Terms of Reference

Post Title:                       Project Management Expert

Duty Station:                  Nairobi, Kenya 

Duration:                        12 months with possibility of extension

Starting Date:                 December 2026 

Advertisement Period:   Applications close on 16 November2026 11:59 Nairobi time

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 so that everyone, including people living in informal settlements, slums, and crisis-affected areas, can prosper through access to adequate housing, land, and basic services. It partners with governments, communities, and stakeholders to foster inclusive and equitable prosperity, strengthen resilience to crises, and support environmental management and climate action in urban areas.

Guided by the New Strategic Plan 2026-2029, the agency's work centers on advancing integrated urban planning and finance, promoting inclusive governance and gender equality, generating data-driven and innovative solutions, building strong partnerships, and mobilizing resources to deliver and scale up impact.

In Africa, rapid urbanization and insufficient operational and financial capacity drive poor waste management practices: average waste collection rate in Africa is 52%, and more than 80% of municipal waste generated in Sub-Saharan Africa is not managed in controlled facilities. Lack of proper waste management and widespread open dumping cause air, soil, and water pollution, public health threats and imminent public safety risks at mismanaged landfill sites. The matter requires urgent attention, as waste generated in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to nearly triple by 2050. UN-Habitat has been supporting national and local governments in Africa in tackling growing challenge of waste management and promoting circular economy. Notably, UN-Habitat has been supporting the application of an SDG 11.6.1 monitoring methodology, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing through the African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP). It has also been implementing operational projects that strengthen institutional capacity, provide policy advice, and offer technical guidance on innovative solutions, including semi-aerobic landfilling (Fukuoka method), while promoting a just transition that protects the rights of informal waste workers and marginalized communities. Investment mobilization, however, remains as a critical challenge.

In 2025, the project entitled “Project Development Facilitation for Better Waste Management in Africa”, has started that is aimed at accelerating investment mobilization for waste management, by facilitating technical assistance for undertaking preliminary feasibility studies in developing investment-ready project proposals. The project is developing partnership with bilateral and multilateral development agencies, International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and donors.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this assignment is to act as UN-Habitat project management expert in ROAF for the project coordination at the regional and sub-regional level, assure the SOPs, and ensure close cooperation with IFIs, development partners and potential donors to develop bankable projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of Senior Waste Management Expert and UN-Habitat project focal point in ROAF, the expert will be responsible for the following:

Project management (procurement) and coordination

• Follow up the procurement of private consulting firms to conduct prefeasibility studies, and guidance to their implementation.

• Lead the key project implementation steps, including: team setup and onboarding of technical consultancy firms; supervision of consultancy firms, mapping of relevant stakeholders, establishment of country-level coordination committees, inception of preliminary feasibility studies; undertaking of in-country missions including organization of kick-off meetings; and consultation of the findings and review of draft reports, in close collaboration with UN-Habitat country offices and development partners. 

• Lead the coordination of project implementation at the regional level, ensuring harmonization of approaches across country activities and facilitating communication between regional and country offices, as well as liaison between country offices and development partners.

• Assist of project personnel in country project offices for the implementation of project activities at the country level, including work planning, activity coordination and quality control, among others.

• Coordinate project monitoring and project reporting.

• Provide technical support to the facilitation and functioning of the country-level coordination committees

Technical oversight and quality control

• Support technical oversight and guidance to the project as necessary, providing technical advice to the project decision making and ensuring technical quality control across all project components.

Partnership building

• Assist in partnership building and liaison with development partners at the regional level.

• Assist in the participation of UN-Habitat in conferences, workshops and meetings, including preparation of talking points, presentations and other necessary materials.

Knowledge sharing

• Coordinate compilation of lessons learned of the project implementation at the country level.

• Assist in the organization of national, regional and interregional knowledge sharing workshops and events, leveraging existing events such as World Urban Forum, African Urban Forum, and national urban forums.

• Assist in the development of visibility and communication materials in support of knowledge sharing nationally, regionally and internationally.

Other

• Perform any other related duties as assigned by UN-Habitat project focal point in ROAF,

ULTIMATE RESULT OF SERVICE

Upon completion of the consultancy, the consultant will have provided strong implementation support and guidance to the project at the regional and country levels, including the procurement of consulting firms to undertake prefeasibility studies. The consultant will have ensured that prefeasibility studies, capacity building programs and bankable project proposals meet the highest technical standard in a timely manner and align with national and local policies and priorities, as well as requirements by the governments, development partners and UN-Habitat.  The consultancy will have contributed to effective investment mobilization in target countries/cities, thus demonstrating an effective model of investment mobilization for improved waste management in Africa. The consultancy will further have provided mentorship for a country-based junior specialist in terms of both project management and technical experience.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Demonstrates understanding of UN-Habitat’s strategic priorities and approaches to partnerships and programme management; applies knowledge and expertise in resource mobilization, project formulation, and stakeholder engagement; shows pride in work and achieves high-quality results; maintains focus and perseverance even in challenging situations; promotes gender equality and social inclusion in all areas of work.

Communication: Communicates clearly, confidently, and effectively both orally and in writing; adapts language and style to different audiences; listens actively and responds appropriately; facilitates dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders; shares information openly to keep colleagues and partners informed and engaged.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear plans that are aligned with organizational goals; sets priorities and manages competing demands effectively; anticipates risks and develops contingency plans; uses time and resources efficiently; ensures proper follow-up on activities and maintains organized records for accountability and learning.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across units, UN agencies, governments, and partners to achieve common goals; values diverse contributions and fosters an environment of respect and inclusion; willingly shares expertise and supports others to succeed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

Advanced university degree (Master's) in Project Management, Environmental-Civil Engineering, , Environmental Sciences or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Professional Experience 

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project management and related areas is required.

• Experience in implementing development programmes/projects, particularly in Africa, is desirable.

• Experience working with the United Nations system, the World Bank or an international organization is desirable.

Language

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in French is an asset.

Application Instructions

• Applicants are required to submit a concise cover letter or motivation statement highlighting their relevant experience and qualifications in urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and related fields.

• Complete and sign the Personal History Profile (P11) using the standard template available here.

• Attach copies of relevant supporting documents, including academic qualifications and evidence of relevant professional experience. Ensure all documents are clearly labelled and submitted in PDF or clear image format.

• Submit the complete application, comprising the cover letter/motivation statement, completed and signed P11 form, and supporting documents, by email only to agnes.mashonganyika@un.org. Use the subject line: APPLICATION_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT_EXPERT_ [First Name].

• Applications must be received by 16 November 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.