Work LocationHome-based and Nairobi hybrid
Expected duration2 months
Duties andResponsibilities
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 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. Within UN Habitat, the Urban Practices Branch supports governments and local authorities with tested approaches, guidelines, and tools to plan the growth of cities in an inclusive, sustainable, and future-proof way, in tune with social, cultural, economic, and environmental concerns and particularities. Efforts focus on making cities more liveable, productive, and inclusive through proper planning and design. This includes optimizing the population and economic density of urban settlements and promoting mixed land use, diversity, and better connectivity. It also encompasses social inclusion and gender balance, as well as ensuring that planning and design contribute to the development of more efficient, greener, and cleaner cities able to cope with the consequences of climate change. The Branch has five areas of work which are closely related: (1) Policy, Legislation and Governance, (2) Urban Basic Services, (3) Land, Housing and Shelter, (4) Planning, Finance and Economic Development, and (5) Human Rights and Social Inclusion. The work of the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) focuses on a broader framework through different scales (metropolitan, regional, national and trans-national). The Section plays a critical role in implementing the Agency’s Strategic Plan, flagship programmes, the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The Section works with and in collaboration with other parts of the agency (both at Headquarters and in the field) to support national and local governments and partners. The Section fosters high impact initiatives, programmes and projects that draw from its world-class expertise and knowledge to deliver timely, fit-for-purpose and targeted solutions. The Section serves as the Agency’s focal point and global solutions center of excellence on Urban Policy, Legislation and Governance. The Section conducts activities in knowledge management, tools and frameworks development, capacity building, policy dialogue, and advisory services. Resolution 25/4 of the Governing Council of UN-Habitat adopted in 2015 rooted the work on National Urban Policies (NUP), “request strengthen partnership, peer learning and a community of practice approach on national urban policies as means of supporting national and local governments as they develop and implement such policies.†The Urban Planning Consultant will support PLGS in both areas, by supporting technically and management on the implementation of National Urban Policy Programme, Urban Rural Linkages, Legislation and Governance and associated areas of work, where necessary such as inclusiveness in policy and plan implementation DESCRIPTION OF TASKS: The duties and responsibilities of the Urban Planning Consultant are as follows: 1. Provide technical support for the implementation of Phase 2 – National Urban Policy Programme (NUPP). 2. Prepare progress reports on project implementation to be sent to donors and circulated internally for information sharing within the section. 3. Coordinate and support the implementation on the NUP Demonstration Projects in Niger State, Nigeria. 4. Contribute to the preparation of various PLGS written outputs, e.g., toolkits, technical guides and publications, draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports, among other knowledge products. Supervision: The Urban Planning Consultant will be part of, and work with the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section reporting to the Section Chief and the Chief of Urban Practices Branch.
Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Geography, urban planning, architecture, or related disciplines is required. A first-level degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree. A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, urban and territorial planning, policy-making or related areas. Prior experience at UN-Habitat is an added advantage.
LanguagesLanguage Requirements: English and French are working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of and ability to work in other official UN languages is an advantage.
Additional InformationCompetencies: 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 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 Client Orientation: • Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view • Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect • Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions • Monitors on-going developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate • Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects • Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client Skills: • Demonstrable ability to innovate prepare and manage projects and programmes • Ability to work under pressure in diverse environments with minimum supervision; • Ability to represent and articulate the organization’s philosophy at various for a; • Demonstrable effective written communications skills including the ability to prepare reports, proposals, policies and procedures; • Strong Planning and organizing skills • Strong networking, teamwork and management skills; • Very strong analytical and interpersonal skills; • Professional exposure to issues of women, youth and post-conflicts context would be an asset.
No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.