Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the lead UN agency focused on cities and human settlements. Established by the UN General Assembly, its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable urban development, ensuring adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat operates globally, addressing urbanization challenges and supporting the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The organization plays a crucial role in capacity development for city leaders and urban practitioners, emphasizing sustainability and impact in its operations. The Capacity Development and Training Unit at UN-Habitat Headquarters is responsible for enhancing the capacity development function across various activities, aligning with the new Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 approved at the UN-Habitat Assembly in May 202

• UN-Habitat's work is vital as urbanization continues to rise, with projections indicating that two-thirds of the global population will reside in cities by 205
• The agency addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization, including slum conditions, access to basic services, and the need for sustainable urban planning.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting the work of the United Nations Innovation Technology Accelerator for Cities (UNITAC) and the Data and Analytics Unit (DAU). This position involves managing project implementation, producing grant reports, and ensuring timely processing of payments. The consultant will contribute to the development of programs and projects through effective performance and financial management, monitoring, and evaluation of processes that align with the goals of UNITAC and DAU. The role requires a proactive approach to strategic planning, compiling relevant information, and synthesizing best practices linked to program objectives. The consultant will also organize workshops and consultations, preparing necessary background papers to facilitate discussions and decision-making. This position is essential for advancing the objectives of the UNITAC and ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and effectively, ultimately contributing to sustainable urban development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Contributing to program and project development through performance and financial management, ensuring alignment with UNITAC and DAU goals.
• Preparing interim and final financial reports for grants associated with UNITAC and DAU.
• Conducting regular reviews of budget forecasts and co-funding expenditure levels to ensure compliance with agreement requirements.
• Contributing to strategic planning efforts, preparing progress reports, and compiling relevant information to support decision-making.
• Identifying and synthesizing best practices and lessons learned that are directly linked to program objectives.
• Organizing workshops and consultations, preparing relevant background papers to facilitate discussions.
• Evaluating internal and external processes to enhance the advancement of research branch goals and objectives.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure effective communication and coordination of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in commerce or a related field. Knowledge of the UN common system is essential, and additional technical training in office management and administration is considered an asset. A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in budget management and administration is required. Familiarity with the UN common system and UMOJA SAP is also a prerequisite. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a completed bachelor's degree in commerce or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the financial and administrative aspects of the role. Additional technical training in office management and administration is advantageous, providing the consultant with the necessary skills to manage office operations effectively and efficiently.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in the field of budget management and administration. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to manage financial processes, prepare reports, and contribute to strategic planning efforts. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the UN common system and experience working within international organizations or similar environments.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this consultancy role. While not a requirement, knowledge of any other UN language would be considered an advantage, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 3 months. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, but it is essential to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.