Kenya: Consultant – (UNACLA), (Nairobi),Deadline:15 October 2014

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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Issued on: 07 October, 2014

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:

UN-HABITAT

DUTY STATION:

Nairobi

FUNCTIONAL TITLE:

Consultant –****(UNACLA)

DURATION:

12 months

CLOSING DATE:

15 October 2014

Background

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, 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, the Habitat Agenda, the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium, and UN General Assembly Resolution A/56/206.

The External Relations Division coordinates both the Partnerships and Inter-Agency Branch; and, the Advocacy and Communications Branch. In providing tools for transformative change and the implementation of effective joint projects, the Partnership Unit works to build stronger relationships between UN-Habitat and Civil Society, Local Government and the Private Sector, while the Inter-Agency Unit focuses on the relationships between UN-Habitat and other UN agencies around the issue of urbanization. The Advocacy and Communication Branch coordinates all UN-Habitat communication, is the secretariat for the main UN-Habitat events, such as the World Urban Forum and is a crucial link between UN-Habitat and our main donors.

The UN Advisory Committee of Local Authorities (UNACLA) was constituted as “an advisory body that would serve the purpose of strengthening the international dialogue with local authorities involved in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda” (Resolution 17/18 of 1999). The UNACLA Rules of Procedure adopted by members in September 2004, and subsequently revised and updated in April 2011, specifically provide the following:

The role of UNACLA is to advise the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, from the local authorities’ perspective, on all issues concerning the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and the Millennium Development Goals.The Executive Director shall report on a regular basis to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the work of UNACLA.The Committee shall facilitate the dialogue between and among local authorities, national governments, and the United Nations system through a systematic and practical exchange on substantive issues, which will contribute to strengthening the role of local authorities in international development and the promotion of democratic governance.

Since its founding, UNACLA has helped enable local authorities as a body to provide a number of substantive inputs to the work program of UN-Habitat and has been able to advise the Executive Director on several strategic issues. These include the relationship between the UN system, civil society and local governments to the High-level Panel on Civil Society, promoting the international dialogue and guidelines on decentralization and access to basic services, and localizing the MDGs.

UNACLA has recently refined its work programme in order to seize the key political processes that are currently shaping the realm of sustainable development; namely the Post 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and the Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in 2016. These political processes avail local governments an opportunity to strengthen their voices on the global stage and better situate themselves to tackle the pressing global issues that are threatening their constituents.

Responsibilities

The prospective Consultant will spend his/her time in supporting UNACLA related initiatives, Partnerships and other relevant UN-Habitat programme officers in preparing for the Post 2015 and Habitat III processes. In general, the prospective Consultant will play an active role in the following major processes:

Assist in the development of a strategy to implement the new work plan and identify the opportunities for engagement of the local authorities in the Post 2015 SDG and Habitat III processes;Assist in strengthening the network, partnerships and skills of the local authorities/Mayors towards Habitat III for sustainable urban development;Assist in the preparatory processes leading up to Habitat III conference in 2016;General Secretariat Management and Responsibilities;Support to External Relations Division on Habitat Agenda Partners.

Finally, the prospective Consultant will carry out any other duties, either in addition to, or instead of those outlined above, which are considered to be within the individual’s level of competence.

Duration of assignment:

This assignment will be for twelve months starting 01 November 2014 and end 31 October 2015.

Qualifications and experience

The incumbent is required to have a Master degree fulfilled when applying for the position. The academic background should be in any of the following fields: Political Science/ Public Policy or Law combined with a specialist field within Urban Development or External Relations Management. A combination of both Public Policy and Law degrees is an asset.A minimum of 3 years working experience is required.Good computer skills and excellent analytical and communication skills.An understanding of urban legislations, human rights, and the regulatory framework to implement urban projects on the ground in a multitude of countries is an asset.The ability to draft a wide selection of written communication and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise manner.Good project cycle management skills covering project design, implementation and monitoring.Good interpersonal skills. Previous exposure to cross cultural environment is advantageous.Ability to work well in a team whilst also having the capacity and initiative to work independently is required.Knowledge of the UN, including working experience in a developing country and working experience with the UN (work within the UN, or working with UN agencies and programmes) are assets. Working with diverse stakeholders is an asset.Fluency in English, written and verbal, is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Competencies

The principle competencies required to carry out the duties of the job are:

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrated ability to think strategically, to analyze complex information and offer creative, practical solutions, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations.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; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed, Excellent drafting ability and communications skills, both oral and written; proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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 and organizing: Able to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for contingencies in planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Applications should include:

Cover memo (maximum 1 page)CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using

INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log

in and create a personal History Profile.

The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:Educational Background (incl. dates)Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignmentsExpectations regarding remunerationCover memo (maximum 1 page)

All applications should be submitted to:

Mr. Rizwan Kasmani

UN-HABITAT

P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Email:rizwan.kasmani@unhabitat.org

Fax: + 254 20 7625325

Please be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the

UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster

through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org/

Deadline for applications: 15 October, 2014

UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org

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