Development Coordination Officer/Engineer

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. Founded to address the challenges of urbanization, UN-Habitat works globally to foster inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. The organization operates in numerous countries, with its headquarters located in Nairobi, Kenya. UN-Habitat emphasizes its commitment to supporting development priorities in Kenya, aligning its initiatives with national frameworks such as Kenya Vision 203

• The Kenya Country Programme, under the Regional Office for Africa, coordinates the organization's efforts with the Government of Kenya and various partners to implement projects that enhance urban development, infrastructure, and basic services, particularly in underserved areas. One of its key projects in Turkana County focuses on improving water supply facilities for refugees and host communities, funded by the Government of Japan through JICA, aiming to benefit approximately 468,000 individuals.

Job Overview:
The Development Coordination Officer/Engineer position is a fixed-term role based in Kakuma, Kenya, under the supervision of the Human Settlements Officer, Head of the Kenya Country Programme. The incumbent will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the JICA-funded project aimed at enhancing water supply for refugees and host communities. This position requires a blend of technical and operational expertise in engineering, infrastructure development, urban planning, data analysis, and program management. The officer will contribute to the effective delivery of sustainable and inclusive development solutions, ensuring that project activities align with community needs and priorities. The role involves regular field missions, collaboration with various stakeholders, and the maintenance of project databases and reporting systems to facilitate informed decision-making and project transparency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: supporting the implementation of project work plans and engineering activities; coordinating daily project activities with county government departments and partners; conducting field missions and site inspections; supervising infrastructure works to ensure compliance with technical specifications and quality standards; participating in technical assessments and feasibility studies; collecting and maintaining project data for monitoring and reporting; preparing various reports and documentation; facilitating community consultations and stakeholder meetings; liaising with local authorities and community representatives; identifying implementation risks and recommending solutions; assisting in procurement processes; monitoring contractor performance; ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards; documenting lessons learned; preparing technical training sessions; and maintaining accurate project documentation and records.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, civil engineering, 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. Additionally, certifications or training in green infrastructure, sustainable construction, and inclusive infrastructure frameworks are desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of sustainable development theories and possess strong analytical and research skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as sustainable development or civil engineering. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics or related fields is also desirable, indicating a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and project management.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressive work experience is required, particularly in providing strategic engineering support related to project management, research, and data analysis in development contexts. Experience with multidisciplinary engineering infrastructure projects, including water supply and sanitation systems, is essential. Familiarity with refugee and host community settings, especially in challenging duty stations like Kakuma, is highly desirable. Experience within the United Nations system or similar organizations is also a plus, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a required level of UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either Kiswahili or Swahili at the same level is required. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse communities and stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment limited to one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continuation of the mandate and availability of funding. It is open exclusively to nationals of Kenya, and candidates must be residing in the country or within commuting distance of the office. The role is subject to local recruitment policies, and selected candidates will not be eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.