Urban Waste Management Specialist

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Position Title: Urban Waste Management Specialist
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all 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 through urbanization as a transformative force. The organization operates globally, focusing on enhancing urban living conditions and addressing the challenges of urbanization.

Job Overview:
The Urban Waste Management Specialist position is situated within the Urban Basic Services Section of the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) under the Global Solutions Division (GSD) in Nairobi. The role is primarily focused on urban waste management, where the incumbent will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects related to waste management. This includes monitoring and analyzing project development, conducting research, assisting in policy development, and preparing various written outputs such as reports and technical guides. The specialist will also engage in outreach activities, conduct training workshops, and participate in field missions, providing guidance to external consultants and government officials. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying issues and proposing solutions, as well as the ability to analyze data to inform decision-making and planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Waste Management Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned waste management programs/projects, monitoring progress, and proposing corrective actions as necessary.
• Conducting consulting assignments in collaboration with clients, facilitating workshops, and assisting in the development of action plans.
• Researching and analyzing information from diverse sources to support program objectives.
• Assisting in policy development by reviewing and analyzing trends and preparing evaluations.
• Designing data collection tools and conducting surveys to gather relevant data.
• Preparing written outputs such as background papers, analyses, and technical guides.
• Providing support for meetings and conferences, including document preparation and participant identification.
• Conducting outreach activities and training workshops to disseminate knowledge and best practices.
• Participating in field missions and providing guidance to external consultants and government officials. 1
• Coordinating budget and funding activities related to waste management projects and preparing necessary reports. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of urban waste management theories, concepts, and approaches. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze issues, assist with data collection, and conduct independent research. The role requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage conflicting priorities, and a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work. Professionalism, accountability, and effective communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, management, engineering, economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of responsible experience in the development and implementation of waste management projects is required. Candidates should have experience engaging with the donor community for resource mobilization related to waste management projects. Experience working within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable, along with two or more years of experience in data analytics or related fields.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or another United Nations official language is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding), while knowledge is defined as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions throughout their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Candidates who have committed serious violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or have been involved in misconduct may not be considered for employment. The recruitment process is free of charge, and applicants are urged to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.