Project Development Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, was established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Its mission is to provide adequate shelter for all, focusing on transforming urban areas into safer, healthier, and greener places. UN-Habitat collaborates with various organizations, including government bodies, civil society, and the private sector, to facilitate sustainable urban development. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, with a specific focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, which includes 13 member states. UN-Habitat's Regional Office for Africa has established sub-regional offices to enhance its presence and coordination at the country level, engaging with local governments, donors, and development partners to address urban challenges.

Job Overview:
The Project Development Expert will play a crucial role in developing guidelines and strategies for disaster risk management and the transformation of informal settlements within the SADC region. This position involves working closely with SADC member states and the UN-Habitat Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa to ensure that the guidelines are comprehensive, fair, and transparent. The expert will be responsible for conducting desk reviews of existing legislation and policies, leading consultations with member states, and developing disaster risk reduction mainstreaming guidelines. The role also includes organizing workshops for validation and training, ensuring that the strategies align with the needs of the urban poor and promote resilience in urban planning and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop Disaster Risk Reduction Mainstreaming Guidelines for resilient urban planning and development, ensuring effective communication and coordination with SADC member states and the SADC Secretariat.
• Conduct a thorough desk review of existing legislation, policies, strategies, and guidelines related to disaster risk reduction in the member states.
• Lead the consultation process to engage SADC member states in the development of the guidelines.
• Organize and conduct virtual validation workshops for the developed guidelines.
• Support the printing and publication of the guidelines.
• Organize and conduct training workshops for trainers on the developed guidelines.
• Develop a Risk-informed Regional Strategy for the Transformation of Informal Settlements in SADC member states, including conducting desk reviews and supporting consultations.
• Conduct validation workshops for the Regional Strategy and contribute to the development of a Regional Action Plan for its implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as Disaster Risk Management, Housing, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Management, or closely related areas. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with five additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 10 years of experience in sustainability of the built environment, resilience, housing, disaster risk reduction, or related fields is required. Familiarity with the SADC context is advantageous, and proven experience with UN-Habitat or other UN agencies is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Disaster Risk Management, Housing, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or Environmental Management. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by significant relevant experience, specifically five additional years in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in areas related to sustainability of the built environment, resilience, housing, disaster risk reduction, or disaster risk management. Candidates should have a strong background in urban planning and development, with a proven track record of working on projects that address urban challenges, particularly in the context of the SADC region.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 7 months, and the position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with work also taking place in Gaborone, Botswana. The role is full-time, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.