Senior Urban Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, known as UN-HABITAT, is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Its mission is to provide adequate shelter for all and to work with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban communities. UN-HABITAT operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty through urbanization as a transformative force. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships with governments, international agencies, and donors to mobilize resources for sustainable urbanization projects.

Job Overview:
The Senior Urban Development Officer will be stationed in Baghdad and will report directly to the Regional Director for the Arab States (ROAS). This role involves leadership and representation of UN-HABITAT within the UN Iraq Programme, engaging in high-level policy dialogues, and participating in strategic policy and program forums. The incumbent will be responsible for building partnerships with relevant Iraqi government ministries to support policy formulation and capacity development related to sustainable urbanization. The position also entails overseeing the development and monitoring of UN-HABITAT's contributions to the National Development Plan, ensuring effective implementation of programs, and managing financial and human resources effectively. The officer will lead efforts to collect and analyze data to inform decision-making and reporting, ensuring that the organization’s work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Representation: Promote UN-HABITAT's image within the UN Iraq Programme, engage in policy dialogues, and represent the organization in various meetings. Build partnerships with Iraqi ministries to support sustainable urbanization policies.
• Programme Development and Management: Lead the development and monitoring of UN-HABITAT's contributions to national plans, guide joint programs with other agencies, and ensure effective communication and visibility of programs.
• Financial and Human Resource Management: Manage staff development, ensure gender parity, and oversee financial management and reporting.
• Implementation of UN-HABITAT's Programme: Develop annual work plans, monitor program implementation, and ensure quality reporting to stakeholders.
• Data Analysis: Lead efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making and reporting.
• Other Duties: Perform additional related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in urban planning and management, with a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as housing, land, and urban infrastructure. Experience in managing development programs and working with international organizations, particularly in humanitarian or post-conflict settings, is essential. Knowledge of governance, planning, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security issues related to human settlements is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related fields is also a plus.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban or Regional Planning, Political Science, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in urban planning and management, local development, housing, land, and urban infrastructure. Experience in managing development programs and working with the United Nations or similar organizations is required. Familiarity with humanitarian or post-conflict settings is also necessary, along with experience in strategic planning and implementation.

Languages:
English is required at UN Level III proficiency, while Arabic is desirable at UN Level I proficiency. Knowledge of French is also beneficial as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to extension. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions as per organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees.