Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements

The United Nations Human Settlements Program, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It 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. The position is located in the Capacity Development and Training Unit in the Programme Development Branch, Global Solutions Division.

The Unit combines knowledge, research, tools, skill development and training into a coherent capacity development strategy. The capacity building activities focus on national and local government institutions, partners, training institutions and UN-Habitat staff, making use of the knowledge and information generated from across UN-Habitat in the production of learning and capacity building tools, manuals and course companions for global application. It works closely with universities, training institutes, think tanks and private companies in the development and delivery of in-situ and online workshops and training in various thematic areas.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Capacity Development and Training Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1.Provision of capacity development services to national and local governments and UN-Habitat partners by: a) Undertaking activities covering the various stages of the training development cycle, and identification of institutional and individual capacity development gaps, b) Developing project proposals based on results-based management principles, liaise with potential funding agencies, and take part in resource mobilization and project acquisition strategies of the unit and the branch.

2. Support the development of relevant training and capacity development products, tools and courses in response to the needs of the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs by: a) engaging training institutions, universities and trainers in development and delivery of training programs; b) developing technical and content proposals for meeting the capacity needs of UN-Habitat programs and partners; c) undertaking training needs assessment within programs and organizations involved in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the SDGs. d) developing online training.

3.Contribute to the work programme of the Unit and the Branch in support to the Strategic Plan of UN-Habitat by: a) Taking part in branch-level and unit-level activities; assist in the reporting to senior management of UN-Habitat, revise and comment on reports to the UN secretariat; support the development of the work plan and its implementation, progress reporting and evaluation and monitoring. b) Performs other related duties as required.

4.Promote and Develop Habitat University Partnerships by: a) Identifying and engaging potential and actual partner Universities to support the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat; b) Keeping up to date database of partner Universities and Preparing progress reports and briefs; c) Exploring funding opportunities and develop programme documents to support University partnerships.

5. Provide technical and substantive support to regional and global university networks by: a) Identifying complementarities, emerging issues, innovation and other opportunities which would stimulate networking and engagement with UN-Habitat global normative activities and policy research and development; b) Developing concepts and proposals to support and implement Habitat Partner University networks to promote sustainable urbanization; c) Developing the design and architecture/structure of networks and supporting tools; d) Organizing roundtables, collaborative and networking events for Habitat Partner Universities.

6.Supporting the development and implementation of university curricula and courses by: a) Identifying key UN-Habitat messages, tools, approaches and practices, and work with universities on mainstreaming them into education and development of a new generation of urban professionals; b) Facilitating Habitat Universities access to UN-Habitat tools, publications and expertise and vice-versa; c) Developing and implementing continuing professional development; d) Preparing expert group meetings to support curricula development and its Implementation.

7. Supporting the mobilization and involvement of university partners in national and regional initiatives by: a) Facilitating operational links between Habitat Partner Universities and UN-Habitat regional offices; b) Identifying opportunities for university collaboration in country programme activities of UN-Habitat;

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Familiarity with UN policies and procedures. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. 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.

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.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING AND 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.

Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in architecture, urban planning, public administration, social development, development studies or similar area related to sustainable urban development is required. A first-level University Degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human settlements projects and programmes at national and local levels, of which at least two qualifying years must be at the international level is required.
Proven experience in human settlements development field, projects/programme design and implementation with the UN or other international agencies is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another French is a desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 January 2020, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.