Senior Urban Specialist, Slum Upgrading and Basic Services

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of ...

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is the global partnership promoting the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels and supported by a Secretariat, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership which has come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader, with a strong track record in grant-making to support strategic citywide planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Through UNOPS, the Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund supported by an efficient, flexible grant-making mechanism with global reach.

The Senior urban specialist, slum upgrading and basic services, will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and reports to the Director, who provides direction and general supervision. S/he is responsible for achieving the ambition as set out in the Cities Alliance Strategic Plan 2022-25 to advocate and mainstream new thinking on key urban poverty issues. 

The incumbent is responsible for the substantive oversight, quality assurance and the day-to-day operations of programmes and projects focusing on social housing and slum upgrading, basic services provision in informal settlements, and urban poverty in fragility contexts. The incumbent also serves as a thematic focal point within the secretariat on Basic services, Housing and Slum Upgrading issues and for the Sub-Saharan Africa region and represents the secretariat externally in global dialogues on the subject matter to proactively grow funding opportunities and the range of strategic partners for the Cities Alliance.

S/he also contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of the Cities Alliance sustainable project management and services to partners, stakeholders and UN system partners.

The incumbent will be responsible for the below functional responsibilities: ...

The incumbent will be responsible for the below functional responsibilities:

Programme governance, implementation and monitoring

Assume overall responsibility for the oversight of assigned programmatic activities of the Secretariat related to social housing and slum upgrading, basic services provision in informal settlements, and urban poverty in fragility contexts. Geographically assume responsibility to be the focal point for the Sub-Saharan Africa region and other regions and sub-regions as needed.

Perform day-to-day programme oversight for the assigned portfolio and related personnel to ensure implementation and delivery and that project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to UNOPS standards and requirements.

Programme development and planning

Seek and identify additional funding opportunities, and oversee the preparation of funding proposals, donor briefings and presentations in support of the programme’s goals and more broadly Cities Alliance’s mission and vision;

Leads in the development of new programmes and projects on social housing and slum upgrading, basic services provision in informal settlements, and urban poverty in fragility contexts in line with the priorities of the post-Habitat III global agenda.

Ensures that all normative activities advance the role of cities in the international development agenda, and highlights the importance of pro-poor urban development;

Analyses international trends on programmes to identify strategic areas and comparative advantage for the Cities Alliance by providing substantive orientation, positioning for normative and country-level operations, and areas of business growth.

Normative coherence in programming

Provides expertise in the development of member-driven regional and sub-regional activities, with special focus on the strengthening of regional and country activities in Sub Saharan Africa.

Develop and implement the assigned programmes and projects governance framework and foster synergies on key urban issues between the normative work and country operations.

Networking and Partnerships

Support the secretariat in the overall development of a global network of member and partner institutions. Specifically, lead the development of a Sub-Saharan Africa regional network as well as develop and manage the newly established Nairobi hub.

Acts as focal point for selected CA members, such as UN Habitat, and supports outreach to partners such as the European Commission, and facilitates inter-institutional cooperation.

Advocacy

Represent the secretariat and the Cities Alliance at conferences, panels and meetings, as requested.

Institutionalize and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful performance of this post directly impacts on achievement of programme results and acknowledged thought leadership of the Cities Alliance on transformational change in cities of rapidly urbanizing countries, consequently reinforces the visibility and image of the Cities Alliance/UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

mpact of Results 

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equi...
Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in housing, architecture, civil engineering, urban and regional planning or a relevant discipline is required. 

A first Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a masters degree.

Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in international cooperation and urban development is required. 

Experience in project and programme management and implementation of interventions related to slum upgrading and basic services provision in informal settlements is required. 

Multi-country field experience in development projects is required. 

Experience in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is required.

Previous work experience in managing teams, building partnerships, and establishing and maintaining donor relations is an asset.

Experience in a UN system organization and/or UNOPS is an asset.

Previous work experience with communities, local authorities and national ministries in the field of urban development and in fragile contexts is an advantage.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is considered as an asset.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type: Staff (Fixed-Term Appointment) Contract level: P4/ICS 11 ...
Contract type: Staff (Fixed-Term Appointment) Contract level: P4/ICS 11