Associate Expert, Consultant at UN-Habitat

CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Issue Date: 25 September 2018

DURATION

1 Year

The focus of this position is to support Housing Unit, part of the Housing and Slum Upgrading Branch (HSUB), in the planning, development, management, promotion, coordination and implementation of normative and operational activities related to related to housing and slum upgrading in collaboration with other units, aligned with UN-HABITAT’s mandate, objectives, focus areas and expected results.

In particular, the incumbent is expected to assist the HSUB in implementing the Global Housing Strategy and strengthening the thematic areas of work on housing policy development, housing finance inclusion and housing affordability. The five main cross-cutting areas of work include: advocacy; knowledge management; policy advice; capacity development; and support for the implementation of operational activities – all to assist national and local governments in their efforts to improve access to adequate housing.

This consultancy will contribute to UN-Habitat’s activities on housing policy development, affordable housing and housing finance coordinated by the Housing Unit, Housing and Slum Upgrading Branch. UN-Habitat strives to mainstream a new holistic approach to housing finance by providing both normative frameworks for sustainable housing finance policies, practical guidelines on housing finance, and affordable human settlement as well as by testing these new approaches through various pilot schemes in developing countries

UN-Habitat’s areas of action in housing finance comprise normative and quantitative work namely policy advice and technical support to countries to developing housing finance sector strategies, advocacy and public awareness through documentation of case studies, elaboration of guidelines and best practices.

RESPONSIBILITES

Under the direct supervision of the Leader of the Housing Unit, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Effective and efficient execution of UN-Habitat projects, through technical guidance, quality, cost control and management support; support the coordination of work plans and budgets, preparing relevant documentation and reports, initiating procurement and recruitment of human resources, and liaising with implementing partners to ensure quality and timely delivery of UN-Habitat’s projects and programmes;
• Provide quality technical support and assist in the strengthening of housing affordability and housing financial inclusion as thematic areas of focus for UN-Habitat and support in the development of activities related to these topics within Sub-Programme 5, Housing and Slum Upgrading;
• Contribute to UN-Habitat work, in line with the Housing at the Centre approach, to develop concrete, effective and sustainable urban financing strategies for affordable housing;
• Provide technical support to review, analyse and propose mechanisms linking housing finance and land value capture, in order to expand access to adequate and affordable housing, in particular in the context of developing countries and for those most in need;
• Assisting in the strengthening of inter-divisional collaboration to achieve better linkages between normative and operational support to better coordinate and support the implementation of the organization’s work-programme;
• Provide support to the coordination and implementation of the Housing Unit different portfolios of activities, in particular to Housing Policy and Housing Finance;
• Provide appropriate technical support to projects through project design and management, field visits, training and evaluation, coordination and monitoring activities related to housing and slum upgrading and related fields
• Assist in partnership building efforts with other UN Agencies, bi-lateral and multilateral organizations, and civil society institutions involved in urban poverty, human rights and housing policy development, focusing on vulnerable groups and most poor.

DELIVERABLES

• Review of housing finance systems and mechanisms, national housing policies, national housing sector profiles, partners’ and UN-Habitat project proposals and publication drafts as requested;
• Research and normative papers and reports in best-practice tools and principles related to sustainable affordable housing; publications and technical notes on sustainable affordable housing finance;
• Projects and funding proposals and concept notes;
• Work planning and coordination of the affordable housing and finance design;
• Events, workshops and conferences related to the thematic issues in the field of housing; and
• Coordination with international NGOs in the field of housing.

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism: Proven ability to integrate different perspectives, i.e. political, civil affairs, military, police, security, humanitarian, human rights, gender, child protection perspectives into analytical products. Skills in developing networks for data collection. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions and/or recommendations. 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.
• 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.
• Planning and Organization: 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
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social, environmental or political sciences, architecture, or other urban development oriented studies with focus on housing issues. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Experience: At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in multidisciplinary human settlements projects and programmes, of which, preferably, two years at the international level. Proven experience in housing finance and land information.
• Language: Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
• Other skills: Knowledge of computer programmes such as Word, Excel, Spreadsheet, email and internet search functions.

REPORTING

The consultant will report to the Leader of the Housing Unit. The consultant will work closely with Human Settlement Officers, Programme Management Officers, Branch and Regional Programme Managers, Programme Support Division and other units at the headquarters.

REMUNERATION

Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid in instalments upon completion and acceptance of the outputs.