National UN Volunteer - Urban Energy Solutions

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UN-Habitat, which is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in cities. Established in 1978, UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries and has a mission to support the development of sustainable human settlements that are environmentally sound. The organization focuses on various aspects of urban development, including housing, urban planning, and basic services such as water, sanitation, and energy. UN-Habitat's work is guided by the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience, aiming to address the challenges faced by urban populations, particularly in developing countries.

Job Overview:
The position of National UN Volunteer - Urban Energy Solutions is located at the UN-Habitat office in Harare, Zimbabwe, and will operate under the Regional Office for Africa (ROAF). The volunteer will work under the supervision of the Lead of the Urban Energy Solution Team of the Urban Basic Services Section (UBSS) based in Nairobi. The role involves supporting the implementation of the Harare Sustainable City Initiative (HSCI), which aims to improve access to sustainable waste management and clean energy solutions for the citizens of Harare, particularly the urban and peri-urban poor. The volunteer will assist in various tasks, including the design of graphic materials, project drawings, and innovative architectural solutions, while also conducting site visits and research related to sustainability and building codes. This position is crucial for promoting energy efficiency and resource management in Zimbabwe's built environment, contributing to the overall mission of UN-Habitat to enhance the quality of life in urban areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Assisting with the design of graphic materials for the Harare Sustainable City Initiative project.
• Contributing to the development of project drawings, details, 3D sketches, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), and Terms of Reference (ToR).
• Assisting in designing innovative architectural and environmental urban solutions and green building initiatives.
• Conducting site visits to monitor construction progress and preparing documentation related to project implementation.
• Supporting report writing, analysis, documentation, and maintaining project records.
• Conducting research on building codes, permitting requirements, and other relevant information.
• Supporting research on contemporary topics related to sustainability and the built environment to aid in the production of normative publications and project development.
• Performing other support tasks relevant to the candidate and the team as jointly determined.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of urban planning, architecture, or a related field. They should demonstrate creativity and adaptability in their approach to problem-solving and project implementation. The ability to work collaboratively within a team and communicate effectively with various stakeholders is essential. Additionally, candidates should have a commitment to sustainability and a passion for improving urban living conditions.

Educational Background:
A degree in urban planning, architecture, environmental science, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in sustainable development or energy efficiency will be given preference. Relevant coursework or certifications in project management, graphic design, or sustainable building practices will also be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in urban planning, architecture, or related fields. This could include internships, volunteer work, or professional experience in project design, construction monitoring, or sustainability initiatives. Familiarity with building codes and regulations in Zimbabwe is advantageous, as is experience working in multicultural environments or with international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UN-Habitat. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe, such as Shona or Ndebele, is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning that the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. National UN Volunteers are covered under a malicious insurance plan. The position is full-time, and the duration of the contract is not specified. The volunteer will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with a reputable international organization and contribute to meaningful projects aimed at improving urban sustainability in Zimbabwe.