Human settlements officer - Disaster management programme coordinator, P-4

Responsibilities

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. The post is located in Disaster Management Programme Unit, Disaster and Post-Conflict Section, Shelter Branch, Shelter and Sustainable Human Settlements Division, UN-HABITAT.

Under the supervision of the Chief, Disaster and Post-Conflict Section, the incumbent's duties will be:

1. Promote and coordinate the development of concepts, guidelines, policies and strategies for disaster management in human settlements by: Identifying and evaluating current trends and emerging issues in disaster management and rehabilitation in human settlements; developing the programmatic framework for a new Human Security Programme; coordinating research on alternative disaster management and rehabilitation approaches; leading/participating in the promotion of dialogue and debate among UN agencies, bi-laterals, civil society organizations and academic organizations on UN-HABITAT perspectives; providing normative support on disaster management and human security issues to ongoing Disaster Management Programme activities.
2. Pariticipate in the coordination of UN-HABITAT activities related to disaster management and rehabilitation with other UN and external support agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and governments, and preparing UN-HABITAT inputs through: Representing UN-HABITAT at United Nations Inter-Agency bodies and other international fora for the coordination of activities on disaster management.
3. Coordinating the design and development of other normative and publicity materials. 4. The incumbent will be posted to the field to develop and set up new programmes and take on additional activities as and when required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult human settlements related problems. Analytical capacity and in particular the ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of urban issues which require a coordinated UN response. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery); Shows pride in work and in achievements; remains calm in stressful situations.
Commitment to Continous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes of services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
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.
Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines.

Qualifications

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social or engineering sciences including architecture and urban/regional planning or related disciplines. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of practical international working experience with strong background in the planning and design of settlements, disaster management, urban security upgrading projects with emphasis on developing countries. Experience in the identification, design and backstopping of technical co-operation and capacity building activities on disaster management, post-conflict rehabilitation and urban security improvement desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Other Skills
Good computer skills in the use of Microsoft Office required.