VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Issued on: 23 October 2019

BACKGROUND

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.
Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:
The post is in the Urban Planning and Design Branch (UPDB), City Planning, Extension and Design Unit (CPEDU) in the Global Public Space Programme at UN-Habitat’s Nairobi Headquarters. The Programme Officer directly reports to the Head of the City Extension, Planning and Design Unit. The focus of the job is the implementation and monitoring of projects, programmes, operations and other activities in human settlement contexts related to public space, public participation and the use of digital technologies
RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation of assigned public space and public participation projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources on public space and urban regeneration.
• Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies.
• Provides design support and services to public space implementation projects, including design review, recommendations and evaluation.
• Assists in performing assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning and facilitating public participation workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Participates in survey initiatives related to conducting city-wide public space assessments and strategies; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary recommendations and conclusions.  
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, policy notes, issue papers, analytical notes, guides, toolkits, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Counterparts, officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies.
Representatives and officials in local and national governments, international organizations, consultants and interns.

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism:  Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field.  Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.  Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.  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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• 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.

• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

A first-level university degree in urban planning, architecture, international development, or a related field in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Professional Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area. A minimum of two years’ experience of architecture, urban design and graphic design. A minimum of two years’ experience of using digital platforms and tools for public participation and stakeholder engagement within human settlements planning. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Language

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language, particularly Arabic or Spanish, is an advantage.  

Other

Technical urban design skills. Knowledge and experience of public participation methodologies and tools such as Minecraft. Experience of facilitating participatory processes. Technical knowledge of digital platforms and tools related to public space design and sustainable urban development.