The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Land, Housing & Shelter Section aims to develop, document, pilot/test and disseminate norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, operating procedures and practices at global, regional, national and sub-national levels in support of a) the equitable supply of serviced land at scale; b) efficient and effective land management systems; c) freedom from arbitrary or forced eviction and the protection of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of tenure for all; d) the progressive achievement of universal access to housing meeting the requirements for an adequate standard of living; e) participatory urban regeneration and slum upgrading. The new post is essential to establishing consistent results based management of projects and activities within the Section. This is a basic element of quality delivery by the Section and to its role as a guarantor of quality across UN-Habitat in the Section’s field. The Staff Member will support GLTN Programme and other Section’s programmes and interventions (like PSUP) on the increasing demands for the application of pro-poor land information tools towards effective land governance and tenure security, people-centered slum upgrading and enhanced land-based financial mechanisms. Provide the necessary strategic and technical support to other Branches/Units, regional and country offices on their needs and requirements on geospatial technologies and tools. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
Responsibilities•Contribute to promoting the use and application of comparable indicators to promote tenure security via normative knowledge, tools and methodologies. The roll out of data collection at country level in support of the efforts of the custodian agencies linked with SDGs indicator1.4.2, other land related indicators included in SDG2, 5, 11, 15 and 16 is a priority as well as support to other global and regional frameworks on land governance. •Contribute to mobilizing, facilitating and convening the land and data communities through workshops and expert group meetings to debate, share best practices and develop initiatives in land governance monitoring. •In collaboration with the UN-Habitat Global Urban Observatory Unit – develop collaborative arrangements with Global Land Indicators Initiative (GLII) partners and others including GLTN partners, for effectiveness and efficiency of delivery, advocacy and influencing; and the conceptualization of the development of a global status report on land governance, involving custodians and other data agencies. •Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identifies and track follow-up actions. •Perform consulting assignments, in collaboration with partners, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assist in developing action plans partners will use to manage change. •Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources. •Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. •Undertake survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions. •Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. •Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. •Undertake outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities. •Participate in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. •Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). •Perform other duties as required.
CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, urban development or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in land or natural resource related project or programme management or related area is required. Work experience in planning and monitoring United Nations or similar organizations Technical Assistance Projects and Programmes with project managers and external partners in a multicultural environment is required. Experience of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related indicator and statistical processes is desirable. Experience of social inclusion issues, particularly gender and youth is desirable. Experience in the delivery of Technical Assistance projects and programmes in the Land and Housing Sectors using a Human Rights Based Approach is desirable.
LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. "NOTE: "fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and " Knowledge of" equals a rating of " confident" in two of the four areas.