Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the UN 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 position is located in the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) of the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) within the Global Solutions Division of UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi. The PLGS is responsible for coordinating the Agency’s substantive, normative and operational work on various dimensions of Policy, Legislation and Governance. The Section aims to develop, document, pilot/test and disseminate norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, operating procedures and practices at global, regional, national and sub-national levels; offer tailor-made solutions on policy, legislative and governance for cities, regions and metropolitan areas; and generate and manage cutting-edge knowledge and data in relation to these areas.
The position supports the Legislation work stream of the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS). The focus of the Legislation work stream is the development of normative tools and methodologies to conduct legal reviews and reforms and to support National and Local governments in improving the effectiveness of their legal frameworks for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and other internationally agreed development frameworks including the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework.
Responsibilities
- Policy and Work Programme: Support the development of the Section’s key directions and strategic goals; Assist in providing technical support in urban legal systems and human settlements analysis needs assessments and other activities; Participate in advisory missions to carry out consultations aimed at developing urban legal knowledge, human settlements policies, strategies and programmes; Assist in the development of the agency’s and partners’ legal capacity in regard to urban laws; Contribute to the documentation of urban legal knowledge and enabling legislation by proposing examples of best practices and success stories; Assist in providing technical assistance to member states and local authorities in regard to developing, reviewing and implementing urban laws and monitoring progress, evaluating results and assessing impact; Support the development of urban legal tools and the production of guidelines for their implementation; Assist in the preparation of concept notes for programme/project proposals and in the preparation and review of related documents/reports.
- Reporting, Advocacy and Advisory Services: Carry out research and studies on a range of urban legal topics; Analyze and present the data gathered from diverse sources; Participate in establishing and promoting effective and continuous cooperation with the activities of other parts of UN-Habitat; Contribute to written outputs e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, etc.; Provide feedback/comments on consultants’ deliverables; Assist in ensuring an effective and efficient execution of projects and programmes, performing consulting assignments and developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change, for enabling legislation to keep pace with the demands of rapid urbanization.
- Knowledge Management, Evaluation, Coordination: Assist in providing substantive backstopping to field offices, expert group meetings, consultative and other meetings and conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.; Support outreach activities and the planning of training workshops, seminars, etc.; Assist in developing strategic partnerships with universities and research centres.
- Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
- Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. Able 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) 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.
Work Experience
- A minimum of Two (2) years of experience in conducting legal research and analysis is required.
- Experience working on urban law issues is required.
- Experience in organizing workshops/missions and developing relations with governments and international partners is desirable.
- Experience in international organizations is desirable.
- One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree).
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Application instructions
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