Local Community Engagement Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. The organization was founded in 1978 and has since been at the forefront of addressing urbanization challenges globally. UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries, focusing on improving living conditions in urban areas and advocating for sustainable urban development. The agency's mission is to provide adequate housing and shelter for all, and it plays a crucial role in shaping policies and practices that enhance urban living standards. UN-Habitat's work encompasses a wide range of issues, including housing, land, and property rights, urban planning, and community engagement, making it a pivotal player in the global discourse on urbanization and human settlements.

Job Overview:
The Local Community Engagement Expert will play a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness and coordination of UN-Habitat’s Durable Solutions Portfolio. This position is focused on strengthening community-based engagement and planning processes, particularly in the context of housing, land, and property issues, as well as improving access to essential services. The expert will work closely with local municipalities, community leaders, and various stakeholders to facilitate meaningful participation in program implementation. The role requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the need for sustainable solutions in urban settings. The expert will be responsible for coordinating community consultations, supporting awareness campaigns, and ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard in decision-making processes. This position is critical in addressing the urgent needs of IDPs in Somalia, particularly in Baidoa and Bosaso, where the Saameynta Joint Programme is being implemented to provide durable solutions to displacement-affected communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Local Community Engagement Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Facilitating meaningful community participation and engagement in program implementation, ensuring that the perspectives of local communities are integrated into planning and decision-making processes.
• Liaising with municipal departments and government counterparts to implement inclusive land governance activities, coordinating closely with the project management team.
• Organizing community consultations, awareness campaigns, and participatory planning sessions to foster community involvement.
• Supporting the implementation and monitoring of community action aspects of Agreements of Cooperation with municipal authorities.
• Strengthening formats that ensure meaningful participation in planning processes for solutions to displacement.
• Maintaining close working relationships with municipal departments, community leaders, and implementing partners to facilitate coordination and collaboration.
• Organizing coordination meetings, consultations, and workshops, ensuring representation from displacement-affected communities.
• Preparing consultation reports and meeting minutes, following up on agreed actions with stakeholders.
• Representing UN-Habitat in local coordination meetings and contributing to project reports, success stories, and technical documentation. 1
• Supporting the implementation of Social Tenure Domain Model activities, land tenure regularization, and settlement mapping. 1
• Compiling quarterly disaggregated data on tenure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security issuance to IDPs and host community members. 1
• Supporting housing model consultations and facilitating municipal task force meetings on housing. 1
• Performing any other assignments as requested by the project manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first university degree in social development, community engagement, or related fields. Advanced studies in social science, development studies, business administration, or another relevant field are desirable. A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience working with public-sector institutions is required, with demonstrated experience in community engagement and project implementation. Knowledge of humanitarian and development issues, including gender mainstreaming, is essential, along with experience in coordinating with stakeholders at various levels. Previous professional experience with the United Nations or another international organization is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first university degree in social development, community engagement, or related fields. Advanced studies in social science, development studies, business administration, or another related field are considered an asset, indicating a preference for candidates with a strong academic background in relevant disciplines.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in working with public-sector institutions and demonstrating experience in community engagement. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting project implementation in collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders, showcasing their ability to navigate complex environments and engage effectively with diverse groups.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and oral English and Somali is mandatory for this position. This requirement ensures that the expert can effectively communicate with local communities, stakeholders, and project partners, facilitating engagement and collaboration in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months, with a possible entry date in September 202

• UN-Habitat encourages qualified female candidates to apply, emphasizing its commitment to gender equality in its workforce. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.