The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements that is mandated by UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11).
UN-Habitat, through the Regional Office for Africa is collaborating with the EU for the development, implementation and scaling up of the Partnership for the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (PINUA), a joint program among UN agencies to develop models and approaches for filling the gap in affordable housing in the context of Kenya. PINUA is targeting low-income communities living in informal settlements and peri-urban areas, with the view of diversifying the houses stocks and supply in Kenya and looking into vulnerable group. PINUA has two major components: affordable housing and slum regeneration.
This position is located within the Regional Office for Africa under the Kenya Country Programme in Nairobi duty station. The focus of this job is to provide support to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations related to housing and informal settlements in the Kenya Programme.
The Project Specialist will be under the overall supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer in charge of Kenya and the direct supervision of the Human Settlements Officer.
Summary of key functions:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Within the delegated authority, the Project Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or another specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct 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. 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.
PLANNING & 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) in Architecture, Programme/Project Management, International Relations, Sociology, Development Studies, Public Administration or a related field.
A first-level university degree in combination with ten (10) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
Read Full Description