National Project Manager

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Position Title: National Project Manager
Location: Pretoria
Country: South Africa
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable human settlements development and ensure adequate shelter for all. Founded over forty-five years ago, UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on enhancing urban environments and addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. The organization has a significant presence in Africa, with its Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) and the Sub-regional Office of Southern Africa covering 13 countries, including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius. UN-Habitat's mission is to foster socially and environmentally sustainable urban development, with a strategic focus on climate action and improving urban environments as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

Job Overview:
The National Project Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the RISE UP project in South Africa, which aims to enhance climate resilience among vulnerable urban communities. This position is integral to the establishment of UN-Habitat's new office in South Africa, which is expected to be operational by early 202

• The RISE UP initiative focuses on boosting resilience and socio-economic prosperity for urban poor communities by addressing climate-related disruptions and improving access to essential services. The National Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the objectives of the South Africa Country Programme and the RISE UP project are met, working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, municipalities, and urban stakeholders. This role requires a strong commitment to sustainable urban planning and climate adaptation strategies, as well as the ability to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Manager will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation and coordination of UN-Habitat's programmes in South Africa, ensuring alignment with national urban development priorities.
• Assisting in partnership development and stakeholder engagement for broader urban resilience initiatives.
• Providing technical assistance and policy recommendations to government agencies and urban stakeholders.
• Developing knowledge-sharing mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives to enhance urban resilience capabilities.
• Contributing to research, publications, and policy papers related to climate-resilient urban development.
• Supporting reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of UN-Habitat activities.
• Overseeing daily management of RISE UP project activities, ensuring compliance with deliverables.
• Developing criteria for urban community selection based on climate risks and vulnerabilities.
• Facilitating consultations with city administrations to identify vulnerable urban communities. 1
• Coordinating with GIS experts to analyze data on climate impacts and socio-economic issues. 1
• Conducting policy reviews to assess urban development strategies and climate change policies. 1
• Supporting vulnerability assessments and spatial mapping efforts. 1
• Organizing capacity-building workshops and knowledge exchange forums. 1
• Developing training materials and facilitating sessions on urban resilience. 1
• Leading documentation and dissemination of project outcomes. 1
• Preparing regular project progress reports and ensuring compliance with reporting guidelines. 1
• Traveling to project sites as required to monitor implementation and provide support. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the RISE UP Coordinator and Southern Africa Hub Manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (MA/MSC) in a relevant field, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in environmental impact assessment and planning. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor's degree (BA/BSC) in a relevant field must have at least 4 years of relevant work experience. Proven experience in social inclusion, particularly regarding gender, disability, conflict, and fragility in planning contexts, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate substantial knowledge in environmental assessment and planning, climate change vulnerabilities in urban areas, and environmental and social safeguarding. Recognized experience in consultation methodologies and training development is also required, along with the ability to draft and implement policy guidance and develop practical tools and resources.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree (MA/MSC) in a relevant field is required, or a Bachelor's degree (BA/BSC) with additional years of experience. The educational background should be focused on environmental impact assessment, urban planning, or related fields that equip the candidate with the necessary skills to manage projects effectively and contribute to sustainable urban development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Master's degree, or 4 years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Experience should include environmental impact assessment and planning, with a focus on urban resilience and climate adaptation strategies. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working with diverse stakeholders and implementing integrated strategic planning approaches.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French or other UN languages is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and it is essential to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, free from any financial obligations for applicants.