Consultant for Greater Busia Metro Urban Observatory

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is an 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 it works towards transforming urban areas into safer, healthier, and greener places. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to build, manage, plan, and finance sustainable urban development. The organization has over 20 years of experience in urban data collection and analysis, and it operates globally, focusing on improving urban knowledge and supporting policy formulation through data-driven insights.

Job Overview:
The consultant will lead the development and operationalization of the Greater Busia Metro Urban Observatory (GBMUO) as part of the 'Harnessing Property Rights: Building Resilience of Local Government and Women and Youth Informal Traders in the Greater Busia Metro' project. This role involves transitioning the groundwork laid during the inception phase into a fully functional Urban Observatory. The consultant will establish core systems, governance structures, and data workflows, develop an online data repository, and create integrated GIS and analytical tools aligned with the Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF). The consultant will also produce decision-support dashboards, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and facilitate capacity building among local stakeholders to ensure the Observatory serves as a sustainable decision-support platform for the Greater Busia Metro region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Building and maintaining data systems using R/Python for data cleaning, validation, and integration;
• Designing and automating decision-support dashboards for various metrics related to the Greater Busia Metro;
• Developing GIS dashboards and leading spatial data operations, including land-use analysis and market catchment mapping;
• Overseeing the operationalization of the GBMUO, including establishing governance bodies and aligning workflows with UN-Habitat’s standards;
• Producing geovisualizations and analytical reports to inform stakeholders;
• Training local officers and stakeholders on data interpretation and dashboard usage;
• Engaging with stakeholders to harmonize data between Kenya and Uganda and facilitate collaborative efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in urban planning, geography, statistics, data science, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in urban data systems, statistical observatories, or urban monitoring is required. Proven experience in developing geospatial platforms, survey tools, and urban dashboards is essential, along with experience in coordinating mixed-method data collection processes. Experience in cross-border governance projects is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in urban planning, geography, statistics, data science, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and relevant experience may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban data systems and analytics.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in urban data systems, statistical observatories, or urban monitoring. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing geospatial platforms and urban dashboards, as well as experience in coordinating data collection processes. Experience in cross-border governance projects is considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and the consultant will work under the direct supervision of the project manager. The role involves collaboration with the Data and Analytics Unit (DAU) and various stakeholders in the Greater Busia Metro region. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.