Senior Policy Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an 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. The organization aims to leverage urbanization as a transformative force to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. UN-Habitat operates globally, working in numerous countries to address urban challenges and improve living conditions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Advisor position is located in the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director at UN-Habitat in Nairobi. The incumbent will play a crucial role in providing change management advice to the Executive Director and streamlining management practices and business processes within the Executive Office. This includes offering advisory support to the Chief of Staff on planning, human resources, management, and budget oversight. The role also involves making policy recommendations and providing advisory support on interagency partnerships, particularly focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), and UN Special Mandates. The Senior Policy Advisor will lead efforts to collect and analyze data, providing insights to identify trends or patterns that will inform data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. The position requires a strong understanding of the UN's institutional mandates and the ability to navigate complex political environments effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide change management advice to the Executive Director and streamline management practices and business processes within the Executive Office and with Heads of Branches and Offices.
• Offer advisory support to the Chief of Staff on planning, human resources, management, and budget oversight.
• Develop policy recommendations and provide advisory support to the Executive Director on interagency partnerships, focusing on UNSDG, IASC, and UN Special Mandates.
• Lead team efforts to collect and analyze data, providing insights to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting.
• Ensure accessibility and integration of data for all stakeholders.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders to support the organization's objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented policies and practices, making adjustments as necessary.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and external stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity and gender balance within the organization. 1
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on best practices in policy advising and management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent knowledge of the institutional mandates, policies, and procedures of the United Nations. They should have experience in coordinating activities of high-level officials and providing policy advice on a range of managerial and political questions. Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop policy options and strategies are essential. Candidates must demonstrate sound political judgment, diplomatic skills, and the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making. They should also exhibit professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to achieving results while maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in development studies, political science, international relations, management, or a related discipline is required. A first university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying 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 considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in international development, political affairs, and/or management in a politically sensitive environment is required. This must include at least five years at the international level. Experience in providing strategic policy advice to senior-level officials is essential, while experience in executive direction and management of a multilateral organization is desirable. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. Eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. Staff members who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement during the temporary need period are not eligible to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates must provide complete and accurate information in their applications.