Project Coordination Officer

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Position Title: Project Coordination Officer
Location: Kakuma
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency established by the UN General Assembly with a mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, with headquarters, regional, and country offices, and engages in numerous technical cooperation projects, including the construction of essential facilities such as water and sanitation systems and shelters. The Urban Practices Branch (UPB) and the Planning, Finance & Economy Section (PFES) are key components of UN-Habitat, focusing on developing planning policies, norms, guidelines, and urban finance to support urban and territorial planning at all scales. UN-Habitat's work aligns with global commitments, including the Global Compact on Refugees and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the integration of refugee and host communities and promoting sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordination Officer position is located in the UN-Habitat Office in Kakuma and is supervised by the Programme Management Officer of the Planning Finance and Economy Section. The incumbent will play a crucial role in providing analytical support for the development and implementation of UN-Habitat project coordination, focusing on data and research strategies. This includes assisting in the design and implementation of projects aligned with the Country Common Analysis (CCA) and UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The officer will undertake empirical analysis, data mining, and visualization to develop reports on sustainable development topics related to the projects. Additionally, the role involves contributing to the development of strategic project partnerships, monitoring and reporting on project results, and supporting knowledge management and capacity development related to urban planning and infrastructure development. The position requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including UN entities, government counterparts, and civil society, to enhance the effectiveness of urban planning and finance in crisis response.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides analytical support for the development and implementation of UN-Habitat project coordination, including data and research strategies. This involves designing and implementing project designs in alignment with CCA and UNDAF, conducting empirical analysis, and compiling information on sustainable development.
• Assists in developing and expanding strategic project partnerships with UN entities, government counterparts, and research institutes. This includes facilitating engagement with national planning systems and contributing to communication and coordination with partners.
• Contributes to monitoring and reporting on UN-Habitat project results, supporting inter-agency efforts on results monitoring, and serving as the project focal point for M&E initiatives.
• Supports knowledge management and capacity development related to urban planning, sharing best practices, and contributing to the exchange of knowledge with external partners.
• Engages in data collection and analysis, identifying trends, and providing insights through data visualization methods.
• Documents requirements and background information for data analysis, ensuring comprehensive support for project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. They should demonstrate proficiency in research, data analysis, and report writing on sustainable development issues. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Additionally, candidates should exhibit professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, urban planning, rural development, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work 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 two years of relevant experience in providing strategic urban planning support, research, and data analysis is required. Candidates should have experience in participatory planning and advocating for the humanitarian-development nexus in conflict displacement contexts. Familiarity with tools such as Settlement Approach Guidance Note, Environmental NEAT+, and GIS-related mapping tools is desirable. Experience working in hardship areas like Kakuma and Dadaab, particularly in refugee camps, is also preferred. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Kiswahili/Swahili is desirable, and knowledge of another United Nations official language is also considered an asset. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a project post with an appointment for a period of 364 days, subject to extension. The position is open to nationals of Kenya only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Kenyan nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for any travel and relocation costs. The position is subject to local recruitment, and staff in the General Service and related categories will be recruited in the country or commuting distance of the office, regardless of nationality. 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 is critical for the hiring manager's assessment.