Human Settlements Officer, Nairobi

Human Settlements Officer, Nairobi
Closing Date: Tuesday, 26 October 2010

Job Title
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OFFICER, P4

Department/ Office
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME
Duty Station
NAIROBI
Posting Period
27 August 2010-26 October 2010

Job Opening number
10-ADM-UN HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME-15883-R-NAIROBI
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the 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 post is located in the Urban Economy Branch (UEB), Division of Monitoring and Research.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Chief, UEB, the incumbent is responsible for:
1. Conceptualizing, formulating and implementing programme and project activities on economic, social, financial and public health dimensions of human settlements.

Assisting the Chief in designing and managing communications and outreach activities.

2. Organizing and managing conferences, expert group meetings and training events, including proposing topics, preparing/drafting briefs, programmes, background documents and presentations.
3. Providing technical and management support in human settlements analysis, needs assessments and other activities relating to urban economy, housing finance, urban finance, public health, social development, the economic and financial development of cities, towns and villages.

4. Participating in technical and advisory missions to carry out high level consultations and other activities aimed at developing human settlements policies, economic and financial policies, strategies and programmes.

5. Developing and coordinating in-depth research and analysis, and presenting research results and information gathered and developed from diverse sources, preparing concept papers, background papers and technical papers and reports, reviewing and editing reports and documents.

6. Preparing funding proposals and project documents, designing implementation strategies.

7. Coordinating the development of policies, strategies and tools including identifying, reviewing and analysing issues, problems and trends and preparation of reports and papers.

8. Leading and/or participating in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.

9. Contributing to the implementation of Medium Term Strategic and Institutional Plan (MTSIP).

10. Performing other duties as may be required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban economy/finance/policy, public health, development of cities and towns and villages, communications and training. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in solution of problems in the areas of economic, social, health and financial aspects of human settlements.

Planning and Organising: 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.

Communication: Ability to write high quality technical reports and papers, disseminate information, outreach and manage publications; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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

An Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in urban economics, public health, urban finance, public administration, business administration, urban planning, eduction or relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of professional experience in human settlements, economic development, urban planning, public health, urban finance, public administration, business administration, and education/training, of which at least five at the international level. Experience with the UN system is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in written and oral English required. Working knowledge of another UN official language will be an advantage.

United Nations ConsiderationsThe United Nations shall place no restriction on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Special Notice

Staff members are subjected to the authority of 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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNTIED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.