Land Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, was established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Its primary goal is to provide adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat works to transform urban areas into safer, healthier, and greener places that offer better opportunities for all residents to live with dignity. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including government entities at all levels, civil society, and the private sector, to build, manage, plan, and finance sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on improving urban living conditions and addressing the challenges faced by the urban poor. The Greater Busia Metro (GBM) project is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing local economic development and addressing land governance issues in the region, which straddles the Kenya-Uganda border and is a vital economic hub for informal cross-border trade.

Job Overview:
The Land Expert position is crucial for the successful implementation of the 'Harnessing Property Rights: Building Resilience of Local Governments and Informal Women and Youth Traders in the Greater Busia Metro (GBM)' project. This role requires a deep understanding of land tenure systems, spatial planning, community mapping, and administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration reform. The expert will be responsible for operationalizing key components of the project, ensuring that processes are locally driven, inclusive, technically sound, and aligned with the project's objectives. The Land Expert will work closely with local governments, informal communities, and various stakeholders to improve tenure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, formalize informal trade spaces, and enhance local government capacity. The position involves conducting diagnostics of land tenure systems, analyzing existing laws and policies, guiding participatory mapping exercises, and developing a fit-for-purpose land information system tailored to the needs of informal traders. The expert will also provide technical assistance, support land dispute management, and facilitate the development of local by-laws and agreements that recognize tenure rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Land Expert will undertake a comprehensive diagnostic of formal, informal, and customary land tenure systems in Busia, focusing on the barriers faced by informal women and youth traders. Responsibilities include analyzing land-related laws and policies in Kenya and Uganda, identifying gaps and opportunities for cross-border harmonization, and guiding participatory land tenure mapping exercises. The expert will coordinate the development of a land information system tailored to the needs of informal and gender-sensitive land recording. Additionally, the expert will provide technical assistance for integrating land data into local planning systems, support land dispute resolution mechanisms, and facilitate the development of local by-laws on tenure recognition. The role also involves delivering training and mentorship for local government officers and community actors, collaborating with legal and gender experts, and developing knowledge products based on project findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Land Administration, Urban or Regional Planning, Geomatics, Geography, Law, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in land governance, tenure reform, or land information systems in Africa is required. Proven experience working with local governments, informal communities, and cross-sector stakeholders on land governance initiatives is essential. Familiarity with gender-responsive land governance principles and tools that promote women's land rights is an added advantage. Experience working with UN agencies or similar multilateral institutions is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Land Administration, Urban or Regional Planning, Geomatics, Geography, or Law is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and substantial qualifying experience may be considered as well. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of land governance and administration, particularly in the context of informal trading and community engagement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in land governance, tenure reform, or land information systems, specifically within the African context. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with local governments and informal communities, demonstrating their ability to navigate the challenges of land governance and planning. Experience in cross-sector collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders is essential for the successful execution of the project.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for collaboration with diverse stakeholders and for the dissemination of project findings and innovations.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the project is 6 months, and the position may involve working closely with local governments and communities in the Greater Busia Metro area. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and accessible. The organization is committed to promoting inclusive and equitable practices in its operations.