Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly with the mission 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, advocating for urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, focusing on urban development and housing issues, and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position is situated within the Knowledge and Innovation Branch of UN-Habitat's Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division. The incumbent will play a crucial role in supporting the global monitoring and reporting of the New Urban Agenda, which is a framework aimed at fostering sustainable urban development. This role involves participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects, as well as monitoring and analyzing their progress. The officer will be responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings to inform policy development and decision-making. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials and external consultants, to facilitate workshops and training sessions aimed at managing change and promoting sustainable urban practices. The officer will also be tasked with preparing written outputs, such as reports and background papers, and providing substantive support for meetings and conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Officer include:

• Supporting the global monitoring and reporting of the New Urban Agenda.
• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, monitoring their progress, and proposing corrective actions as necessary.
• Conducting consulting assignments, facilitating workshops, and assisting clients in developing action plans.
• Researching, analyzing, and presenting information from diverse sources to inform policy development.
• Designing data collection tools and conducting surveys to gather insights on urban development trends.
• Preparing various written outputs, including reports, analyses, and publications.
• Providing support for consultative meetings, including agenda preparation and document drafting.
• Conducting outreach activities and training workshops to promote sustainable urban practices.
• Participating in field missions and providing guidance to external consultants and government officials. 1
• Coordinating budget and funding activities related to programme/project preparation and reporting. 1
• Analyzing data to identify trends and providing insights for decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to urban planning and development. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct independent research, and manage conflicting priorities effectively. Professionalism, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills are essential for success in this role. The candidate should also show a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban planning, economics, international development, architecture, or a related field is required. Alternatively, 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.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Experience in preparing global and regional reports on urban development is desirable, as is experience in implementing and monitoring the New Urban Agenda. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related field is preferred.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term Appointment Limited (FTA-L) for an initial period of one year, subject to extension based on funding availability. The appointment is limited to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be reassigned to different functions as needed. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.