Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. Under the supervision of the Chief, Land, Housing and Shelter Section, and Chief, Urban Practices Branch, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities

Developing and implementing UN-HABITAT’s normative activities related to housing policy, with the main focus on slum upgrading and prevention through pro-poor housing delivery mechanisms, and assisting in the design, advice and implementation of relevant strategies and programmes in collaboration with other UN-HABITAT units in line with the Strategic Plan and other relevant frameworks; responsible for research and networking; updating existing knowledge and information sources in the organisation; prepare documentation for the governing bodies of UN-HABITAT, World Urban Forum and other international bodies and conferences and contribute to relevant programmes. 1) Designs and co-ordinates normative aspects including research and monitoring activities related to enabling housing policies and strategies with particular focus on slum prevention and upgrading, through: a) In relation to the Strategic Plan and other relevant frameworks, monitoring progress in the development of enabling policies, approaches and tools globally and exploring innovative approaches to address in particular housing targets, including informal and slum housing; b) Reviewing and assessing developments in the shelter field globally and on-going research activities particularly regarding slum upgrading and prevention to develop pro-poor strategies; c) Updating and developing documentation on relevant subjects such as policy and implementation guidelines, standards, tool kits and strategy papers; d) Contributing to the production of the World Cities Report and UN-HABITAT policy statements on topics regarding slum upgrading and housing delivery; e) Updating housing development programmes and projects with particular focus on pro-poor slum upgrading and housing delivery policies, strategies and modalities contributing to the development of database, web-site, tools, media packs and related promotional materials; f) Contributing to relevant campaigns and global programmes on housing and land from the housing side. 2) Performs advisory and networking functions, to governments, agencies, organizations, institutions, individuals on issues and operational activities related to pro-poor slum upgrading and housing development, through: a) Organizing and co-ordinating ad-hoc expert-group meetings and other activities such as regional policy consultations, capacity building workshops and seminars on technical exchange of experiences; b) Preparing background material for the meetings; c) Identifying and liaising with consultants, resource persons and other participants; d) Undertaking logistical arrangements for such meetings; e) Representing UN-HABITAT at these meetings by preparing and presenting papers; f) Preparing final reports of the meetings; g) Undertaking technical advisory backstopping missions, augmenting work of UN-HABITAT Regional Offices and strategic partners, with emphasis on policy and institutional development, practical procedural advice and developing tools and guidelines as well as monitoring project execution; h) Promoting initiatives executed by UN-HABITAT Regional Offices and strategic partners for slum upgrading, improving living conditions of slum dwellers including social, economic and environmental aspects; i) Establishing and implementing cooperation agreements, MOUs and grant agreements for governments and strategic partners, monitoring effective use of funds allocation; j) Co-ordinating special initiatives requested by the Executive Director on slum upgrading, housing delivery and activities such as relief operations, programmes and projects for provision of emergency shelters, and disaster management; k) Setting up a network with stakeholders to facilitate information and experience exchange. 3) Contributes to the implementation of UN-Habitat and UN inter-agency activities through: a) Research and other activities necessary to produce thematic publications; b) Organisation of awareness campaigns, training and capacity-building activities; c) Further development of the housing related knowledge and databases; d) Establishment of networks with stakeholders in the housing rights field; e) Supporting global monitoring and evaluation systems related to housing rights; f) Development and implementation of advisory mechanisms and field projects related to housing rights; g) Organisation and co-ordination of ad-hoc expert-groups meetings and other activities such as regional consultations, workshops and seminars within the housing rights field with specific focus on the right to secure tenure. 4) Develops, mobilizes resources for 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. 5) Contribution to general administration and documentation with regard to activities of the UN-HABITAT governing bodies and World Urban Forum, through: a) Servicing the Sessions of the governing bodies, the World Urban Forum and inter-governmental conferences and seminars by preparing documents on slum upgrading and prevention and pro-poor housing delivery; b) Supplying inputs as requested by partners and the Committee of Permanent Representatives on relevant topics in these areas. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in architecture, engineering or urban/regional planning, with focus on issues related to shelter development, slum upgrading and enabling housing policies in Developing Countries is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience, including at least six years at the international level, with normative work on low-income slum upgrading and housing policies and programmes is required. Experience in field research in the broad field of housing and urban development, including slums, informal settlements is required. Publications –including co-authoring- in one of the following themes: housing and/ or land right, slum upgrading, building materials and technology is desirable. Experience in projects on slum upgrading in Asia, Africa or Latin America is desirable. Experience making presentations on behalf of an organization at international/national meetings is desirable. Experience in developing and/or implementing international sustainable development programmes involving donor community, clients and civil society groups is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: “fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and ” Knowledge of” equals a rating of ” confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of 364 days 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants – When completing the Candidate Profile form, 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 or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. 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. 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 “Contact Us” link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE 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.