PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Contract

This is a NO-3 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-3 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting 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.

Within UN Habitat, the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) is the tools and methodology production and skills centre of the Agency. It develops normative guidance and cutting-edge tools through the following communities of urban practices: (i) policy, legislation and governance; (ii) urban planning, finance and economic development; (iii) urban basic services; and (iv) land, housing and shelter. It also ensures that the cross-cutting areas of resilience and safety and the social inclusion issues of human rights; gender; children, youth and older persons; and disability are developed. In addition, it provides technical and policy advice approaches and methodologies to MCOs/CO, government and partners and mainstreams them throughout the programme portfolio in collaboration with the Programme Development Branch and other organizational units.

The Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) coordinates the Agency’s substantive, normative and operational work on various dimensions of Policy, Legislation and Governance, fostering high impact initiatives, programmes and projects to deliver timely, fit-for-purpose and targeted solutions in these areas. The Section aims to develop, document, pilot/test and disseminate norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, operating procedures and inspiring practices at global, regional, national and sub-national levels; design tailored-made solutions on policy, legislative and governance for cities, regions and metropolitan development, enhance urban-rural continuum, with the view to reduce spatial inequality and poverty and increase shared prosperity; and generate and manage cutting-edge knowledge and data (including Indexes and database) on Policy, Legislation and Governance.

The position is in the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent will work closely with UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Africa. The focus of the job is the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, projects, operations and other activities including in Urban Policy, Legislation and Governance, and urban rural linkages and related tasks in Kenya and globally. Under the supervision of the chief, Policy, Legislation and Governance Section, Urban Practices Branch. the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities Programme management Officer will be will be responsible for the following duties: Based in Kenya and supporting other countries and partners as appropriate, the Programme Management Officer will develop partnerships and provide technical and advisory support to national and county governments in Kenya in urban policy, legislation and governance issues including: - Explores testing innovative policy, legislation and governance tools, frameworks and practices at national and sub-national / county levels in Kenya; - Supports county / sub-national governments in Kenya implement the New Urban Agenda through domestication of global agenda and urban policy - Supports relevant Policy, Legislation and Governance dimensions in UN-Habitat projects in Kenya and elsewhere as appropriate - Undertakes preparation of national and sub-national policies and governance workshops, meetings

Programme development, management and resource mobilization: Undertake implementation and monitoring Policy, Legislation, Governance and Urban-Rural linkages work in Kenya and other countries, as appropriate - Provides advisory and technical inputs in development and implementation of policy, legislation and governance projects to national and sub-national governments; - Undertake review of Policy, Legislation, Governance and Urban and Rural linkages formulation and implementation initiatives, their impact on achievement of SDGs, NUA among other global agendas and their relevance to Kenya; - Develop tools, methodologies and guiding frameworks on formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of National and Sub National Urban Policies and governance processes in Kenya and in other countries; - Mainstream Policy, Legislation, Governance and Urban-Rural linkages work priorities into UN-Habitat's Strategy and Programme of Work processes; identifies opportunities for collaboration and integration across UN-Habitat; - Provide inputs to sections resource mobilization initiatives including fundraising, concept note development, project design, proposal writing, and project documents reviews; - Prepare Terms of Reference, In House Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding, Agreements of Cooperation and other substantive engagement documents.

Knowledge management and capacity development Undertake knowledge creation, exchange, management and capacity development related to policy, legislation, governance, urban-rural linkages particularly in Kenya with government, private, civil society and other stakeholders: - Lead in targeted research including development of tools and collection of data and evidence to support monitoring and evaluation of National and Sub National Urban Policies and other PLGS thematic topics; - Facilitate dialogues, exchange of best practices, peer-to-peer learning and capacity building on governance and urban policies to national, sub-national and other stakeholders; - Develop tools to monitor and evaluate policies (including urban policies), legislation and governance frameworks; - Conducts training and capacity building activities to national and Sub-National Governments on urban policy and governance issues; - Lead in collection, analysis, documentation and dissemination of best practices on policy, legislation, governance and urban-rural linkages; - Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications; - Prepare effective and impactful speeches, presentations and briefing materials on urban policy and governance issues. - Develop partnerships, networks, platforms and community of practices towards sharing innovative practices on policy, legislation, governance and urban-rural linkages.

Communication, reporting and team management

• In coordination with the Chief, Policy, Legislation and Governance Section and in consultation with the Regional Office for Africa, supervise, and monitor consultants and personnel, particularly on Kenya;
• Develop and share project and donor reporting among other UN System;
• Participate in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries;

• Perform other duties as may be required.

  Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of sustainable urban development and local governance theories, concepts and approaches especially for the context of Kenya. Ability to identify and develop tools and methodologies for data collection, analysis and presentation. Ability to undertake research, analyze data, make recommendations and write draft reports on urban-rural linkages, policies (National and sub-national Urban Policies), legislation and governance including other sustainable urban development issues. 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.

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.

Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in urban management, urban and regional planning, sustainable urban development, social sciences or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable urban development and providing advisory and technical services in policy, especially National and Sub-National urban policies and urban-rural linkages, capacity development, partnerships building, knowledge management or project/programme management in the context of sustainable urbanization or related area is required.

Work experience in projects with Non-governmental Organization and international organization is desirable.

Experience in a policy and governance processes is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required. Fluency in Swahili/Kiswahili is also required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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

Special Notice This is a project funded post. The initial appointment is for 364 days. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF KENYA 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, Kenyan nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Kenyan in the event of an employment offer.

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. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a General Service staff member who is currently holding a fixed-term appointment be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements.

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. "

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. 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.

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.