Partnership Implementing the New Urban Agenda (PINUA) is one of the current projects being implemented jointly between UN-Habitat and the Government of Kenya with funding from the European Union (EU) to develop models and approaches for filling the gap in affordable housing in the context of Kenya. The specific objective of PINUA is to unlock and upscale adequate green housing and communities’ eco-friendly co-production in the targeted counties of Kisumu and Nairobi. UN-Habitat has produced numerous knowledge products, including flagship publications, report series, fact sheets, guides, tools, etc. Among these are over 100 thematic reports at global, regional and country level; over 52 publications on housing rights; and 30 national housing profiles which can be leveraged upon by PINUA to enhance affordable housing.

On its part, PINUA continues to generate a wide range of data and information including housing analytics, financial modelling, community mobilization strategies, social infrastructure, participatory housing and landscape design amongst others. This information will need to be effectively managed for effective utilization by the diverse categories stakeholders including government, civil society, private sector, academia, development partners and local communities.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of East and Horn Sub-Region, the direct supervision of the Head of the Kenya Country Programme, and the technical guidance from National Officers, the International UN Volunteer will be required to collaborate and work closely with the consultants in the Kenya Country Office (KCO) while synergizing the respective outputs. The following are the specific tasks and responsibilities associated with this position:

Support the consolidation and documentation of data and information in the Kenya Country Office • Assists in collecting, organizing, and documenting data from housing and slum upgrading specialists, including baseline surveys, analytics, financial models, value-chain studies, community engagement strategies, environmental inputs, planning, and design. • Support in aligning all documented data with the Government of Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme to support policy harmonization. • Ensure all facts and figures are consistent with United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat ) project data and publications relevant to KCO. • This should include innovation domains relevant to affordable housing and people-centered smart cities. The reporting should be structured and aligned to UN-Habitat and the KCO results framework.
Contributing to developing relevant knowledge products for the KCO • Support the development of relevant and suitable knowledge products including published reports, presentations, video scripts, popular versions, manuals, guides, and databases ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to knowledge management within the UN and the Government of Kenya. • Adapt UN-Habitat knowledge management and innovation tools to create effective knowledge-sharing platforms for pilot countries. • Support in developing the Affordable Housing Knowledge Catalogue capturing connections of existing national and sub-national policy directions and ensure coherence with UN-Habitat’s policy papers on affordable housing are reflected. • Support in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of projects in the Kenya Country Programme including turning M&E findings into learning products.
Participate in Knowledge Management Audit and Strategy (including a framework for collecting, storing, retrieving, sharing, and dissemination of processes and best practices) • Substantively, support the development of a comprehensive Knowledge Management and dissemination strategy outlining systems for collecting, storing, retrieving, sharing, training, and disseminating best practices. The strategy should be aligned with UN-Habitat’s goals and objectives. • Within the strategy, propose tools and platforms (e.g., intranets, knowledge bases, collaboration tools) to support secure, organized, and easily retrievable knowledge repositories usable across programmes, training initiatives, and the Affordable Housing Hub. • Support the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI )-assisted data collection and citizen feedback tools, transparent, real-time dashboards for information processing and reporting, and ethical guidance for AI use in housing and development contexts, particularly relating to participatory processes.
Feedback on Collaboration and Networking • This workshop will be informed and guided by a comprehensive and robust stakeholder mapping process. This mapping will be conducted in consultation with key UN-Habitat staff including a structured engagement with government officials. The agenda of the workshop should ensure the output reflects institutional priorities, sectoral expectations, and alignment. There should also be production of actionable insights for follow-up activities. Support the establishment of a relationship framework to strengthen collaboration among national, subregional, and regional stakeholders and prospective partner institutions. • As and when requested, support facilitating networking and participation of stakeholders in knowledge exchange engagements and forums. From these forums, the consultant should track best practices and trends which influence project outputs and report to the Head of the Kenya Country Programme. • Provide feedback and recommendations on new tools, technologies, and trends as part of the knowledge management and dissemination strategy. • Provide strategic communication expertise where applicable. • Support the production of UN-Habitat’s normative work on housing and urban development for the UN-Habitat mission.

Key deliverables/Outputs 1) A comprehensive Knowledge Management and Dissemination Strategy with clear structures for collecting, storing, retrieving, sharing, and dissemination of processes and best practices. 2) A structured Inventory and Repository of Kenya Country Programme data and information, including all related programmes across global offices. 3) High-quality knowledge products of the PINUA programme in the form of publishable reports, presentations, video scripts, popular versions, manuals, guides, and databases of technical information that enhance communication and capacity for effective knowledge sharing and utilization. 4) A Knowledge and Innovation Hub Workshop with key and relevant stakeholders. 5) An Affordable Housing Knowledge Catalogue which consolidates policy frameworks, lessons from ongoing programmes of Kenya’s affordable housing programme, contextual innovations, good practices, and opportunities for scaling and capacity development. 6) Incorporation of AI-enabled tools and innovative participatory processes in consultation with UN-Habitat’s Data and Innovation unit.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check-ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

• Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Knowledge Sharing • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 2 years): • Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze information, data, and metrics to deliver effective knowledge management products. • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively disseminate knowledge and train others. • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and consultants, and build relationships across the organization. • Technical Skills: Proficiency in knowledge management tools and technologies. • Knowledge Management systems: knowledge hubs, document repository, SharePoint, MS Teams, knowledge management tools (OneDrive, Power BI, Drupal/WordPress for web content, etc.) would be an added advantage. • Information/data management: Organizing reports, databases, tagging, metadata. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (e.g., studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighbouring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO).

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations.

The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP. The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

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Potential interview questions

How have you contributed to knowledge management in your previous roles?	This question helps assess your practical experience and achievements in knowledge management.	Outline specific instances where your contributions had a measurable impact on knowledge sharing.
Can you give an example of a time you effectively communicated complex information?	The interviewer wants to understand your communication skills and ability to simplify information.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you worked with a diverse team. What was your role?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools and technologies have you used for data management?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure consistency in knowledge documentation?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use to collect and analyze data?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you stay current with trends in knowledge management and urban development.	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where a team member is not contributing to the knowledge-sharing process?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.