VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 
Issued on: 24 August 2020

BACKGROUND

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:  The position is located in Global Reports and Trends Unit of the Knowledge and Innovation Branch within the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division (ERSKI) of UN-Habitat in Nairobi

ERSKI is responsible for strategic planning, programmatic direction and operationalization of UN-Habitat's focal point role for the New Urban Agenda in the UN system and for coordination of Emergency Programmes.

The Knowledge and Innovation Branch is responsible to lead the development of policies and procedures on results-based management and coordinates the preparation of the strategic plan, programme and budget plans and monitors and reports on policy implementation; it leads and facilitates an enabling environment for innovation.

The Global Reports and Trends Unit is responsible for coordinating and supervising the preparation of the World Cities Report incorporating regional and substantive inputs, regional and national cities reports, the Quadrennial Report on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA, and other report/reviews and to provide key findings and messages of the World Cities Report, Regional Reports, National Reports and the Quadrennial Reports of the NUA, including information on Urban trends.

The Human Settlements Officer reports to the Chief of Global Reports and Trends Unit.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority, the Human Settlements Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Analysis of urban development issues at the global, regional and national levels; undertakes empirical research and analysis of trends, developments, and related policy issues relevant to the unit /departmental mandate, including urbanization, urban economics, spatial development, local economic development and regional planning.
• Contributes to the preparation of the World Cities Report as well as Regional and National Reports of the State of Cities and Human Settlements.
• Researches, analyzes and presents urban and human settlements information gathered from diverse sources.
• Prepares/contributes to various written reports, documents, writes reports or sections of reports, case studies, background papers relating to internationally agreed goals and targets relevant to sustainable urbanization and human settlements.
• Reviews, revises, summarizes and edits country reports on internationally agreed goals and targets relevant to sustainable urbanization.
• Work with key partners, governments, local authorities, including global research networks on topics relating to sustainable urbanization.
• Contributes to planning, organizing and servicing of expert group and technical meetings, policy dialogues, development seminars.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Performs other duties as required.

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism: Demonstrable understanding theories and concepts related to urbanization including social and economic development, urban economics, spatial development, local economic development and planning, urban, and regional and territorial planning. Strong research and writing skills. Ability to carry out research on the social, economic, political, spatial and planning dimensions of cities and human settlements at local, national and international levels. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques and draw conclusions and assess impacts at different levels. Experience in preparing large/flagship reports. Ability to review, edit and summarize the work of others. Strong analytical capacity and the ability to identify, analyze and articulate difficult issues/problems. 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.

• 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 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.

• 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

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Urban Development, Urban Geography, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Urban Governance, Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or any other related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Professional Experience

At least five years of progressive experience urban development, research and policy analysis at the local, national and international levels.  Experience of networking; experience of conducting policy reviews and preparation of policy recommendations for decision makers; demonstrable analytical, drafting, reporting and presentation experience; experience of analyzing, summarizing and presenting large quantities of statistics on urban issues using relevant computer software; and experience in the coordination of multiple contributors to major reports

Language

Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language would be an advantage

Remuneration