UN-Habitat Senior Advisor

Under the general supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer (SHSO) for West Africa at the Regional Office for Africa, and in close collaboration with the Technical Leading Team (TLT) of the project, as well as the UNDP focal points at the country level, the Senior Advisor will be responsible for UN-Habitat activities in West Africa, in the Regional Representation for Africa (RRfA). The focus of this job is the provision of substantive and policy advice to the National Programme Officer of the Gambia and support fundraising efforts in The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia as part of UN-Habitat’s anchorage in the three countries.

Banjul, Gambia

6 months

Background: The 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. Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: This position of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is located in Banjul, The Gambia. The Senior Advisor reports to the Senior Programme Management Officer responsible for coordinating UN-Habitat activities in West Africa, in the Regional Representation for Africa (RRfA). The focus of this job is the provision of substantive and policy advice to the National Programme Officer of the Gambia and support fundraising efforts in The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia as part of UN-Habitat’s anchorage in the three countries. Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Senior Advisor will be responsible for the following duties: • Support the National Programme Officer in connecting with the relevant institutions of the country to ensure UN-Habitat’s integration in the network of actors and to ensure the successful implementation of UN-Habitat’s projects; • Provide substantive and policy advice to the National Programme Officer of The Gambia, as well as to the Senior Programme Management Officer of the sub-region; • Provide technical and substantive inputs in fundraising documents for the programmes of The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia; • Build UN-Habitat’s relationships with donors and financial partners in the sub-region, through monitoring funding opportunities for the West-African subregional Hub; • Supports building a strong collaboration between UN-Habitat and the national government and Local Governmental Authorities of The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia. • Performs other duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies in The Gambia. Representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, consultants in The Gambia. Results Expected: - Enhances the quality of UN-Habitat’s work in The Gambia; - Provides thorough, well-reasoned written contributions to the UN-Habitat’s activities in The Gambia; - Facilitates the mobilization of national partners for the implementation of the activities; - Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the National Programme Officer and team of The Gambia; and - Grows UN-Habitat’s portfolio in The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban/regional development, management, socioeconomic or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree is acceptable. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area in an international context. A demonstrable understanding of urban development processes, urban planning, urban social issues, urban policy analysis and/ or the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus is required. Good understanding and knowledge of urbanization issues in the Sahel region is required Experience in coordinating and working with high-level government officials and/ or UN bodies is highly desirable. Experience delivering training and capacity development activities is highly desirable.

Fluency in oral and written French and English is required.

N/A

THE 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.