Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Its mission is to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, focusing on urbanization as a transformative force to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization is structured into various divisions, with the Global Solutions Division (GSD) responsible for programmatic direction and delivery of the Strategic Plan. The Planning and Finance Section (PFS) coordinates the agency's work on planning and finance, developing policies and tools to support urban and territorial planning, urban finance, and local economic development. UN-Habitat also addresses challenges related to conflict-induced migration and promotes sustainable urban planning for refugee settlements, aiming for better coordination between humanitarian and development actors.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position is a Fixed Term Limited role located in the Planning and Finance Section within the Global Solutions Division at UN-Habitat in Nairobi, Kenya. The primary focus of this role is the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and operations in a designated functional area. The officer will report directly to the Chief of the Planning and Finance Section and will be involved in various aspects of program/project development and evaluation related to UN-Habitat’s strategy for enhancing shared prosperity for cities and regions. This includes analyzing program/project development, identifying issues, proposing corrective actions, and ensuring the quality and coherence of project work. The officer will also engage in policy development, conduct research, and provide substantive support for meetings and outreach activities, contributing to the overall mission of UN-Habitat.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including: participating in the development and evaluation of assigned programs/projects; monitoring and analyzing program/project development; performing consulting assignments and facilitating workshops; overseeing project quality and coherence; conducting research and analysis; assisting in policy development; designing data collection tools; preparing various written outputs; providing support for meetings and conferences; conducting training workshops; participating in field missions; coordinating activities related to displacement and refugee settlement integration; deploying normative tools for participatory planning; and collecting and analyzing data to provide insights for decision-making. The officer will also be expected to perform other duties as required, demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Landscape Architecture, Geographical Information Systems, urban planning and design, architecture, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of 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. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, and approaches, as well as the ability to analyze and resolve issues, conduct data collection, and apply judgment in assignments. Professional competence and mastery of subject matter are essential, along with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Landscape Architecture, Geographical Information Systems, urban planning and design, architecture, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics or related areas is considered desirable, indicating a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of urban planning and data management.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, particularly in landscape architecture, urban planning and design, or academic teaching and research, is required. Candidates should have proven experience in human settlements development, project design, and implementation, preferably within the United Nations or other international agencies. Familiarity with UN policies and procedures is desirable, as is experience in multicultural environments and urban planning initiatives. At least two years of experience in data analytics or related fields is also preferred, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making in urban planning.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term Appointment Limited role, initially for one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific eligibility criteria for each category. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.