Country Programme Manager

Contract

This is a NO-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-4 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 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.

UN-HABITAT helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, healthier, greener places with better opportunities where everyone can live with dignity. These positions work with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development.

The focus of this post is on normative/substantive and operational responsibilities through active participation in activities at the country level, aligned with UN-HABITAT’s mandate, objectives, focus areas and expected results. The HPM will be responsible for substantive projects in Egypt, in terms of the overall management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of all programmes and projects implemented by UN-HABITAT within Egypt.

The Country Programme Manager is accountable to the Representative of the Regional Office for Arab States - ROAS, coordinates with the UN Resident Coordinator and works in close collaboration with the Human Settlements Officer- ROAS should there be need in the country. Supervision of the work performed by the Country Programme Manager is provided by the Regional Office.

The post is located in Cairo, Egypt, under the United Nations agency for Human Settlements. Under the supervision of the Representative of the Regional Office for Arab States and in coordination with the Human Settlements Officer, the UN-Habitat Country Programme Manager will be responsible to promote UN-HABITAT and managing projects operations in Egypt viz à viz the Government of Egypt, with the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities as a host. The incumbent will also coordinate all activities of UN-Habitat with all relevant ministries, such as: Ministry of Local Development, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Environment, and other appropriate organizations. The incumbent will be part of the UN Country Team in Egypt, working closely with a wide variety of local, national and international partners to implement the Habitat Agenda by performing the following duties:

Responsibilities 1. UN-HABITAT Representation: a) participation in UN system activities and other coordinated initiatives: The HPM will participate actively in the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) activities, and UN common strategic planning through his/her active involvement in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the preparation and implementation of programmes. Activities would include, inter alia: - Formulation and updating of the Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD) as needed. - Formulation, updating or progress assessment, provision of inputs to the Common Country Analysis (CCA), on housing and shelter and human settlements development, good governance, the urban sector, and related issues; - Contribution to formulation, updating and follow-up on implementation of the UNSDCF - Positioning UN-Habitat within the UNCT

b) Engagement with relevant government ministries, authorities and agencies - Meet with the relevant focal Ministries to get the Habitat Agenda issues prominently in their national development plans and strategies, and also to discuss, explore and outline possible support through UN-Habitat partnership within the areas of urban governance, urban planning, land tenure, housing, upgrading, urban basic services and climate change, etc. - Provide policy advice and technical assistance. - Represent and actively participate in meetings, workshops and events organized by government, development partners and other stakeholders where UN-Habitat representation is required and requested c) Engagement, coordination and networking with development partners, private sector, academia, etc. - Meet with development partners, especially the Development Partners Group (DPG) on Urban Development, and UN agencies involved in the urban sector in Egypt to discuss, explore and outline areas of support UN-Habitat could partner with in the areas of sustainable urban development.

2. Support policymaking and contribute to the overall policy and strategy development of UN-Habitat - Ensure providing timely and substantive inputs and updates to the global Strategic Plan (SP) and its results framework. - Ensure providing inputs to and lead on the development of the relevant regional strategies and frameworks, such as: the Arab Strategy for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, ROAS strategy on Climate, etc. - Ensure alignment of the HCPD with the SP, while also ensuring alignment to the UNSDCF and CCA, to ensure that urbanization and sustainable urban development are well reflected and mainstreamed. - Provide policy support and advice to the government and national stakeholders, to ensure the development of national urban policies and visions are well aligned with UN-Habitat’s principles for sustainable urban development. - Ensure mainstreaming of UN-Habitat principles in other relevant sectors and crosscutting issues (e.g., health, urban services, gender and youth, environment, etc.).

3. Project and Programme Management and Implementation (in alignment with the UNH Strategic Plan, New Urban Agenda, and Agenda 2030) - Identify Programmes or Projects related to the urban sector, good urban governance and urban management, shelter, upgrading, rural-urban linkages and local economic development. Prepare briefing notes. Draft Terms of Reference for Programmes/Projects design; - Identify specific requests (policy, technical and information assistance) from key governments and Habitat partners and coordinate responding to it with UN-HABITAT Regional Office; - Manage the programme team to implement on-going UN-HABITAT supported Programmes/Projects (urban basic services and climate change, urban governance and policies, urban upgrading and regeneration, and other projects that may develop), strengthen liaison and communication with UN agencies & partners, government and other national partners, and the UN-HABITAT regional office to ensure partnership for effective delivery; - Coordinate the agenda and support all visiting UN-HABITAT experts and associated missions. Follow up on actions recommended or agreed upon during visiting missions and ensure documentation of missions’ activities in timely reports; - Supervise and coordinate experts’ involvement in Programmes and Projects implementation and ensure that reports and deliverables are of the required standard and are prepared and submitted on time;

4. Visibility and Advocacy: - Strengthen linkages and information flow between UN-HABITAT and local partners and correspondents through representation, liaison, networking, and attendance at meetings. Provide adequate and informed feedback to UN-HABITAT Regional Office; - Represent UN-Habitat and maintain active involvement in international, regional, and national workshops and conferences hosted in/by the country when delegated by the Regional Representative. Provide adequate and relevant information feedback to UN-HABITAT Regional Office and Headquarters. - Serve as in-country liaison officer for UN-HABITAT, particularly with reference to implementation of the Habitat Agenda and advocacy of the norms and principles of the New Urban Agenda and the UN-HABITAT World Urban Campaign. - Initiate and implement events and EGMs to advocate for the role of UN-Habitat on sustainable urbanization and urban development in the country. - Ensure regular engagement and coordination are maintained with the Government of Egypt to support Egypt to play an effective role in the urban context (i.e., supporting the NUA) in the Arab Region and African countries. - Publish and disseminate knowledge management products, promoting project activities, UNH principles and the New Urban Agenda. - Coordinate and provide information and materials for partners to organize events and dialogues during the World Habitat Day and the World Cities Day, and participate in World Urban Forums. - Support Egyptian counterparts for efficient and effective preparation and engagement at World Urban Forums and relevant global urban events, when possible. - Where appropriate, play a co-ordination role for urban sector, by liaising, governments, donors and programmes active in urban sector and link with the Egyptian Urban Forum, and any other relevant platforms;

5. Management, operation, and supervision of the office: - Manage and supervise the work of the office, including administration, personnel, procurement, and financial management. - Approve financial authorizations for accounts under the office control. - Lead programme managers/officers and their teams for effective implementation of their projects, providing optimum support to boost delivery and reach yearly targets. - Provide effective contribution and response to audit exercises and requirements. - Lead the relevant departments of operations, HR and procurement to avail the necessary trainings to build the capacities of the staff for effective performance as needed. - 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. - Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM : Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme/project management, strategic planning. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.

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.

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

LEADERSHIP : Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvements; Does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in architecture, urban planning, social science or any other relative field relevant to respective programmes (engineering, geography, urban/ municipal planning, public and business administration) is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional 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.

Work Experience A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in programme/project management, strategic planning in the context of development cooperation is required.

Field experience in formulation and implementation of human settlements or development-related programmes and projects is required

Experience in leading large portfolios and programme management is desirable.

Experience in policy making, partnership and resource mobilization is desirable.

Experience in Visibility and advocacy for portfolio building is desirable.

Experience working with the UN or any other international organization is desirable.

Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

NOTE: "fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and " Knowledge of" equals a rating of " confident" in two of the four areas.

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

Special Notice This is a project post Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

This Position is Open to Nationals of Egypt Only. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Egypt nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Egypt in the event of an employment offer.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants : When completing the form, 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. " The expression "Internal candidates", shall mean staff members who have been recruited after a competitive examination under staff rule 4.16 or after the advice of a central review body under staff rule 4.15.

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.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.

The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

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. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

United Nations Considerations 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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

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.

No Fee 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.