CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

                                                                                               Issued on:

• BACKGROUND

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements

mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and

cities. UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer and healthier places with better

opportunities. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector.

This post is located in the Secretariat of the Governing Bodies under the Office of the Executive Director. The Meeting Service Assistant will support the Secretariat of the Governing Bodies in the preparations for and follow-up to the meetings of the Executive Board of UN-Habitat and will report to the Secretary of the Governing Bodies.

Objective of the Consultancy

The objective of this position is to provide effective organizational support to the sessions of the Governing Bodies of UN-Habitat, ensuring the smooth preparation, coordination, and follow-up. The Associate Intergovernmental Affairs Officer will contribute to strengthening engagement with Member States by assisting in the drafting and dissemination of official communications, maintaining accurate records and databases of delegations, and supporting protocol and meeting arrangements. Through efficient handling of documentation, communications, and conference logistics, the incumbent will  support the successful implementation of meetings of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Executive Board of UN-Habitat, and their respective Bureaux and working groups, thereby enabling informed decision-making and effective intergovernmental processes.

• RESPONSIBILITIES 

Under the overall supervision of the External Relations Officer and in close collaboration with colleagues from the Secretariat of the Governing Bodies (SGB), the incumbent will be required to perform the following functions:

• Collaborates closely with other colleagues at SGB in undertaking necessary preparations for the meetings of the Governing Bodies and their Bureaux and the ad-hoc working groups;
• Receives, sorts and organizes official documentation for meetings;
• Assists in drafting invitations and transmission of communications to Members States and acknowledging communications to member States;
• Assists in drafting summaries of Bureau meetings and ad hoc working groups, and other related documentation. 
• Assists in maintaining relevant lists of delegations, meeting attendance, websites and other databases.
• Sets up seating arrangements based on approved protocol and room charts;
• Delivers documents, texts of speeches and background material to the Bureau and participants;
• Participates in preparation of room charts and files for each scheduled meeting;
• Orders, retrieves, distributes and/or sets up nameplates for meetings on an urgent basis;
• Checks availability of conference material and other logistic details prior to start of meetings;
• Receives and makes phone calls to exchange urgent information;
• Assist with necessary follow-ups after meetings;
• Performs other related duties as required.

 EXPECTED RESULTS/ Ultimate Results

The Incumbent will contribute to the successful preparations, implementation and follow-up of the meetings of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Executive Board of UN-Habitat, and the various Bureaux of the Governing Bodies, as well as informal and ad-hoc working groups meetings of Member States. The Associate Intergovernmental Affairs Officer will assist in sorting and organizing official documentation for transmission to Member States for up-coming meetings, assist in drafting invitations and meetings summaries, and undertaking logistical support to meetings.

COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONALISM:

Knowledge of all aspects of the design, development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex web projects using web content management systems and technologies; Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of digital communications strategy, tools, approaches and practices for the creation and maintenance of high-quality communication campaigns; Strong analytical skills and ability to rapidly analyze, strategize and integrate diverse information from various multimedia and digital sources. 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 pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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.

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.

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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Ability to work with teams, demonstrate leadership, conflict management and consensus facilitation skills; ability to work in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment, and to respect diversity; sensitivity to the main streaming of vulnerability; willingness and ability to work in difficult environments.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 

• Proven experience in drafting summary of reports related to intergovernmental affairs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan for meetings, with strong organizational, coordination and planning skills is required.
• Familiarity with Governing Bodies procedures.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders across levels of government, UN agencies and external partners with minimal supervision, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and team skills, with the ability to communicate and work effectively in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary environment is desirable. Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Education 

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, or a related field is required.

Work experience 

• A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in governing bodies, intergovernmental affairs, or related fields is required
• Proven experience in drafting summary of reports related to intergovernmental affairs
• Demonstrated ability to plan for meetings, with strong organizational, coordination and planning skills is required

Language

English is the working languages ​​of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. 

Payment

The consultant will be paid on a monthly basis at LICA 6