Jobs at UN-Habitat

The Associate Programme Officer position is located in the Coordination Office of the Regional Programme Division at UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi. The Coordination Office of the Regional Programme Division serves as the coordination hub of planning, implementation and monitoring of regional programmes and country activities. It also coordinates some cooperation projects and activities with donors and partners to facilitate the implementation of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda at the city level around the world, including a joint initiative on Shanghai Award.

The Associate Programme Officer typically reports to the head of a unit or to a senior Programme Officer. The focus of this position is the implementation, coordination and monitoring of projects, operations and other activities in the assigned functional area.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Annual selection process of the “Shanghai Award”: Facilitate the whole selection process of the “Shanghai Award” annually, including organizing the Call for Applications, sorting the submissions, responding to inquiries, establishing and coordinating the application review bodies (Technical review team and the International Jury), supporting the review and selection tasks, organizing review meetings, and assisting the drafting of the review reports.
• Overall implementation and operation of the project: Conduct planned activities according to the overall workplan, monitor and analyze the implementation progress, develop technical materials including project agreement, annual workplan, budget plan, project annual reports, and other supporting materials.
• Knowledge and information management: Manage the knowledge and information generated during the implementation of the project, including manage and maintain the Shanghai Award website, the results of the annual selection of the Award, and develop and maintain the technical materials of the Shanghai Award selection rules and guidelines.
• Publicity activities and the annual awarding ceremony: Support the organization of the publicity and knowledge exchange activities, as well as the annual awarding ceremony, and prepare relevant promotion and visibility materials.
• Cooperation with stakeholders: Coordinate the collaboration with the donors as well as internal and external partners for this cooperation, and provide support to other cooperation activities linked to this project.
• Any other relevant tasks assigned by the Supervisor.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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 (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, such as communications, sociology, international relations, urban development or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressive responsible experience in administration, project or programme management related to international cooperation for sustainable urban development is required.
• Work experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder work is desirable.
• Experience working in international organizations and multi-cultural environment is desirable.
• Experience in consolidating information, conducting analysis and developing related technical materials supporting the project implementation is desirable.

Closing: 10 August 2022

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The Urban Planning and Design Lab (Urban Lab) of UN-Habitat is an initiative to promptly respond to the requests of national and local governments to support sustainable urban development. The Urban Lab is the integrative facility of the Agency where innovative processes and partnerships are translated into tangible and transformative solutions to complex urban challenges. Under the direct supervisor of the Chief of the Planning, Finance and Economic Section the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing recommendations the client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, in close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s regional and country offices and by informing the Resident Coordinator’s office including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Coordinates the work components: technical support delivery, normative publications, including coordination of Expert Group Meetings and Advisory Group Meetings; oversight of of the development and review of project documents, theory of changes and d Logical Frameworks of urban development projects.
• Develops, implements and evaluates the UPD-Lab and Urban Planning, Finance and Economic Development Section portfolio, through project proposals, concept notes and by building partnerships with relevant knowledge and implementing partners.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to Urban Planning and Sustainable Urban Development and related fields. Ability to identify issues, analyze urban form, urban systems, economic and financial systems, underlying social, legal and financial mechanisms and the political context and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Knowledge of the SDGs, their targets and indicators and the New Urban Agenda Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
• 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 (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture or Urban Planning or related field 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.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, coordination and implementation is required.
• Experience in coordinating cross functional teams or offices is required.
• Experience providing technical assistance in urban planning and design, advisory services and outreach is desirable.
• Experience with the United Nations or other international organizations is desirable.

Closing: 06 August 2022

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The Global Public Space Programme (GPSP) aims to improve the quality of public spaces and helps cities become more sustainable by providing policy advice, capacity development, knowledge sharing and support for public space regeneration and improvement. The overall goal is to support local governments in creating and promoting socially inclusive, integrated, connected, environmentally sustainable and safe streets and public spaces, especially for women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. More concretely, the programme maps public spaces and works with cities to develop city-wide strategies and urban development frameworks.

The position reports to the Manager of the Public Space Programme. Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the implementation of the workplan and activities of the Global Public Space Programme in collaboration with the GPSP team, Section and country offices.
• Develops the public space portfolio and expands the application of tools, as well as the integration between urban planning and design, and finance and economy approaches for the delivery of innovative and effective public space projects. Undertakes resource mobilization activities and analyzes risk and opportunities for increasing the efficiency of delivery.
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation pubic space projects and activities as assigned;, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Develops high quality normative documents, concept notes, project reports and guidance materials in consultation with clients; performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources; supports local governments in gathering data on safe, accessible and inclusive public spaces at city-wide level as per SDG11.7.1 guidelines.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, in close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s regional and country offices and by informing the Resident Coordinator’s office, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to Public Space in Urban Planning and Sustainable Urban Development. Ability to identify urban development issues and their relation with the role of public space and urban quality, and capacity to, analyze and participate in the resolution of complex urban development issues. Knowledge of the SDGs, their targets and indicators and the New Urban Agenda. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources. Ability to independently develop planning concepts and proposal and produce high quality planning and design outputs, using relevant software. Familiarity with decision making process, participatory processes and tools for urban planning. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture or urban planning and design, human geography or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in programme and project delivery is required.
• Experience in urban development planning and design is required.
• Experience in coordinating cross functional teams or offices is required.
• Experience with the United Nations or other international organizations is desirable.
• Experience in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies is desirable.
• Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating public space projects and activities is desirable.