Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements at The United Nations

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. The main documents outlining the mandate of the organization are the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, Habitat Agenda, Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium, and Resolution 56/206. Its activities contribute to the overall objective of the United Nations to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development within the context and the challenges of a rapidly urbanising world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements (Project Post), NOC
Job ID: 100251
Job Location: Abuja
Department/Office: United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Background
The Governing Council of UN-HABITAT, a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, reports to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and provides overall policy guidance, direction and supervision to UN-HABITAT. The objectives, functions and responsibilities of the Governing Council are set out in General Assembly resolution 32/162 and in paragraph 222 of the Habitat Agenda.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in cooperation with the United Nations Human settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) has established a Country Office in Abuja, Nigeria. The Habitat Programme Support Office- Nigeria (UN-HAPSO) became operational in October 2003. The Office has been established to promote cooperation with Nigeria towards achieving the goals of the Habitat Agenda of “Adequate Shelter for All” and “Sustainable Human Settlements Development in an Urbanising World”. It assists Nigeria to work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals on poverty alleviation and slum upgrading.

The Office is part of the Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) of the UN-HABITAT. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer (SHSO), ROAf, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

Responsibilities

• UN-HABITAT Country Office management: Provide management leadership and be responsible for the day-to-day running of the UN Habitat office in Nigeria
• Global Campaigns/Global Programmes: In-country liaison officer for UN-HABITAT, particularly with reference to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, New Urban Agenda and specifically the “Sustainable Urban Development Programme" for Nigeria
• UN-HABITAT Representation in UN country team activities and Participation in Regional, inter-agency, and inter-organizational processes; Active participation in the UN Country Team activities, and other UN common strategic planning through his/her active involvement in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP), African Union (AU). Participate in the AU, UNDAF and other activities coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and tracks follow-up actions
• Perform consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources
• Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies
• Undertake survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions
• Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications
• Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations
• Undertake outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars; make presentations on assigned topics/activities
• Participate in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries
• Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget).

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Economics or a related field
• A First Level University Degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced University Degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in project or programme management, administration or related area
• Past experience of UN-Habitat programmes at country level and knowledge of administrative work will be an additional asset
• Capacity to understand policy approaches and strategic plans for the implementation of human settlements programmes, flexibility in their implementation under changing circumstances and ability to work with a high degree of responsibility in a flexible and independent manner is desirable
• Familiarity with the UN System is an advantage.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages for the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in oral and written English is a required
• Fluency in the local languages Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo (both Oral and written) is required. Knowledge of any other UN working language is an asset.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other 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.

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.

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.

Assessment:

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