UN-HABITAT - JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICER PROGRAMME (JPO) - JPO- Junior Professional OfficerChiffre Nr. 2026-2-42

TERMS OF REFERENCE
JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICER PROGRAMME (JPO) Chiffre Nr. 2026-2-42
JOB TITLE JPO- Junior Professional Officer
UN ORGANIZATION UN-HABITAT
UNIT Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section
LOCATION Nairobi, Kenya
DURATION 2 years with possibility of extension for another year. The extension of
appointment is subject to yearly review concerning priorities, availability of funds, and
satisfactory performance.
Please note that for participants of the JPO-Programme two years work experience are
mandatory! Relevant work experience can be counted. In order to assess the eligibility of
the candidates, we review the relevant experience acquired after obtaining the first university
degree (usually bachelor’s degree).
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN
General Assembly to promote social and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-
Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN
system.
UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and
communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people
and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty.
DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTED OUTPUT
Under the supervision of the Chief, Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section, the
incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing UN-Habitat's activities related to
housing and land tenure security, with a focus on the delivery of adequate and affordable
housing to low-income, vulnerable and marginalized groups. In collaboration with other UN-
Habitat departments and in accordance with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan and other
relevant international frameworks the incumbent will:
Policy
Support the design and coordination of normative work, including research and monitoring of
housing and land tenure policies. This includes:
• Monitoring global policy development and innovative approaches for housing and
tenure security, especially in informal settlements.
• Reviewing global trends and research on housing and land tenure security.
• Developing, updating and reviewing policy guidelines, standards, toolkits, and
strategy papers.
• Developing, maintaining and updating databases, websites, tools, and promotional
materials.
• Contributing to global campaigns and initiatives.
• Supporting the Intergovernmental Open-Ended Expert Working Group on Adequate
Housing for All.
Reporting, Advocacy, and Advisory
Provide support to governments and partners on housing and land tenure issues. This
includes:
• Assist in organizing expert meetings, consultations, and workshops.
• Preparing and reviewing policy briefs and documents.
• Supporting initiatives of regional and country offices and partners to improve housing
and access to land tenure security.
Project development and implementation and resource mobilization
Develop concept notes, project documents, funding proposals on housing and land tenure
security and support the implementation of project activities, including monitoring fund
utilization.
Knowledge Management and Coordination
Lead research, awareness, and coordination activities, including:
• Producing thematic publications and knowledge products.
• Facilitating stakeholder networks and knowledge exchange initiative.
• Organizing campaigns, training, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Supporting global monitoring and evaluation of housing and land rights.
• Provide advisory services.
• Coordinating expert meetings and global, regional or national consultations on
housing, informal settlements and land tenure security.
Other Duties
Performs additional related tasks as required.
TRAVEL
The JPO will undertake official missions related to her/his work program in different partner
cities of the project for research purposes and to support technical support missions. It is
expected that project funds will be made available to support these missions and identify
opportunities to attend relevant international conferences where possible.
TRAINING AND LEARNING ELEMENTS
The JPO will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of training courses provided by
the Human Resources Management Service (HRMS) of the United Nations Office of Nairobi
(UNON). The courses include language courses in all United Nations languages, computer
training, management courses, etc. As the Land, Housing and Shelter Section follows a
systematic process designed to develop and implement housing policies and programs as
part of its methodology, the training components will be based on those methodological tools.
In particular, the JPO/Associate Expert will undertake some field missions to the cities where
the projects are ongoing to become familiar with the evidence to action methodology. In
general, the JPO will have the opportunity to gain experience in working with the United
Nations system, as well as with working with international institutions and national and local
governments. It is expected that the JPO will attend at least one international conference per
year on a relevant topic and s/he will be exposed to international and local best practices in
his field of work.
QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCES AND COMPETENCIES
Education and Certification
Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, geography, social sciences, urban/regional
planning, land administration with focus on issues related to housing, land tenure security
and/or slum upgrading in developing countries is required. Successful completion of both
degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science
programs is desirable.
Experience in housing and land tenure security issues at the national or international level
and of policies and practices related to slum upgrading and low-income housing policies and
programmes. Experience in the field of housing, land administration and management, urban
development, including slums and informal settlements. Experience with the United Nations or
an international organization is an advantage. Experience in developing and/or implementing
international sustainable development programmes involving the donor community, clients and
civil society groups is an advantage. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the
position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United
Nations language, especially Spanish, is desirable.
Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to analyse a diverse range of complex and unusual issues and
problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Strong analytical skills and
ability to conduct comprehensive research on a wide array of issues, including those of a
unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in writing and the ability to prepare reports,
opinion papers, and a variety of other instruments and related documents. Discretion and
sound judgment in applying expertise to often sensitive and/or confidential issues. Strong
negotiating skills and ability to reach agreement amongst divergent views. Ability to work to
tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of international
relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. 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; tailor language, tone, style and format to
match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people
informed.
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.
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 ay not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for
team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands
applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply
technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
SUPERVISION
The JPO will report to Chief of the Land, Housing and Informal Settlements Section, or
his/her designate. She/he will work in close collaboration with colleagues in the Land,
Housing and Shelter Section and in other departments of the Agency. The JPO will be
guided to prepare a United Nations Performance Appraisal System (e-performance), which
will set out specific and measurable goals for the work of the JPO within the framework of the
Land, Housing and Shelter Section’s work plan. The JPO will have access to adequate office
space and electronic equipment.
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