ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITAT DUTY STATION: Nairobi FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Project Manager / Urban Economist GRADE: P3 POST DURATION 11.9 Months CLOSING DATE: 28 August 2011
BACKGROUND 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. 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.
The advertised post is located in the UN-HABITAT Somalia Programme, Regional and Technical Cooperation Division (RTCD). The Project Manager for the Mogadishu Employment Generation & Livelihoods Project will report directly to the UN-HABITAT Chief Technical Advisor for Somalia and work closely with the Senior Management Team of the Somalia Programme.
RESPONSIBILITIES The UN-HABITAT Somalia Programme has been implementing projects in all three regions of Somalia for more than 25 years. It has been active mainly in the areas of Local Governance, Land Management, Security of Tenure and GIS, Participatory Urban Planning and Management, Environmentally Sound Urban Infrastructure, Basic Service Delivery, Local Government Finance, Shelter Construction, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.
Under a new EC-funded project, titled “Sustainable Employment Creation and Improved Livelihoods for Vulnerable Urban Communities in Mogadishu”, UN-HABITAT aims to address UNSAS Outcome 2 on Poverty reduction and livelihoods (Somali people benefit from poverty reduction through improved livelihoods, decent work, equitable and sustainable economic development) in the specific urban context of the capitol city of Mogadishu. The project will be implemented over a period of 3 years, in partnership with ILO, the Italian NGO CESVI, and the local NGO SAACID. As the Lead Agency, UN-HABITAT is tasked with the coordination and the overall management of the Project, as well as the direct implementation of specific project components, including the rehabilitation of economic infrastructure, and capacity building support to key urban growth sectors such as construction, water supply, and energy. Other project partners will address the sectors of solid waste management, sanitation (liquid waste), environmental protection, trade, manufacturing and processing, in line with their respective area of specialization and experience.
The Project Manager will support the CTA and the UN-HABITAT Somalia Programme Management Team in the overall coordination and cross-border management of the entire project, including the oversight of activities and partners in all six project components. Within delegated authority, the Project Manager will carry out the following duties: Participate in the UN-HABITAT Somalia Programme Management Team, which is responsible for the overall coordination, project management and timely delivery of inputs and outputs within the six components of UN-HABITAT project on “Sustainable Employment Creation and Improved Livelihoods for Vulnerable Urban Communities in Mogadishu” Provide inputs to the strategic guidance to the Project and the three main implementing partners, with the aim of achieving the project objectives, while targeting maximum impacts in employment generation and improved livelihoods, through support to the selected focus areas of the Mogadishu urban economy. Participate in the review and revision of project strategies as required, in line with the changing context and the outcome of sector feasibility studies, in consultation with the donor, implementing partners, and the UN-HABITAT Management Team. Organize and participate in Steering Committee sessions, oversee programme implementation, identify bottlenecks, opportunities, risks and challenges. Assist in resolving threats and problematic issues affecting the programme, through liaison (as required) with the donor (European Commission), UN-HABITAT technical and administrative units, programme partners, district, regional, and central government authorities. Play an active role in additional resource mobilization for the project. Liaise, jointly with the CTA, the UN-HABITAT Somalia management Team, and the Implementing Partners with government authorities, donors, multi-bilateral agencies and civil society. Prepare budgets and work plans for UN-HABITAT’s specific project components, and contribute to their implementation. Review the annual work programmes for all Implementing Partners, and comment on their compliance with the stated objectives, project strategy, specific outputs and activities. Support the PMO in the oversight of the administrative and financial management of the project, in compliance with the Work Programme, the available budget, and in accordance with UN and EC rules and regulations. Provide inputs to overall quality control of the UN-HABITAT Project activities, including monitoring performance of sub-contractors and partners under Agreements of Cooperation (Local authorities, NGOs, CBOs, Research institutes, etc). Assist in the coordination and oversight of international consultants in the areas of construction, architecture and engineering, water supply, energy, capacity building and GIS, as well as local experts in construction and community development.
Jointly with the respective senior consultants for UN-HABITAT’s Project components, organize the drafting of required tender documents, sub-contracts, and agreements of cooperation; liaise with procurement and programme support units for administrative assistance and processing of legal documents. Assist the PMO and the CTA in the management of financial allocations and review of expenditures Monitor and analyse the project environment and progress, using applicable M&E and risk management tools where relevant, and advise the UN-HABITAT Somalia management team on timely readjustments as necessary Prepare narrative and financial reports on UN-HABITAT’s activities as per the requirements of the Project; review and consolidate reporting inputs by implementing partners, and ensure timely submission to the donor.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Implementing Partners, local counterparts, representatives and officials in district, regional and central government authorities, officers and technical staff in the Somalia Programme, within UN-HABITAT and other UN agencies, non governmental organizations and consultants.
Results Expected: Project strategy further developed and fine-tuned, in response to the changing Mogadishu context and the outcome of feasibility, strategic sector development and environmental impact studies. Project objectives achieved, monitored and documented. Appropriate coordination among implementing partners, results-based management of project activities, and effective donor relations established. Well reasoned written contributions, e.g., progress reports, consolidated reports, background papers, analysis, sections of reports, studies, and inputs to publications. Effective working relationships developed and maintained. Adherence to policies and efficient use of resources.
COMPETENCIES 1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban economics or alternatively macro-economics, economics, urban and regional planning, urban development or human settlements. A first level university degree in combination with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressive experience in human settlements projects and programmes at national level and at least two years of similar experience at the international level. Proven experience in human settlements and economic development fields, projects/ programme design and implementation with the UN or other international agencies is desirable. Experience in post-conflict environments required. Solid experience of working in the fields of economic development, employment creation and basic service delivery at the municipal level. Additional knowledge in one or more of the following fields will be an added advantage: local administration and public private partnerships, rehabilitation and development of economic infrastructure, solid waste management, construction sector development, water and sanitation, sustainable energy and business development. Experience in post-conflict environments required.
Language Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Other skills Knowledge of basic computer programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel Spreadsheet, PowerPoint, e-mail and internet search functions.
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
All applications should be submitted to:
Officer-in-Charge UN-Habitat Somalia Programme P.O. Box 30030 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: un-habitat.som@unhabitat.org
Deadline for applications: 28 August 2011
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