National Consultant (Urban Mobility Research), Nairobi

Closing Date: Wednesday, 08 February 2012

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Issued on: 25 January 2012

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT DUTY STATION: Nairobi FUNCTIONAL TITLE: National Consultant (Urban Mobility Research) GRADE: NO-A CONSULTANCY DURATION 12 months CLOSING DATE: 8 February 2012

BACKGROUND

General Assembly Resolution 34/114 mandated UN-HABITAT to prepare periodically the Global Report on Human Settlements as a vehicle for monitoring and reporting on human settlements conditions and trends. In addition, General Assembly Resolution 55/194 encouraged '… Member States and Habitat Agenda partners to provide support for the preparation of the Global Report on Human Settlements…….so as to raise awareness on human settlements issues and to provide information on urban conditions and trends around the world.'

So far, eight issues of the Global Report have been published. The full texts as well as summaries of all but the first of these seven issues are available at http://www.unhabitat.org/grhs.

The ninth issue of the Global Report on Human Settlements (to be published in October 2013) will be devoted to 'Planning and Design for Urban Mobility'. The report will review current trends, practices and policies on mobility and transportation patterns from cities around the world. It will also provide policy recommendations on how to improve the working and living conditions of urban populations by meeting their mobility needs in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable manner. The output from the present consultancy will contribute as an input to the preparation of the Global Report series.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Unit Leader, Research Unit, Research and Capacity Development Branch, UN-HABITAT, the incumbent will assist in undertaking research activities geared towards the preparation of the report on 'Planning and Design for Urban Mobility', support in the organization of the Global Experts review meeting, and perform any other duties as may be required.

a) Assist in preparation of the report on 'Planning and Design for Urban Mobility' by:

* Participating in reviewing, editing and commenting on the substantive content of the draft chapters for the report on Planning and Design for Urban Mobility and preparing comments on compliance with the Terms of Reference(s) for the preparation of the chapters for consideration by Policy Analysis Branch staff;

* Retrieving, compiling and analysing quantitative and qualitative information on the Planning and Design for Urban Mobility to be used by the authors of the Report in the writing process;

* Checking data consistency and accuracy in the draft chapters of the report on Planning and Design for Urban Mobility;

* Liaising with the Global Urban Observatory section of UN-HABITAT in the preparation of data tables on Planning and Design for Urban Mobility, including reviewing draft data tables for consistency, errors, and compliance with agreed structure and regional categorization of countries and cities, and Policy Analysis Branch requirements;

* Assisting in the preparation of an abridged edition of the report on 'Planning and Design for Urban Mobility', including selection of appropriate images for use in the report. The images / photographs should be stored in electronic format, with appropriate captions and photo credits;

* Supporting communication and liaison with international partners and consultants involved in the preparation of the report on 'Planning and Design for Urban Mobility'.

b) Assist in the preparation of the Global Experts review meetings by:
* Assisting in the preparation of preliminary documents for the meeting;

* Assisting in taking notes during the meeting and preparation of the meeting report.

c) Assist in the dissemination/advocacy of the Global Report series by:
* Assisting in the development and updating of the 'Global Report series, 'Policy Analysis Branch' and other related websites;

* Assisting in the preparation of information material, such as pamphlets and posters on the Global Report series; and

* Performing any other duties as required.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyse a wide range of qualitative and quantitative data and prepare written reports on the basis of this; ability to observe deadlines and achieve set goals; knowledge of urban development and housing issues Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English. Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve agreed goals. Planning and Organising: Ability to prioritise activities and assignments. Commitment to Continuous Learning: Ability to keep abreast of new developments in the human settlements field; willingness to learn from others. Technological Awareness: Proficiency in computer software use, including spreadsheet and data base programmes such as Excel and Access.

QUALIFICATIONS

a) Education: The consultant should have at least a Masters level degree in Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, Urban Management or any other related fields. b) Experience: At least 6 years of professional experience in qualitative and quantitative research on urban social, economic or development issues. c) Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, high proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. d) Other Skills/Knowledge:
* Excellent report writing skills.
* Excellent information technology (computer) skills.

Interested applicants are requested to complete a United Nations Personal History Form (P11) available at UN offices or www.jobs.un.org

How to apply:

All applications including covering letter in electronic format should be submitted to:

Nelly Kang'ethe UN-Habitat P.O. Box 30030 Nairobi, Kenya

Email: Nelly.Kangethe@unhabitat.org

Deadline for applications: 8 February 2012

Source:http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1327635100477