Programme Officer, Urban Planning and Design at United Nations

Programme Officer, Urban Planning and Design Job Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the leader of the City Planning, Extension and Design Unit in the Urban Planning and Design Branch and within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of the public space programme/ projects; monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and tracks follow-up actions.
• Perform assignments in planning and facilitating participatory design workshops and assisting in developing the action plan for the management of the project.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends with the IT and public space arena, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Undertake survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.
• Prepare various written outputs, such as, draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, among others.
• Provide substantive support to meetings, conferences, etc., which include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertake outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission reports, etc.
• Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications for the Programme Officer, Urban Planning and Design Job

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of programme/project management, monitoring and evaluation. Ability to identify issues, anaylse and participate in their resolution. Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct research and analysis using various sources. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, programme/project management, social sciences or a related area, is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area, is required. Proven working knowledge and experience in participatory design tools such as minecraft as well as experience in handling big data, crowd sourcing and other similar platforms, is desirable.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of the French language is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.