Services and Outreach: Review and analyse issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and provide, and coordinate, inputs to key periodic reports and studies; In close coordination with relevant branches, coordinate substantive inputs and support to country and regional projects in cross cutting themes, specifically youth and gender, and promote the mainstreaming of tools in these areas; Conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities; Provide quality technical input into project activities as well as to national institutions in line with the strategic plan 2014-19) and the vision and priorities of the relevant thematic areas in the Region. Reporting: The incumbent will promote and coordinate active participation of the Regional Office for Africa in the relevant Strategic Plan, as well as prepare the relevant periodic reports in close collaboration with the focal points at the country and regional level and thematic Branches; Representation and Liaising with key stakeholders; Represent UN-Habitat vis-a-vis project partners and local and national government as per work plan or project document; Manage, develop and maintain close working relationships with relevant national and international partners, stakeholders, and other UN Agencies in the Duty Station. Perform other duties relevant to the position defined as per country/region project and approved work plan.

Competencies

Professionalism: Strong conceptual skills required. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery in one or more of the seven UN Habitat focus areas (Urban Land Legislation and Governance, Urban Planning and Design, Urban Economy, Urban Basic Services, Housing and Slum Upgrading, Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation, Research and Capacity Development); 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.

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.

Planning and 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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in urban planning, architecture, engineering, sociology or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of working experience in areas related to human settlements, project or programme management and/or development, including at least three at the international level. Experience in post conflict areas is an added advantage.

Languages

English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and oral English is required; Knowledge in French and Portuguese will be an added advantage.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

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