National Professional Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1978 with the 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 gained significant recognition for its expertise in urban development processes over its forty years of operation, focusing on the aspirations of cities and their residents. The Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS), established in 2011 in Cairo, Egypt, provides technical cooperation and capacity building for 18 countries across the Arab region, promoting policies and operational projects aimed at achieving sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat ROAS currently manages 12 active country programmes, ensuring that cities become inclusive and affordable drivers of economic growth and social development.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position at UN-Habitat ROAS in Cairo involves supporting the implementation of the strategic plan and programme activities of the office. The incumbent will conduct research and provide background information to aid in the formulation of regional programmes, coordinate with relevant branches at headquarters, and enhance women and youth engagement in urban issues. The role also includes identifying opportunities for new programme development, analyzing and providing inputs for substantive briefs, and ensuring effective coordination with UN agencies and stakeholders. The officer will assist in preparing various written outputs, support events and meetings, and coordinate field missions. Additionally, the position requires establishing strategic partnerships and supporting resource mobilization efforts, including donor intelligence and mapping funding opportunities. The officer will also contribute to data collection and analysis, providing insights for data-driven decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of UN-Habitat ROAS Strategic plan and programme activities by conducting research, providing background information, and coordinating with relevant branches at HQ.
• Initiate regional activities to enhance women and youth engagement in urban issues.
• Identify opportunities for new programme/project development and analyze potential areas of cooperation.
• Ensure effective coordination and networking with UN agencies, clients, stakeholders, and programme partners.
• Assist in preparing written outputs, including background papers and reports.
• Provide substantive support to events and meetings, including organizing workshops and seminars.
• Support field missions with data collection and substantive support.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization efforts.
• Conduct mapping of donors and monitor funding opportunities. 1
• Contribute to the design and implementation of partnerships and resource mobilization strategies. 1
• Collect and analyze data, identifying trends and providing insights for planning and reporting. 1
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in architecture, urban development, social sciences, business administration, economics, geography, or a related field. 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. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and strong planning and organizing abilities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as architecture, urban development, social sciences, business administration, economics, geography, or development-related fields is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in housing and sustainable urban development, focusing on participatory processes and cross-cutting issues such as human rights, gender, youth, and climate change. Experience in urban development paradigms and the socio-political situation of the Arab Region is desirable. Familiarity with the United Nations System or similar international organizations is also advantageous, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. It is open to nationals of Egypt only, and candidates must be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Egyptian nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for any travel and relocation costs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening is posted and well before the deadline.