National Programme Expert

Result of ServiceUpon completion of the contract, the outcome of the reports and documents based on current and future challenges and showing how the sustainable urban development to be directed and what governance actions will be needed both in formal and informal settings, will assist in giving priority to issues that require immediate action by the countries with the support of UN-Habitat. The reports and documents will be fair and transparent in defining the future and willingness to contribute towards the future of urban governance and sustainable urban development in countries particularly Namibia. Work LocationGaborone, Botswana Expected duration12 MONTHS Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-HABITAT helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, healthier, greener places with better opportunities where everyone can live with dignity. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development. Background UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) established a structure of four sub-regional hubs (East/West/Central/South) to strengthen UN-Habitat presence in sub-regional/country level by engaging sub-regional/country level coordination and activities including the UNCTs, the UN AFPs initiatives, governments, donors, development partners, sub-regional entities and any other relevant dialogues. UN-Habitat Sub-Regional Hub for Southern Africa covers 13 countries including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius; and the South African Development Community Secretariat (SADC) based in Botswana; and providing substantive assistance to the country level as well as sub-regional level. Botswana is a landlocked country, located in the Southern African region bordering South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, Botswana is an upper-middle income country with a population of approximately 2.25 million, with a relatively young population. Since its independence, Botswana has experienced steady urbanization. By 2026, 80% of Botswana’s population is estimated to live in urban centers, concentrated along the country’s eastern and northern borders. While the reality of urbanization in Botswana is not charactered by high density and large informal settlements, it has augmented the already prevalent inequality in the country. Moreover, there is limited capacity to implement the National Spatial Plan 2036 at a local and regional level. This is manifested most often in inadequate housing for the urban poor, especially in urban centers such as Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, Francistown and Lobatse. Given the situation, UN-Habitat and the Government of the Republic of Botswana together entered to the substantive collaboration in the country particularly in the field of housing and human settlements, spatial planning, urban resilience, climate change adaptation, land, and sustainable urban development. This also comes into the Government of Botswana’s ambitions to be a high-income digital economy engaging with UN-Habitat and United Nations Innovation Technology Accelerator for Cities (UNITAC) in Botswana. In addition, UN-Habitat and the SADC hosted in Gaborone, Botswana, signed an agreement to cooperate on areas related to climate adaptation, climate mitigation, disaster risk management, people-centered smart cities, research, knowledge exchange, monitoring and evaluation, and financing for development. The substantive cooperation between the SADC and UN-Habitat is critical that will bring synergy to respond the emerging challenges and opportunities in Botswana and the SADC Member States. Reporting Line The National Programme Expert work under the supervision of the Head of UN-Habitat Sub Regional Hub for Southern Africa. The Expert will work closely with the technical, the operation and the Botswana Country Office project teams for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues, and communications. Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of UN-Habitat Sub Regional Hub for Southern Africa, and/or his/her designate, the Expert will be responsible for the following duties: Duties and responsibilities 1. Establish a platform for strengthened collaboration and cooperation between UN-Habitat, Government of Botswana entities, civil society organisations, private sector and development partners working towards achieving national, regional, and international sustainable agendas. 2. Provide normative support, advisory services, and technical assistance to Government of Botswana entities on issues related to urban planning, adequate housing, people-centred smart cities, waste management and climate change. 3. Strengthen capacities and capabilities, especially through academic partnerships, of national and subnational institutions for improved, effective, and efficient urban management and development. 4. Strengthen regional collaborations through the SADC towards sustainable urbanization through knowledge exchange and resource mobilization, leveraging Botswana’s unique position as host of the SADC Secretariat, and UN-Habitat’s engagements in countries in the southern African sub region. 5. Engage on strengthen UN-Habitat presence in Southern African Sub Region.a Qualifications/special skillsMaster degree (or equivalent) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning or a related field is required. A first level university degree in addition to two more years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. : A minimum of three years of progressive experience in multi-disciplinary human settlements development assistance, field project coordination, project management or related field is required. Proven experience with the UN-Habitat or other UN agencies is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language would be an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.