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Posting Title:
Programme Assistant in Alagoas
Job Code Title:
Department/ Office:
United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Duty Station:
RIO DE JANEIRO
Posting Period:
22 June 2017-11 July 2017
Job Opening number:
17--UNHABITAT-81475-C-RIO DE JANEIRO
Staffing Exercise ID:
N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Result of Service
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Programme Assistant in Alagoas reports to the National Officer in charge of Brazil and to the Programme Coordinator designated for the project. He/She will assist the implementation of this project activities in Alagoas.
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator in charge of the Project, the Programme Assistant will:
a) Support the Project Coordinator and the Programme Analyst in the adequate implementation of technical and administrative activities related to the complete project cycle;
b) Provide technical and administrative support in the negotiation, formulation and implementation of Project activities in the State of Alagoas;
c) Contribute to an effective and efficient execution of activities by providing appropriate technical support to project through project programing, implementation and monitoring activities in the following areas: urban and regional planning and governance; adequate housing, slums upgrading and preventing; capacity building and development; effective advocacy, monitoring and partnership;
d) Support the elaboration and implementation of strategies related to the execution of the project in Alagoas;
e) Participate when requested in project meetings, official missions and/or events related to the project;
f) Technically support the development of activities in the scope of the project;
g) Maintain records of project documents;
h) Support the preparation of reports to partners, internal reports, etc. at various stages of the project;
i) Elaborate monthly activities reports regarding the consultancy, and support the elaboration of a more exhaustive reports every quarter;
j) Maintain an orderly and accessible information file according to the Rio’s office system;
k) Perform other related administrative duties, as required (e.g., logistics, payment to vendors and individual contractors for services, identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems, organize and coordinate seminars, conferences and translations);
l) Perform other duties, which may be requested by the supervisor.
Work Location
Maceió, Brazil
Expected duration
The expected duration of 6 months with possibility of renewal.
Duties and Responsibilities
BACKGROUND
The main mandate of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. Within this framework, UN-Habitat supports central and state governments, as well as local authorities and other partners for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.
UN-Habitat considers that the occupation of territory is a more complex phenomenon than just a simple process of growth of human settlements and economic activities within a given territory. Specifically in the State of Alagoas, one of the poorest States in Brazil, the situation entails serious challenges, but at the same time openings for improvement. In the context of Alagoas, and more specifically in the capital Maceió, the informal and unplanned settlements locally known as “grotas” (quantified all in all at 78) are characterized by dense populations, lack of tenure security and deprived of basic infrastructure and public services. It also implies a critical need for housing to fulfil the right to adequate housing. Constant discourses from the authorities and the media call for a safer human settlements and improved coexistence of urban dwellers.
The presence of UN-Habitat has to be seen as an opportunity for different stakeholders –i.e. local and state authorities, public and private organizations and civil society– to specify their role and responsibilities, as well as to promote a better urbanization based on principles and practices promoted by the New Urban Agenda.
Through a partnership with the Government of the State of Alagoas to improve institutional and technical capacities of State and municipal stakeholders on sustainable territorial and urban development, UN-Habitat is now setting up a new project named “Sustainable and inclusive urban prosperity in the State of Alagoas”. A comprehensive approach will be set up in order to stimulate integrated solutions towards sustainable urban development, while channeling investments towards human settlements, and involving different actors from the State Government, Municipalities as well as from the private sector, civil society and the population itself. Ultimately, a second phase to this project shall lead to enhance State of Alagoas engagement toward sustainable and inclusive urban prosperity, through a better understanding of the urban setting, and the establishment or improvement of its public policies, plans, and actions.
In order to properly implement this new Project, a Programme Assistant is required to ensure a good execution of the work programme.
Qualifications/special skills
Academic Qualifications: • Graduation/Bachelor Degree in Planning, International Relations, Political Sciences, Economy, Urban Studies, Regional Planning, Architecture and Urbanism, Law, Geography, Business administration, Business management or any other related area is required.
• Master’s Degree in Planning, International Relations, Political Sciences, Economy, Urban Studies, Regional Planning, Architecture and Urbanism, Law, Geography or any other related area, would be an asset.
Experience: • A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management on urban related themes.
• Professional experience related to urban development or regional development in Brazil is required.
• Professional and academic experience on themes related to urban planning, regional development, articulation and coordination of stakeholders on implementation of policies and projects.
• Previous experience within the UN System would be an asset.
• Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, and internet search functions.
Language: • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office. For the post advertised, fluency in Portuguese and good command in oral and written English are required.
Additional Information
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Experience in working with inter-institutional areas, assisting in project management and monitoring-evaluation; approaches and strategies with regard to good urban governance and local development.
Planning and organization: Ability to work with responsibility and under minimal supervision; proven organizational skills and ability to manage a workload efficiently and within set deadlines.
Communication: Ability to write clearly and effectively; listen to others, interpret messages correctly and respond appropriately; show openness in information sharing and keep everyone informed; solid abstract reasoning skills together with a proven capacity to write documents for diverse audiences.
Team work: Ability to work with teams, demonstrate leadership, conflict management and consensus facilitation skills; ability to work in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment, and to respect diversity; sensitivity to the main-streaming of vulnerability; willingness and ability to work in difficult environments.
It is required for all the curricular information to be inserted in the system, which may take a few hours. Only complete applications will be considered.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS