Summary

• The Programme Development Branch (PDB) is responsible for the overall coordination of programme development. It brings together normative and operational expertise supporting high-quality integrated programmes that maximize results across the outcomes and the domains of change in the Strategic Plan. It builds on concrete demands of national and local governments, strengthening the capacity of government and urban stakeholders at all levels to address the social, economic, environmental and crisis dimensions of sustainable urbanization. The Branch also focuses on supporting global programme development to strengthen normative capacity and knowledge generation to increase impact and influence, through strategic partnerships.
• The Climate Change and Urban Environment Team provides coordination support for Subprogramme 3 of UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan: “Strengthened Climate Action and Improved Urban Environment” aims to develop, coordinate across UN-Habitat and implement policies, norms, guidelines, standards, regulatory frameworks and operating procedures, for strengthened climate change mitigation and enhanced air quality, sustainable production and consumption and circularity, urban nature-based solutions as well as improved urban and community-level climate change adaptation and resilience.
• The position supports the implementation of Subprogramme 3 “Strengthened Climate Action and Improved Urban Environment”, with an emphasis on global programmes, knowledge exchange, partnerships with sister UN agencies and other global and regional stakeholders as well as environmental and social governance.

The position is located in the Programme Development Branch, the incumbent will report to the Chief of Programme Development Branch and overseen directly with the subprogramme 3 coordinator will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, evaluates, and assures effective leadership and management of major projects and teams; demonstrates timely delivery of outputs in accordance with overall objectives and policies in Support of Subprogramme 3, Strengthened Climate Action and Improved Urban Environment “. In particular supports intergovernmental processes and mandated meetings pertaining to the Subprogramme as well as partnerships with United Nations sister agencies and global and regional urban stakeholders. Leads key programmes such as the Sustainable Urban Resilience for the Next Generation (SURGe) initiative and ensures strong communication and engagement with Member States, launched at COP27 and Plays a lead role in identifying significant issues and develops well-reasoned, innovative approaches to deal with these issues.
• Serves as an effective spokesperson internally and externally and forms strong partnerships with relevant parties. Implements internal processes pertaining to Subprogramme 3 such as UN-Habitat’s Environmental and Social Safeguards System and Environmental Management System.
• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Performs 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.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Coordinates training and knowledge exchange, including North-South collaboration.
• Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs any other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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.
• EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work. Encourages others to set challenging goals. Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility. Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise. Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort. Involves others when making decisions that affect them.
• 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 urban planning, environmental or climate change management, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Experience in designing and implementing urban environment, urban climate change or urban planning initiatives is required.
• Experience in effectively leading, supervising, mentoring, developing and evaluating staff is desirable.
• Experience implementing country-level or organizational climate change or environmental policies, guidelines and standards is desirable.
• Experience coordinating and implementing activities related to environmental or social governance or environmental compliance at country level, or in an organization is desirable.
• Experience in the field of capacity development, institutional reform or training with a focus on sustainable urban development is desirable.
• Experience in gender mainstreaming and/or addressing women’s rights is desirable.
• A minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

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