Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Founded to address the challenges of urbanization, UN-Habitat aims to foster socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. The organization operates with a mission to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty through inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development. With its headquarters located in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-Habitat has established a Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Fukuoka, Japan, which was set up in 1997 as the second regional office of the organization. ROAP oversees a diverse portfolio of programs and projects across over 30 developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, managing 15 country offices. The office is staffed by a team of specialists in substantive and administrative/finance roles, all working under the guidance of a Regional Representative. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including local and national governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, to promote partnerships and development cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements position is a critical role within the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Fukuoka, Japan. The incumbent will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects that align with UN-Habitat's mission and objectives. This role requires a deep understanding of Japan's national context and involves intensive collaboration with local and national counterparts to foster partnerships and development cooperation. The officer will engage with various stakeholders, including Japanese ministries, local governments, and private sector entities, to promote sustainable urban development initiatives. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for resource mobilization and partnership development, ensuring that the ROAP's strategies are effectively implemented and adapted to the evolving urban landscape in Japan. The incumbent will also be tasked with monitoring and assessing the progress of programs, providing substantive support to maintain existing partnerships, and generating relevant program resources with Japanese partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Officer include: developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programs/projects; monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying problems and initiating corrective actions; liaising with relevant parties; ensuring follow-up actions; providing substantive support to maintain partnerships in Japan; identifying opportunities with the private sector, local governments, and academia; developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies; monitoring and assessing ROAP strategies; preparing inputs on due diligence processes for potential investment opportunities; engaging with external stakeholders; coordinating with UN-Habitat entities; performing consulting assignments; researching and analyzing information; coordinating policy development; generating survey initiatives; organizing written outputs; providing backstopping to meetings and conferences; initiating outreach activities; leading field missions; coordinating budget funding activities; collecting and analyzing data; and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in sustainable development, project management, or a related field. The position requires advanced knowledge of urban development policies and practices, as well as experience in strategic planning and resource mobilization. The ideal candidate should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A strong understanding of Japan's urban development landscape and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders is essential. The candidate should also exhibit analytical skills and the ability to manage conflicting priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, business administration, management, economics, 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project or program management, or a related area is required. Additionally, at least five years of experience in a senior advisory or leadership role within an international organization is necessary. Experience in resource mobilization related to urban development cooperation and donor relations is also required. Familiarity with government functions and senior advisory roles in support of government bodies is desirable, as is experience in organizing high-level events involving business and government. Two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area is also desirable.

Languages:
English and Japanese are required for this position. The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages at UN Level II. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

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 position is open to nationals of Japan only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is found, Japanese nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for any relocation costs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must ensure that their application is complete and accurate, as this information will be used to assess eligibility and suitability for the position.