Human Settlements Officer (Land Management), P-3

(Hargeisa, Somaliland with frequent missions to Puntland and to Nairobi, Kenya), Deadline: 7 February 201

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT

DUTY STATION: Hargeisa, Somaliland with frequent missions to Puntland and to Nairobi, Kenya

FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Human Settlements Officer (Land Management)

GRADE: P-3

POST DURATION:12 months (with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding)

CLOSING DATE: 7 February 2011

Staff members are subject to the authority of the 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.

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

BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote the development of socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-HABITAT helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, healthier, greener places with better opportunities where everyone can live in with dignity. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development. This post is located in the Somalia Programme, Regional Office for Africa and Arab States/Technical Cooperation Division (RTCD).

The Human Settlements Officer (HSO) reports to the Programme Officer in charge of the Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (UN JPLG) concerning the day to day operations within the Joint Programme, and works closely with the Senior Management Team of the Somalia Programme.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The UN-HABITAT Somalia Programme is implementing projects in all three parts of Somalia for more than 25 years and is active in the areas of effective advocacy, monitoring and partnerships; inclusive urban planning, management and governance at national and local levels; improved access to land and housing, and environmentally sound basic urban infrastructure and services.

Under the areas of Local Governance and Service Delivery, this position contributes to the development of land management and land administration systems with regard to policy, legislation, regulations and tools development. The incumbent supports the development of innovative mechanisms for land dispute resolution; and provides for technical assistance to land sector interventions and programme coordination within UN-HABITAT, the UN and with partners under the framework of the UN JPLG. In addition, this post provides for day-to-day oversight in programme implementation for the UN-HABITAT Office in Hargeisa, in close collaboration with the National Programme Officer, and acts as a focal person for liaison with the programme and operations management in the UN-HABITAT Somalia Office in Nairobi.

Within delegated authority, the Human Settlements Officer (HSO) will be responsible for the following duties related to the above listed components:

* Supports the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programme/project components in land management and land administration, monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; prepares and reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions;
* Ensures an effective and efficient execution of land-related projects and programmes, within the limit of the allocated resources, by providing appropriate technical support to projects through project design, work planning, budget control, preparation and monitoring of project implementation instruments such as Cooperation Agreements, sub-contracts, recruitments, field visits, training, coordination and monitoring & evaluation activities;
* Assists and advises in land policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies;
* Organises for and prepares written outputs, such as draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications;
* Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings and training workshops and conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparation of documents and presentations;
* Participates in or leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries;
* 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);
* Assisting in the strengthening of inter-divisional collaboration to achieve better linkages between normative and operational support to better coordinate and support the implementation of the organization’s work programme;
* Communicates and liaises with international partners and donor organizations as relevant to the land programme, as well as implementing partners on international, national and local level;
* Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts, representatives and officials in national and local governments, officers and technical staff in the Somalia Programme, within UN-HABITAT and other UN agencies, non governmental organizations and consultants.

Results Expected: Programme/projects developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated. Well reasoned written contributions, such as background papers and progress/final reports, analysis, sections of reports, studies, and inputs to publications. Effective control of project budgets, and timely preparation and monitoring of administrative project implementation tools. Effective working relationships developed and maintained. Adherence to policies and efficient use of resources.

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 assist with 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.
* 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.
* 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 honors 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.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced University degree in Land Management, Geoinformation Science, Land Law or related discipline with emphasis on urban land management. Formal training in Land Information Systems is required.
Work Experience

* Minimum of five years of work experience in land management of which at least three at international level
* Knowledge of land policy, land law and urban land administration and development in different geographical contexts and in post-conflict environment
* At least two years of experience in capacity building and governance-related work in the land sector in developing countries. Experience in post-conflict situations is desirable
* Relevant work experience within an UN agency or other international organization is an advantage. So would be knowledge and experience in additional substantive areas.

Language
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.
Other skills
Good communication (oral and written) and computer skills are required. Knowledge of computerised land information systems tools is a strong asset.
Remuneration
Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
See UN website http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html

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