Urban Finance & Economy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable and resilient urban environments. The organization focuses on urbanization and human settlement issues globally, aiming to create well-planned, efficient cities with adequate housing and access to essential services. UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries, working on various projects that enhance urban living conditions and governance.

Job Overview:
The Urban Finance & Economy Specialist will play a crucial role in facilitating the transition of Turkana and Garissa Counties towards the Shirika Plan, which aims to improve financial sustainability in the Kakuma and Dadaab-Hagadera Municipalities. The consultant will be responsible for diagnosing the current financial positions of these counties, designing a tailored Own Source Revenue (OSR) strategy, and building the capacity of local stakeholders to implement these strategies effectively. This position is vital for establishing a foundation for sustainable service delivery in refugee-hosting municipalities, moving away from reliance on humanitarian aid to locally managed services. The consultancy is expected to last for three months, during which the consultant will engage with various stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to urban finance and economy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a range of responsibilities under the supervision of the Team Lead on Finance and Economy. Key duties include conducting a diagnostic assessment of the financial landscape in Dadaab-Hagadera and Kakuma, reviewing existing legal and policy frameworks, assessing service delivery gaps, and estimating current service needs. The consultant will also analyze county assets and liabilities, identify cost-saving opportunities, and develop a strategy for enhancing OSR. Additionally, the consultant will engage with stakeholders, prepare high-quality reports and presentations, and represent the Finance and Economy team in various meetings. The role requires a collaborative approach to ensure that the recommendations are practical and tailored to the unique context of the counties involved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, Political Science, Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. The position requires at least two years of relevant work experience in public finance, public policy, or local economic development, with a preference for candidates who have experience in Own Source Revenue and municipal finance. Experience working in developing countries and with international development agencies, particularly the United Nations, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Policy, or Development Studies is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in public finance, public policy, or local economic development. Experience specifically related to Own Source Revenue and municipal finance is highly desirable. Candidates with prior experience in developing countries and those who have worked with international development agencies, including the United Nations, will be given preference. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial systems in refugee-hosting municipalities.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili is required for this position. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for producing high-quality written outputs in line with UN-Habitat standards.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for three months, and the position is full-time. The consultant will be expected to work closely with various stakeholders, including county governments, municipal leaders, and other partners. The role involves significant stakeholder engagement and representation, requiring strong communication and project management skills. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.