Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. Under the supervision of the Chief, Land, Housing and Shelter Section, and Chief, Urban Practices Branch, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: ResponsibilitiesDeveloping and implementing UN-HABITAT’s normative activities related to housing policy, with the main focus on slum upgrading and prevention through pro-poor housing delivery mechanisms, and assisting in the design, advice and implementation of relevant strategies and programmes in collaboration with other UN-HABITAT units in line with the Strategic Plan and other relevant frameworks; responsible for research and networking; updating existing knowledge and information sources in the organisation; prepare documentation for the governing bodies of UN-HABITAT, World Urban Forum and other international bodies and conferences and contribute to relevant programmes. 1) Designs and co-ordinates normative aspects including research and monitoring activities related to enabling housing policies and strategies with particular focus on slum prevention and upgrading, through: a) In relation to the Strategic Plan and other relevant frameworks, monitoring progress in the development of enabling policies, approaches and tools globally and exploring innovative approaches to address in particular housing targets, including informal and slum housing; b) Reviewing and assessing developments in the shelter field globally and on-going research activities particularly regarding slum upgrading and prevention to develop pro-poor strategies; c) Updating and developing documentation on relevant subjects such as policy and implementation guidelines, standards, tool kits and strategy papers; d) Contributing to the production of the World Cities Report and UN-HABITAT policy statements on topics regarding slum upgrading and housing delivery; e) Updating housing development programmes and projects with particular focus on pro-poor slum upgrading and housing delivery policies, strategies and modalities contributing to the development of database, web-site, tools, media packs and related promotional materials; f) Contributing to relevant campaigns and global programmes on housing and land from the housing side. 2) Performs advisory and networking functions, to governments, agencies, organizations, institutions, individuals on issues and operational activities related to pro-poor slum upgrading and housing development, through: a) Organizing and co-ordinating ad-hoc expert-group meetings and other activities such as regional policy consultations, capacity building workshops and seminars on technical exchange of experiences; b) Preparing background material for the meetings; c) Identifying and liaising with consultants, resource persons and other participants; d) Undertaking logistical arrangements for such meetings; e) Representing UN-HABITAT at these meetings by preparing and presenting papers; f) Preparing final reports of the meetings; g) Undertaking technical advisory backstopping missions, augmenting work of UN-HABITAT Regional Offices and strategic partners, with emphasis on policy and institutional development, practical procedural advice and developing tools and guidelines as well as monitoring project execution; h) Promoting initiatives executed by UN-HABITAT Regional Offices and strategic partners for slum upgrading, improving living conditions of slum dwellers including social, economic and environmental aspects; i) Establishing and implementing cooperation agreements, MOUs and grant agreements for governments and strategic partners, monitoring effective use of funds allocation; j) Co-ordinating special initiatives requested by the Executive Director on slum upgrading, housing delivery and activities such as relief operations, programmes and projects for provision of emergency shelters, and disaster management; k) Setting up a network with stakeholders to facilitate information and experience exchange. 3) Contributes to the implementation of UN-Habitat and UN inter-agency activities through: a) Research and other activities necessary to produce thematic publications; b) Organisation of awareness campaigns, training and capacity-building activities; c) Further development of the housing related knowledge and databases; d) Establishment of networks with stakeholders in the housing rights field; e) Supporting global monitoring and evaluation systems related to housing rights; f) Development and implementation of advisory mechanisms and field projects related to housing rights; g) Organisation and co-ordination of ad-hoc expert-groups meetings and other activities such as regional consultations, workshops and seminars within the housing rights field with specific focus on the right to secure tenure. 4) Develops, mobilizes resources for and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. 5) Contribution to general administration and documentation with regard to activities of the UN-HABITAT governing bodies and World Urban Forum, through: a) Servicing the Sessions of the governing bodies, the World Urban Forum and inter-governmental conferences and seminars by preparing documents on slum upgrading and prevention and pro-poor housing delivery; b) Supplying inputs as requested by partners and the Committee of Permanent Representatives on relevant topics in these areas. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Performs other duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in architecture, engineering or urban/regional planning, with focus on issues related to shelter development, slum upgrading and enabling housing policies in Developing Countries is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of experience, including at least six years at the international level, with normative work on low-income slum upgrading and housing policies and programmes is required. Experience in field research in the broad field of housing and urban development, including slums, informal settlements is required. Publications –including co-authoring- in one of the following themes: housing and/ or land right, slum upgrading, building materials and technology is desirable. Experience in projects on slum upgrading in Asia, Africa or Latin America is desirable. Experience making presentations on behalf of an organization at international/national meetings is desirable. Experience in developing and/or implementing international sustainable development programmes involving donor community, clients and civil society groups is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).