VACANCIES at UN-HABITAT

HABITAT PROGRAMME MANAGER, NATIONAL OFFICER - NOC,(ABUJA – NIGERIA), DEADLINE: 8 MAY 2012

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:UN-HABITAT
DUTY STATION:Abuja – Nigeria
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:Habitat Programme Manager
GRADE:National Officer - NOC
POST DURATION: One year

CLOSING DATE: 08 May 2012

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


Background:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable communities, 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.

By working at all levels and with all relevant stakeholders and partners, UN-HABITAT contributes to linking operational activities to policy development and capacity-building with a view to promoting cohesive and mutually reinforcing social, economic and environmental policies, and countries’ policies and programmes in human settlements in conformity with international practices and covenants.

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 and shall fall under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer (SHSO) of ROAf.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative and the UN-HABITAT Regional Office, the UN-Habitat Programme Manager (HPM) is responsible for the following tasks:

UN-HABITAT Representation: participation in UN country activities and other coordinated initiatives
Active participation in the UNDP country activities, and UN common strategic planning through his/her active involvement in the UNDAF, CCA/CCF, PRSP, CAP

Provide management leadership and be responsible for the day-to-day running of the UN HAPSO in Nigeria

Global Campaigns/Global Programmes
In-country liaison officer for UN-HABITAT, particularly with reference to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, advocacy of the norms and principles of the Global Campaigns for Sustainable Urbanization and implementation of global programmes.

Project and Programme identification and monitoring
Supporting the Regional Office with identification of Programmes or Projects related to the urban sector, urban governance and urban management, shelter, slum upgrading, rural-urban linkages and local economic development. Preparing briefing and concept notes. Contributing to project development, negotiation and implementation.

Supervision and Evaluation
The HPM is accountable to the Director of the Regional Office for Africa of UN-Habitat. Direct supervision is provided by: frequent telephone and e-mail contacts and regular missions to the country by the Senior Human Settlements Officer SHSO of the Regional Office for Africa, to review the work performed by the HPM by direct meetings and through;

frequent coordination/planning meetings at Regional Office or Headquarters as needed review of the HPM’s work through his/her quarterly reports; consultation of  the national counterparts about the HPM’s work, tracking progress through work-plan and tripartite evaluations (when available); and, the UN Performance Appraisal System (PAS)
An annual evaluation is undertaken for all HPM’s to assess their performance and consider their possible contract extension. This evaluation is under the responsibility of the Regional Office.
Note: The HPM should not undertake action related to finance and administrative task for backstopping in country project. This responsibility is under Senior HSO in close collaboration with the PMO of the Regional Office.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION.
Advanced University Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering (including Urban/Municipal engineering), and Architecture or a related Social Sciences field including geography, environmental science, and public and/or business administration; or a first university degree with a relevant combination of professional and academic qualifications.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 5 years of recent and relevant experience in his/her country on human settlements issues with direct, recent experience in the formulation and implementation of human settlements programmes and projects. Knowledge of procedures related to technical cooperation, programme/project identification/formulation/appraisal/implementation and evaluation and of programme management. Knowledge of administrative work will be an additional asset. Capacity to  understand policy approaches and strategic plans for the implementation of human settlements programmes, and flexibility in their implementation under changing circumstances.

Ability to work with high degree of responsibility - in a flexible and independent manner – and often under pressure. Knowledge of administrative work will be an additional asset. Familiarity with the UNSystem is an advantage.

Language
English and French are the working languages for the UN Secretariat.  For this position, proficiency in written and spoken English is a requirement. Knowledge of French is an asset.

Other skills
The individual should be conversant with UN-Habitat activities; able to understand policy approaches and strategic plans for the implementation of human settlements programmes. Good analytical and working knowledge of computer skills in data management, word-processing, spread sheets, and preferably programme management are required.

REMUNERATION
See UN website http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:
UN-Habitat offers competitive salaries and benefits based on standard UN national rates.
Interested candidates should forward a copy of their CV in UN format (P11) and letter of interest by e-mail (Ref: HPM Nigeria Vacancy) to rita.dave@unhabitat.org

Please download the form (MS-Word) UN Personal History Form (P11) from Vacancy web site http://www.unon.org/vac.php
Please note that applications received after the closing date stated above, will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for interview.  The salary will be determined according to the qualifications, skills and relevant experience of the selected candidate. In line with UN-Habitat policy on gender equity, applications from female candidates will be particularly welcome.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 08 May 2012