Associate Human Settlements Officer (Urban Planner), Nairobi

Job Title

ASSOCIATE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OFFICER (Urban Planner), P-2

Department/ Office

United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Duty Station

NAIROBI

Posting Period

21 November 2012-20 January 2013

Job Opening number

12-PGM-UNHABITAT-25175-R-NAIROBI (E)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational 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. This post is located in the Urban Planning in the City Extension and Design Unit, Urban Planning and Design Branch;

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Coordinator, Urban Planning and Design Branch (UPDB) and the direct supervision of the Team Leader, City Planning, Extension and Design Unit, the Incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

1.Contribute to the analysis and assessment of urban planning systems and instruments in developing and transition countries.

2.Assist in the provision of technical assistance in the development of initiatives on City Planning, extension and Design in developing countries and emerging economies.

3.Collect, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources to enhance the knowledge base on city planning and design, with a focus on extension and densification planning.

4.Support the establishment and the follow-up of collaborative initiatives with partners and key stakeholders at global and regional level in urban planning , policy analysis and practice documentation, tools development and provision of technical assistance.

5.Contribute and assist in preparing reports, draft background papers, analytical notes and inputs to publications.

6.Initiate and coordinate outreach activities and capacity development activities.

7.Assist in providing technical and management support in urban legislation and Human Settlements analysis;

8.Assist in ensuring an effective and efficient execution of projects and programmes by providing appropriate technical support to projects through project design, field visits, training and evaluation, coordination and monitoring activities;

9.Provide administrative and logistical support to consultative meetings and various conferences.

10.Perform other related duties.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban planning and design. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Is able to use different analytical and data analysis tools; shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.

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.

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.

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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in urban planning, regional planning, urban management, environmental planning and management or environmental science. 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 two years of experience in social/economic sustainable development, urban planning, urban development or policy analysis and assessment. Experience in operational activities and research and/or policy development work related to urban planning issues preferably in developing countries will be an added advantage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of 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.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online 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.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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.