Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements, P3 UN HABITAT – United Nations Human Settlements Programme Nairobi, Kenya 603 views

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the implementation of the Section work plan and activities in the field of economy and finance;
• Develops the PFES portfolio, identifies and assesses normative tools requirements and develop high quality norms, tools and guidelines in the area of urban economy and finance; facilitates the integration of economy and finance and urban planning and design tools, in line with UN-Habitat ‘Planned Urbanization (three pronged) approach”;
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation urban and territorial planning projects and programmes as assigned;, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions;
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. Designs and conduct a variety of urban and regional assessments (municipal finance assessments, revenue and expenditure analysis, spatial economic analysis, and productivity assessments, assessment of financial implication of urban planning and other tools) and develops related recommendations (on municipal revenue enhancement, on local economic development, on urban project financing options, etc);
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources;
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies;
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions;
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Develops high quality concept notes and guidance materials in consultation with clients;
• Assesses UN-Habitat capacity for the delivery of urban economy and finance support to cities and national governments and develops capacity development content for internal use; ensure quality control of the organization’s norms and guidance on urban planning and finance and ensures quality control of technical cooperation outputs and activities as requested;
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.in the filed of urban planning and finance.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Participates in or lead field missions, in close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s regional and country offices and by informing the Resident Coordinator’s office, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.;
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.);
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban economy and finance with particular emphasis on spatial dimensions of economic development and municipal and urban projects finance. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems in the fields of urban economy and finance. 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. Ability to independently develop advisory reports on urban economy and finance. Familiarity with decision making process, participatory processes and tools for public engagement. 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;
• 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;
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, special economics, economic development, finance, public policy or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, finance, and demonstrated experience in working with governments and in developing countries is required;
• Experience in urban economic development and municipal finance is desirable;
• Experience in programme management within the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable;
• Experience in policy research in the field of international trade and finance, macroeconomics, development is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.