Closing date: Friday, 3 April 2015
Posting Title: Human Settlements Officer, P3
Job Code Title: Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements
Department/ Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Duty Station: NAIROBI
Posting Period: 4 March 2015-3 April 2015
Job Opening number:15-PGM-UNHABITAT-41168-R-NAIROBI (E)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
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. This is a project post and is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. 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. This post is located in the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Urban Basic Services Branch,.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Unit Leader, Water and Sanitation Unit and the general guidance of the Coordinator Urban Basic Services Branch, the Human Settlements Officer will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:
- Preparing proposals, guidelines and implementation strategies on urban basic service aspect of human settlements for national and local government, communities and vulnerable groups in English speaking African countries by:
- Monitoring, reviewing and analyzing best practices, lessons learnt, policy trends, global needs to strengthen national policies, reform processes and institutional frameworks;
- Organizing and conducting local and regional expert group meetings, seminars, workshops aimed at creating awareness and building capacity within specific target;
- Participating in global advocacy events aimed at raising the profile of pro-poor urban water and sanitation issues and their integration in sector policy and practices;
- Identifying new emerging issues, developing and promoting policies to support efforts by governments in developing countries in their pursuit of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) for water and sanitation;
- Establishing contacts and networks with concerned partners at local, national and global level to develop strategies and programmes related to water and sanitation;
- Liaising with multilateral/bilateral donors and regional banks for resource mobilization, promoting/coordinating joint activities of strategic importance, and securing approval and support by involved partners.
- Developing and implementing city level demonstration and pilot projects on delivery of effective, efficient and adequate basic services for the urban poor by:
- Formulating and developing projects /programmes in partnership with governments, target communities and funding institutions;
- Providing timely, appropriate advisory services to the projects or co-ordinate its provision by others from Headquarters;
- Coordinating and monitoring of project progress by defining performance criteria;
- Developing mechanisms of ensuring systematic mainstreaming of cross cutting issues of gender, youth, climate change and human rights in programme activities;
- Perform any other relevant duties.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the urban basic services sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.
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.
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 & 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.
Education
Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in Urban and Regional Planning/ Management, Public Administration, Urban Economics, Engineering or any other related field is required. A first university degree with a combination of two years professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience
A least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Urban Basic Services, Public policy, project or programme development and management is required. Specific working experience with an urban service provider would be an advantage. Some experience at the national and international level in area of specialisation is an added advantage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based Interview.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on ‘The Application Process’ and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on ‘Manuals’ on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
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.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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