Urban Recovery Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization has been operational since its establishment in 1978 and has a global presence, working in numerous countries to address urban challenges. The Regional Office for the Arab States (RAOS) manages UN-Habitat's project portfolio in the Arab region, including the Syria Programme, which has been active since 2015, focusing on rebuilding urban resilience and recovery in Syrian cities and communities.

Job Overview:
The Urban Recovery Project Manager will play a crucial role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of UN-Habitat's urban recovery projects in Syria. This position involves working closely with local authorities and communities to enhance urban data management, protect housing, land, and property rights, and monitor the progress of various recovery initiatives. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting assessments, facilitating workshops, and providing substantive support to meetings and outreach activities. The role requires a strong understanding of urban recovery processes and the ability to analyze and interpret data to inform decision-making. The Urban Recovery Project Manager will also oversee the preparation of project proposals, progress reports, and financial statements, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and timely. This position is vital for ensuring that urban recovery efforts are effectively managed and that the needs of the communities are met through data-driven planning and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Urban Recovery Project Manager include:

• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned urban recovery projects, focusing on urban data management and capacity development for local stakeholders.
• Monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation, identifying issues, and proposing corrective actions.
• Conducting consulting and capacity development assignments, including planning and facilitating workshops and events.
• Researching, analyzing, and presenting information from diverse sources to support project objectives.
• Undertaking assessments and surveys, designing data collection tools, and interpreting responses to prepare conclusions.
• Providing substantive support to consultative meetings, including proposing agenda topics and preparing documents and presentations.
• Conducting outreach activities and training workshops on urban data management and recovery planning.
• Leading field missions and providing guidance to external consultants and government officials.
• Overseeing the preparation and submission of project documentation, including concept notes, proposals, and financial statements. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data using GIS platforms to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Urban Recovery Project Manager position include:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, urban planning, engineering, or social science. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two years of additional 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.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management and urban recovery in a post-conflict setting.
• Experience in housing finance, urban planning, and/or urban policy development is required.
• Experience in programme and project planning, analysis, and budgeting is essential.
• Experience working with the UN system or similar international organizations is desirable.
• Two or more years of experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as architecture, urban planning, engineering, or social science. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two years of additional qualifying experience, may be accepted. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered desirable for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management and urban recovery, particularly in post-conflict settings. Candidates should have a solid background in housing finance, urban planning, and urban policy development, along with experience in programme and project planning, analysis, and budgeting. Experience working with the UN system or similar international organizations is highly desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related fields.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, with a minimum UN Level I in reading and writing and UN Level II in listening and speaking. This language proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN system and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The role is based in Aleppo, Syria, and staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, candidates from underrepresented member states are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.