Terms of Reference

 

Project:                        Southern Africa Sub Regional Hub, ROAf

Post Title:                     Sub Regional Program Coordinator 

Duty Station:                 Home-based

Duration:                      12 months 

Starting date:                 20 January 2027

 

Advertisement Period:   Applications close on 19 November2026 11:59 Nairobi time

BACKGROUND 

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations 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. In October 2016, at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development – Habitat III – member states signed the New Urban Agenda.  This is an action-oriented document which sets global standards of achievement in sustainable urban development, rethinking the way we build, manage, and live in cities.  Through drawing together cooperation with committed partners, relevant stakeholders, and urban actors, including at all levels of government as well as the private sector, UN-Habitat is applying its technical expertise, normative work and capacity development to implement the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11.

 

In 2025, UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 was adopted by the member states that streamlining a bold response to the global housing crisis. Building on over five decades of experience, the Strategic Plan places housing, land, and basic services at the heart of sustainable urbanization. The plan sets out five priorities to drive change: integrated urban and territorial planning; participatory multilevel governance; knowledge, data, and capacity development; partnerships and advocacy; and effective resource mobilization.

 

The UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) established a structure of four sub-regional hubs (East/West/Central/South) to strengthen UN-Habitat presence in sub-regional/country level by engaging sub-regional/country level coordination and activities including the UNCTs, the UN AFPs initiatives, governments, donors, development partners, sub-regional entities and any other relevant dialogues.

 

UN-Habitat Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa covers 13 countries including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius; as well as sub regional bodies including  the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat based in Botswana and  Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in Mauritius. UN-Habitat and SADC signed MoU and developed SADC-UN-Habitat Joint Action Plan 2025-2027 with the key areas of disaster risk reduction, human settlements, eco city and circular economy, economic corridors, and joint networking. UN-Habitat and IOC are also finalising the MoU and the Action Plan 2026-2031 with the key areas of collaboration including coastal and climate resilience, human settlements and spatial planning, urban resilience, blue and green economy, waste management and IOC regional collaboration.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this assignment is to strengthen UN-Habitat’s programme development capacity in Southern Africa  and sub regional bodies including SADC and IOC by providing strategic advisory support and developing high quality project proposals. The consultant will support research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, project development and resource mobilization. The work will contribute to expanding UN-Habitat programme in the Southern Africa Sub Region, and enhancing the effectiveness of its support to national/local governments, regional organizations and community stakeholders in sustainable urban development, informal settlement transformation, climate resilience, housing, land and property rights, and climate resilience, among others.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Under the supervision of Head of Sub Regional Hub, the Sub-Regional Program Coordinator will be responsible for the following:

 

1. Proposal Development and Resource Mobilization for Southern African countries and sub regional bodies (SADC and IOC)

a. Identify and pursue strategic opportunities for programme expansion in line with regional and country priorities as well as the agency’s strategic policy.

b. Develop high-quality project documents, concept notes, and donor submission packages in collaboration with partners, covering thematic areas such as sustainable urban development, housing, land and property rights, informal settlement transformation, housing and basic services, climate resilience, and related areas.

c. Support liaison with the governments, regional organizations, stakeholders and donors for proposal development and resource mobilization.

 

2. Research, Analysis, and Strategic Planning for Southern African countries and sub regional bodies (SADC and IOC)

 

a. Prepare analysis reports, draft policy documents, desk reviews, needs/trend analyses, evaluations, and research studies on topics related to urban development, climate resilience, informal settlements, land administration, and related fields, including the development and updating of country profiling.

b. Research, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources, including government data, UN agencies, NGOs, media, surveys, field monitoring, and thematic releases, to generate evidence-based recommendations.

c. Provide substantive inputs to annual work plans, including progress monitoring, achievement tracking, and preparation of regular updates.

d. Contribute to the preparation of strategic planning documents for specific countries and for the Sub-Regional Hub, aligning UN-Habitat programming with national/regional priorities and UN frameworks, in coordination with country offices.

e. Contribute to the operationalization of UN-Habitat country programme documents and agreements of cooperation (memorandum of understanding) with national governments and regional organizations, in coordination with country offices. 

 

3. Knowledge Management and Communication Products for Southern African countries and sub regional bodies (SADC and IOC)

 

a. Draft and produce high-quality communication materials, including press releases, media briefs, talking points, newsletters, brochures, presentations, human impact stories, and donor visibility materials.

b. Prepare articles, chapters, and content for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports, and publications.

c. Organize the timely dissemination of communication products to target audiences, monitor their reach, and evaluate their impact.

d. Respond to internal and external information requests and prepare related correspondence, briefings, and reports.

 

4. Advocacy, Partnerships, and Representation for Southern African countries and sub regional bodies (SADC and IOC)

 

a. Coordinate conferences, seminars, press briefings, interviews, and other events, including preparation of briefing materials for senior officials.

b. Identify key contacts, constituencies, and strategic partnership opportunities, and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.

c. Identify and propose visibility opportunities, activities, and approaches tailored to specific topics, audiences, or contexts.

d. Provide technical inputs in UN joint programming, joint assessments, strategic development (including Common Country Analysis, UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework) and other initiatives.

e. Represent UN-Habitat in meetings and external forums, in coordination with the Head of Sub-Regional Office, to advance the agency’s communication and advocacy objectives.

 

 

Ultimate result of service

Upon completion of the consultancy, the outcome of the reports, strategic documents and project documents produced will clearly articulate current and emerging urban challenges in Southern Africa Sub Region and outline strategic entry points and realistic pathways for the agency’s support to sustainable urban development. The work will strengthen UN-Habitat’s strategic positioning and programmes in the Sub Region, and ultimately contribute to building institutional capacity in countries in the Sub Region to manage inclusive, sustainable and resilient urbanization, ensuring adequate housing, security of tenure and basic services for all. All reports and documents will adhere to the standard of transparency and fairness, contributing to evidence-based decision making.

 

COMPETENCIES

 

Professionalism

Demonstrates expertise in UN-Habitat’s mandate, strategic priorities, and programmatic approaches, with ability to translate global, regional and national frameworks into specific project development opportunities. Delivers high-quality project proposals and makes strategic and technical inputs, supported by advanced knowledge of and experience in sustainable urban development, project management, and resource mobilization. Operates with integrity and maintains effectiveness under pressure or in complex environments.

 

Communication

Communicates clearly, strategically, and effectively in written and oral form. Prepares high-quality concept notes, project documents, donor briefs, presentations, and technical reports with sound analysis. Engages effectively with government counterparts, development partners, UN actors and other stakeholders. Facilitates dialogue, collaboration and information sharing within and across teams and supports coherent communication of programme priorities, results and opportunities. Listens actively and provides constructive feedback to promote collaboration.

 

Planning and Organizing

Demonstrates strong project development and advisory planning skills, translating strategic priorities of the Southern Africa Sub-Regional Hub into project development. Establishes realistic timelines and organizes tasks efficiently while managing multiple processes simultaneously. Anticipates potential challenges and proposes practical and innovative solutions. Ensures proper follow-up, maintains accurate documentation, and upholds high standards of accountability, transparency, and results-based management.

 

Teamwork

Works collaboratively with colleagues across the Sub-Regional Hub, Regional Office for Africa, headquarters branches, country offices and other regional offices to ensure coherent programme development and implementation. Values expert contributions and fosters a cooperative and inclusive working environment. Shares knowledge proactively, supports team objectives, provide mentoring support to colleagues when needed, and contributes to a positive, solution-oriented work culture focused on collective results.

 

Strategic Thinking 

Demonstrates the ability to identify strategic opportunities relevant to sustainable urbanization in Southern Africa, aligning with national development agendas and donor priorities. Shapes programmatic directions by providing evidence-based recommendations, assessment of operational feasibility and impacts, and critical analysis. Stays informed of innovative practices and emerging trends.  

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in development studies, international affairs or a related field is required. A first level university degree in addition to two more years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Professional Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in development assistance, field project coordination, project management or related field is required. 

Proven experience with the UN-Habitat or other UN agencies is desirable.

Experience in working in sustainable urban development, urban governance, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction/reconstruction is an added advantage. Field experience in working in African countries is an asset.

 

Language

Fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language would be an advantage.

 

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, copying mark.gitonga@un.org . Use the subject line: APPLICATION_SUB-REGIONAL PROGRAM_COORDINATOR [First Name].

• Applications must be received by 19 November 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.