Special Assistant to Chief, Office of the Executive Director, Nairobi

Special Assistant to Chief, Office of the Executive Director, Nairobi
Closing Date: Thursday, 22 July 2010
United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT)
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT
Closing date: 22 Jul 2010
Location: Kenya - Nairobi

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT, Office of the Executive Director.
DUTY STATION:Nairobi, Kenya
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Special Assistant to Chief, Office of the Executive Director
GRADE:P-3
POST DURATION:5 months (temporary position for maternity cover beginning 1 August 2010)
CLOSING DATE: 22 July 2010

BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations agency for Human Settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. This temporary assignment is in the Office of the Chief of the Office of the Executive Director and will be for the duration of 5 months.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will provide administrative support to the Executive Director and Chief of the Office of the Executive Director in the executive direction and management of UN-HABITAT’s work programme, including support in maintaining liaison with the UN Secretariat, other UN Agencies and UN administrative office.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Office of the Executive Director, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Provide the Executive Director and the Chief with policy advice on a full range of issues related to the management of UN-Habitat and its Foundation, with particular focus on strengthening the resources of the Foundation and its effective support to UN-Habitat’s programme activities

Assist the Executive Director and Chief in the elaboration and implementation of the Medium Term Strategic Institutional Plan (MTSIP) in order to strengthen the strategic focus and the overall cohesiveness between UN-HABITAT'’s normative and operational activities;

Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings and conferences and organize official trips of the Executive Director and the Chief of the Office;

Assist and advise the Chief with regard to his/her role as Chief of Staff especially in developing, preparing and coordinating management reports; Prepare briefing materials, reports and concept proposals on the Executive Director's special initiatives/projects, obtaining information from Divisions where appropriate and participate in and head task forces where required;

Participate in the formulation of UN-HABITAT budgets and other related budgetary processes;

Coordinate activities related to budget and funding for various programmes/projects and prepare related documents/reports;

Maintain contacts with UN Secretariat departments and other UN agencies, particularly those located in Kenya, in order to foster greater cooperation and to support the UN reform agenda;

Represent the Chief at meetings as appropriate.

Undertake other related assignments as required.

COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Good conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills, ability to conduct independent analysis, identify issues, formulate options and make recommendations. Knowledge of UN regulations including recruitment procedures. Familiarity with existing UN consultative/Inter-agency mechanisms. Evidence of ability to think strategically, to express ideas clearly, to work independently and in teams, and to demonstrate a sense of self-assuredness combined with cultural and gender sensitivity.

Communication: Good communication (spoken and written) skills. Ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.

Client orientation: Able to establish and maintain productive partnerships by gaining trust and respect; identifies needs and finds solutions; monitors developments; anticipates problems, and keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks.

Planning and Organizing: Ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan. Ability to work under pressure against deadlines, while ensuring compliance with appropriate rules and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in management, public/business administration, law, economics or a related field. 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in administration or programme management. Experience in the work and activities of the UN system in the area of human settlements is desirable.

Language
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory with proven communication skills. Knowledge of a second official UN language, an advantage.

Other
Experience in change management processes desirable. Knowledge of UN-HABITAT, and its mandate an asset.
How to apply
All applications in electronic format, including covering letter and CV/PHP should be submitted to:
Ms Portia Machancoses

UN-HABITAT, P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: portia.machancoses@unhabitat.org
Fax: +254 20 762 4719
Reference Code: RW_87DFFV-49
Source: Reliefweb