Senior Urban Policy Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. It aims to create socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, focusing on reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty through urbanization as a transformative force. The organization is structured into divisions, including the Global Solutions Division (GSD) and the Urban Practices Branch (UPB), which are responsible for programmatic direction and the development of tools and methodologies for effective delivery of the Strategic Plan. UN-Habitat emphasizes the importance of safety, social inclusion, and human rights in its work, ensuring that these issues are integrated across its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Urban Policy Advisor will play a crucial role within the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section of the Urban Practices Branch at UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi. This position involves leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of urban policy programs and projects. The advisor will be responsible for coordinating policy development, providing technical advice on National Urban Policies, and ensuring that gender mainstreaming guidelines are implemented effectively. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and international partners, to develop tailored solutions for urban governance and policy issues. The advisor will also manage outreach activities, conduct training workshops, and lead field missions, ensuring that the agency's strategic objectives are met while addressing the needs of urban populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will take the lead in developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programs/projects, directing subordinates in their development and assessment. Responsibilities include ensuring gender mainstreaming in all planned actions, coordinating policy development, providing technical advice on National Urban Policies, and managing outreach activities. The advisor will prepare concept notes, project documents, and presentations, and provide substantive support to meetings and conferences. They will also lead field missions, guide external consultants, and draft mission summaries. Additionally, the advisor will support resource mobilization efforts, manage budgets, and ensure effective utilization and development of staff. The role requires data collection and analysis to inform decision-making and reporting, along with performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of urban policy theories, concepts, and approaches, with the ability to identify strategic issues and opportunities in urban and human settlements. The role demands excellent communication skills to convey organizational direction and the ability to provide innovative technical leadership. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, planning and organizing skills, and the ability to lead and mentor staff effectively. The advisor must also be capable of making sound judgments and decisions based on comprehensive analysis of complex situations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, public/business administration, policy, law, urban/regional planning, urbanism, civil engineering, sustainable urban development, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in urban policy, urban and territorial development, urban basic services, housing, land management, or related fields is required. At least five years of experience within a national government ministry responsible for human settlements and urban issues is essential. Experience in servicing expert group meetings or intergovernmental bodies at regional or global levels is desirable, along with experience in organizing workshops and developing relations with governments and international partners. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another United Nations official language is also considered an asset. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The selected external candidate will receive a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The renewal of the appointment is contingent upon these factors. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process.