Advisor – UNON Kenya Initiatives at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Duties and Responsibilities

• The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordinator System globally, as well as other UN Agencies, Funds or Programmes operating in or from Kenya, by providing administrative, operational, conferencing and information services.

This position is located in the Office of the Director-General (ODG), UNON, Under the supervision of the Director, Division of Administrative Services (ODA).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate matters related to the Host Country Liaison Committee and its Sub-Committees.
• Engage in diplomatic negotiations with the Kenyan government to address a wide range of issues and concerns pertaining to Host Country Agreement, coordinate and facilitate meetings in this regard and follow-up on the implementation of the outcomes

Support the implementation of United Nations policies and initiatives within Kenya

• Engage with government officials to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders for the success of UN Kenya initiatives, act as a bridge between the United Nations and the Kenyan government, facilitating effective communication and exchange of information between the two parties, update both the Kenyan government and the United Nations on each other's positions, policies, and priorities to ensure mutual understanding.
• Collaborate with other UN agencies and government bodies to ensure effective coordination and synergy in achieving the initiatives' objectives.
• Assist in planning and implementing specific programs or projects within UNON-Kenya Initiatives by designing project plans, setting objectives, and monitoring progress.
• Support in capacity-building initiatives, helping government and UN develop the skills and knowledge needed to support the goals of UNON-Kenya Initiatives.
• Develop and refine policies and strategies related to UNON-Kenya Initiatives, conduct research, analyse data to inform decision-making and strategy development, and provide recommendations for policy improvements.
• Provide reports to the United Nations on the status of UNON-Kenya various initiatives, projects, and discussions with the Kenyan government, as well as any challenges or opportunities that arise.

Humanitarian Logistics Base

• Coordinate with MOFA and all required departments of GOK to establish a clear roadmap plus schedule for finalization of title deed arrangements for sites at JKIA, port in Mombasa and dry port in Naivasha.
• Coordinate internally with UN stakeholders across AFPs.
• Coordinate with MOFA and all required departments of GOK on facilitation arrangements to ensure goods can be received, stored in bonded facilities and released within 24 hours.
• Coordinate the streamlining of the administration of the provisions of the Host Country Agreement (HCA)
• Address systemic and emergent high-level challenges arising from the administration of privileges and immunities to the UN community in Kenya through the Privileges and Immunities Sub-Committee of the HCLC or any other suitable framework that may be identified.
• Negotiate long-term solutions to systemic challenges faced by the UN in the provision of privileges and immunities including but not limited to residency and re-entry for all categories of staff, partners and dependents, supporting UN staff in the region to be based in Kenya even if place of administrative assignment is elsewhere, efficient and timely duty and tax refunds, entitlements for retirees, access for diplomats to all services in Kenya including those currently accessible only via portals (e.g. NCC) currently on accessible via Kenyan ID or Alien ID.
• Engage the Government in the development of Standard Operating Guidelines (privileges and immunities) for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government departments involved in service delivery to the UN to ensure consistency of the application of HCA provisions.
• Work with the Government of Kenya Service Centre at Gigiri (GSC) to establish a Service Charter for the latter. Working with GOK departments across MOFA, KRA, Immigration, NTSA to ensure appropriate GOK services at GSC.
• Stabilize services provided by GSC within 6-12 months.
• Propose training schedule for GSC officials and HCSU staff.
• Support the Government in the completion of the Integrated Protocol Management Information System (IPMIS) integration with other government departments and UNON.

UNON Protocol Service

• Identify the protocol service needs of UN Funds, Programmes and Specialised agencies based in or operating from Kenya.
• Conduct research and develop a technical and financial proposal to support the establishment of a protocol services within UNON (list of services, resources required and sustainable pricing).
• Undertaking other assignments as requested

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, political science, law or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in administration/protocol, International relations, political affairs function or related field is required.
• Experience working in international organizations such as the United Nations, government institutions and similar multi-national organizations is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Additional Information
Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to produce high quality work with limited supervision and in unfamiliar environment; ability to identify issues, formulate options, make conclusions and recommendations for their resolution; very good research, analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent negotiations skills. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.