Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements at United Nations

The position is located in the Capacity Development and Training Unit in the Programme Development Branch. The branch is located under the Global Solutions Division.

The unit combines knowledge, research, tools, skill development and training into a coherent capacity development strategy. The capacity building activities focus on national and local government institutions, partners, training institutions and UN-Habitat staff, making use of the knowledge and information generated from across UN-Habitat in the production of learning and capacity building tools, manuals and course companions for global application. It works closely with universities, training institutes, think tanks and private companies in the development and delivery of in-situ and online workshops and training in various thematic areas.

The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Capacity Development and Training Unit.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Capacity Development and Training Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Provision of capacity development services to national and local governments and UN-Habitat partners by: a) Undertaking activities covering the various stages of the training development cycle, and identification of institutional and individual capacity development gaps, b) Developing project proposals based on results-based management principles, liaise with potential funding agencies, and take part in resource mobilization and project acquisition strategies of the unit and the branch.
• Support the development of relevant training and capacity development products, tools and courses in response to the needs of the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs by: a) engaging training institutions, universities and trainers in development and delivery of training programs; b) developing technical and content proposals for meeting the capacity needs of UN-Habitat programs and partners; c) undertaking training needs assessment within programs and organizations involved in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs. d) developing online training.
• Contribute to the work programme of the Unit and the Branch in support to the Strategic Plan of UN-Habitat by: a) Taking part in branch-level and unit-level activities; assist in the reporting to senior management of UN-Habitat, revise and comment on reports to the UN secretariat; support the development of the work plan and its implementation, progress reporting and evaluation and monitoring. b) Performs other related duties as required.
• Promote and Develop Habitat University Partnerships by: a) Identifying and engaging potential and actual partner Universities to support the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat; b) Keeping up to date database of partner Universities and Preparing progress reports and briefs; c) Exploring funding opportunities and develop programme documents to support University partnerships.
• Provide technical and substantive support to regional and global university networks by: a) Identifying complementarities, emerging issues, innovation and other opportunities which would stimulate networking and engagement with UN-Habitat global normative activities and policy research and development; b) Developing concepts and proposals to support and implement Habitat Partner University networks to promote sustainable urbanization; c) Developing the design and architecture/structure of networks and supporting tools; d) Organizing roundtables, collaborative and networking events for Habitat Partner Universities.
• Supporting the development and implementation of university curricula and courses by: a) Identifying key UN-Habitat messages, tools, approaches and practices, and work with universities on mainstreaming them into education and development of a new generation of urban professionals; b) Facilitating Habitat Universities access to UN-Habitat tools, publications and expertise and vice-versa; c) Developing and implementing continuing professional development; d) Preparing expert group meetings to support curricula development and its Implementation.
• Supporting the mobilization and involvement of university partners in national and regional initiatives by:
  • Facilitating operational links between Habitat Partner Universities and UN-Habitat regional offices;
  • Identifying opportunities for university collaboration in country programme activities of UN-Habitat;

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. 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& 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.

Education

Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in architecture, urban planning, public administration, social development, development studies or similar area related to sustainable urban development is required. A first-level University Degree in combination with three additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• At least five years of experience in human settlements projects and programmes at national and local levels, of which at least two qualifying years must be at the international level is required.
• Proven experience in human settlements development field, projects/programme design and implementation with the UN or other international agencies is desirable.
• Familiarity with UN policies and procedures is an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 January 2020, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.

If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.