Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements at United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Lilongwe, Malawi

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer and healthier places with better opportunities. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector. This position is located in UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) Malawi. Under the overall supervision of the Director of UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) and the direct supervision of the Human Settlements Officer/ Task Manager for Malawi and in collaboration with ROAf staff and other local staff in Malawi, the Programme Officer will support the UN-Habitat country office in Malawi in carrying out the following duties and responsibilities.

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects for the UN-Habitat country office in Malawi; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation including support to UN-Habitat Headquarters projects implemented in Malawi; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.

• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning and 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.

• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.

• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.

Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.

• Provides technical support to the government, including contribution to identifying national priorities.

• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.

• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.

• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

• Represents UN-Habitat to in the UN system and in the development of strategic documents and programs.

• Liaises with donors, and lead fundraising activities based on identified priorities activities and programs.

• Recruits and oversees support and administrative staff in the Malawi office, including interns, UNVs, consultants and project personnel.

• 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.

Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented.

• Performs other duties as required.

PROFESSIONALISM:

Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban development, urban resilience, climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental management, or related field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban planning, social sciences, environmental sciences, development studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with (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