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 current portfolio of UN-Habitat activities in Africa is expanding and there is urgent need for strengthening the capacity at country level as part of Regional Office for Africa (ROAf). The position is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso is a Sahelian country in West Africa with an estimated population of 16.5 million and a population growth rate of 3.1% per year. The urbanization rate, estimated at 22.7% in 2006, should reach 35% by 2025. This urbanization, fueled by migratory and natural balances, has generated urban development issues specific to the country. Cities and towns of Burkina Faso are facing a rapid sprawl, lack of planning, basic services and infrastructure, and weak governance and financial systems, among other challenges. Its speed is an obstacle to the real-time consideration of these issues by public policies.
Climate change effects are evident throughout Burkina Faso. The eastern and southwestern parts of the country, which generally have more favorable weather, are increasingly hit by high temperatures and pockets of drought. The government is helping villagers dig wells and build small water reservoirs to better utilize the country’s scarce water resources. Due to its geographical position, Burkina Faso is characterized by a dry tropical climate which alternates between a short rainy season and a long dry season. Burkina Faso’s climate is prone to strong seasonal and annual variation due to its location in the hinterland and within the confines of the Sahara.
UN-Habitat is committed to continue its long-standing cooperation with the government of Burkina Faso, which started in 1972. UN-Habitat’s technical assistance includes support to the elaboration of a national urban policy, upgrading informal settlements, mainstreaming environmental approaches to urbanization and develop durable urban solutions for displaced populations.
Under the direct supervision of the Technical Advisor, P4, and the overall supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officer (SHSO) overseeing Western Africa, the incumbent will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:
a) Coordination with national authorities and policy development and implementation:
• Acting as Liaison Officer for the Government and coordinates with Government officials on UNHabitat on-going and planned activities in Burkina Faso by promoting, advocating and raising awareness on the New Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goal n. 11 and the 2020-2023 UN-Habitat Strategic;
• In coordination with the concerned Government entities, supports and coordinates the work regarding the preparation and implementation of the National Urban Policy for Burkina Faso, and other key policies and legislation in the field of human settlements;
• Supporting the national authorities and other national/local stakeholders in participating and/or holding national and international events related to UN-Habitat's mandate and work, e.g. National Urban Forums, etc.;
b) Programme development, management and resource mobilization:
• Provides leadership and support in the formulation of the UN-Habitat Country Programme for Burkina Faso, and supports its implementation and monitoring;
• Identifies programme and project opportunities and actively supports resource mobilization efforts, advocacy and building partnerships;
• Prepares Terms of Reference, Memorandum of Understanding, Agreements of Cooperation and other substantive documents, in particular regarding the initiative for establishing a Centre of Excellence on Housing for the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA);
• Supports the smooth implementation of on-going projects and activities at country level, including reporting and the application of proper administrative processes.
c) Team management, communication and reporting:
• Supervises, manages and monitors part of the UN-Habitat staff and consultants working in Burkina Faso in coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor;
• Shares information on available UN-Habitat reports and tools with national and local government partners;
• Promotes knowledge management through good practices and supports reporting to donors, UN System and Government.
Professionalism: Ability to negotiate with high-level Government, multi and bilateral technical and funding agency officials. Ability to present and debate in public forum and events the main policy and substantive messages related to the development issues identified with the Programme's work. Familiar with UN policies, procedures and practices, including those relevant to technical cooperation projects. Good technical skills in programme and projects monitoring, execution and development, as well as recognised technical knowledge in the fields of disaster risk reduction and management, post-disaster recovery, urban resilience and development. 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and 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.
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in management, architecture, law, urban planning, engineering or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience on human settlements issues with recent direct experience in the formulation and implementation of human settlements programmes and projects is required.
Experience with procedures related to technical cooperation, programme/project identification/formulation/appraisal/ implementation and evaluation is desirable.
Work experience developing policy approaches and strategic plans for the implementation of human settlements projects, is desirable.
Work experience in Burkina Faso's urban and rural development context is desirable.
Experience in UN interagency coordination or similar international organizations in Burkina Faso is desirable
Experience working in collaboration with several partners and structures at the national and local level is desirable.
Experience with the relevant policies, strategies and plans for sustainable development is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written French is required.
L’évaluation des candidats qualifiés pourrait inclure un exercice d’évaluation, pouvant être suivi d’un entretien d’appréciation des compétences.
Les candidats aux postes d’administrateur recruté sur le plan national doivent avoir la nationalité du pays de leur lieu d’affectation.
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