HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OFFICER, P4,(RIO DE JANEIRO; FUKUOKA; NAIROBI; MONROVIA; TRIPOLI; MAPUTO; WINDHOEK)

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the 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. These posts are located in multiple duty stations under the Regional Office of UN-Habitat.
		Responsibilities
	Reporting to the Director of the respective Regional Office, the incumbent will perform the following functions: Project Implementation: • Effective and efficient execution of UN-Habitat projects, through technical guidance, quality, cost control and management support; • Effective and efficient management of the project resources as per approved project document or substantive work plan. This activity includes coordinating overall work plans and budgets, preparing relevant documentation and reports, initiating procurement and recruitment of human resources, and liaising with implementing partners to ensure quality and timely delivery of UN-Habitat’s projects and programmes. Technical Assistance, Advisory Services and Outreach: • Review and analyse issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies; • Conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities; • Provide quality technical input into project activities as well as to national institutions in line with Medium Term Strategic and Institutional Plan (MTSIP) and the relevant thematic area. Representation and Liaising with key stakeholders: • Represent UN-Habitat vis-a-vis project partners and local and national government as per work plan or project document; • Manage, develop and maintain close working relationships with relevant national and international partners, stakeholders, and other UN Agencies in the Duty Station. Perform other duties relevant to the position defined as per country/region project and approved work plan. Duty Stations and specific duties: Monrovia (Liberia) This post requires a strong background in land management and identification of land dispute typologies in conflict area, and their appropriate resolution mechanisms. The Incumbent will need to maintain and work closely with the Liberia Land Commission, as well as with other relevant national counterparts in Monrovia and in the Field. Nairobi (Kenya), Maputo (Mozambique), Windhoek (Namibia), Tripoli (Libya) A strong background in sustainable urbanization, public service delivery, housing development and livelihoods particularly in conflict and post conflict areas is required. Support will also be needed at the regional level in the areas of disaster risk reduction, environment and climate change and urban planning. Fukuoka (Japan) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) The incumbent will promote and coordinate active participation of project offices in the relevant Medium Term Strategic Institutional Plan, as well as coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the Habitat Country Programme Documents and support/stimulate the inter-divisional cooperation at country level through the enhanced normative operational frameworks.
		Competencies
	Professionalism: Strong conceptual skills required. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery in one or more of the seven UN Habitat focus areas (Urban Land Legislation and Governance, Urban Planning and Design, Urban Economy, Urban Basic Services, Housing and Slum Upgrading, Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation, Research and Capacity Development); 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. 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
		Education
	Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban planning, architecture, engineering or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of seven years of working experience in areas related to human settlements, project or programme management and/or development, including at least three at the international level. Experience in post conflict areas is an added advantage.
		Languages
	English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Language requirements for the respective duty stations are as follows: Nairobi, fluency in written and oral English is required; Maputo, fluency in written and oral English is required and knowledge of Portuguese will be an advantage; Tripoli, fluency in written and oral English is required and knowledge of Arabic will be an added advantage; Rio de Janeiro, fluency in written and oral Spanish is required and knowledge of Portuguese will be an advantage.
		Assessment Method
	Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
		Special Notice
	Staff members are subject to the authority of 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. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online 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. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.
		United Nations Considerations
	The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OFFICER, P4,(RIO DE JANEIRO; FUKUOKA; NAIROBI; MONROVIA; TRIPOLI; MAPUTO; WINDHOEK),DEADLINE: 9 JULY 2012