United Nations Human Settlements
Programme
Consultant Vacancy
Announcement
Issued on: 23 July 2013
Organizational
Location: Capacity Development Unit, Research and Capacity Development Branch,
UN-HABITAT
Functional Title: Consultant
Duration: 6 months
Closing Date: 6 August 2013
Background
Habitat
Partner University Initiative (HPUI)
UN-HABITAT
has introduced the Habitat Partner University Initiative (HPUI) as a means of
promoting cooperation between UN-HABITAT and institutions of higher education,
as well as facilitating exchange and cooperation among universities globally.
The HPUI
promotes universities to become closer partners of cities, actively engaged in
problem solving, closing the gap between academia and practice, and encouraging
collaborative learning. UN-HABITAT will act as a catalyst, facilitating
partnerships among universities and other agenda partners.
The work of
the HPUI falls under the pillars of Education, Research, Professional
Development, Policy Advice and Knowledge Management.
The last
crosscutting pillar of Knowledge Management ensures visibility, awareness and
dissemination of material and findings developed within the initiative and by
HPUI partners.
A strategic
objective of the Initiative relating to this pillar involves developing a
knowledge management portal that will support the transfer of innovation and
knowledge.
The HPUI is
focusing its substantive work on thematic research Hubs created by HPUI partner
universities in cooperation with Habitat thematic units and others.
An HPUI Hub
is a consortium of universities that agree to work on the same thematic
priority under the principles of mutual collaboration, exchange and learning,
producing outputs that strengthen the role of universities in forwarding sustainable
urban development.
Currently
there are five HPU Hubs that have been initiated: Informal Urbanism, Urban
Governance, Urban Futures, Climate Change, and Food Security.
The Hubs
are in the final stages of being established and substantive work is expected
to begin in the near future.
The Cities
and Climate Change Academy (CCCA)
The CCCA, a
project of the HPUI, seeks to develop current, cutting edge masters-level
course modules in order to strengthen climate change education in urban
programmes being taught at universities in developing countries.
Currently 6
Course Modules have been developed:
(i) Theory
and Concepts of Climate Change and Cities,
(ii)
Practice of Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,
(iii)
Planning for Climate Change,
(iv)
Climate Change and Urban Water Cycle Management,
(v) Climate
Change and Urban Energy (including urban transport),
(vi)
Climate Change and Shelter/Housing.
These
modules will be used in masters programs at numerous schools in Africa.
The CCCA
will now look to develop additional modules and to expand the use of existing
modules in universities in Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Responsibilities
- Under the supervision of the Coordinator of the HPUI, the consultant will:
- Support the overall management of the HPUI Hubs, making sure that the aim of the Hubs are realized, including their symbiotic relationships with thematic habitat units, and the production of substantive work.
- Promote the development of the substantive work of the HPUI Hubs, including by taking active participation in one or two Hubs based on experience in the Hub themes.
- To support the knowledge management component of the Habitat Partner University Initiative.
- Support the HPUI Coordinator in any other HPUI work as may become necessary.
- Under the supervision of the Cities and Climate Change Academy Project Manager
- Lead in the planning of a CCCA global meeting in Latin America and the Caribbean scheduled for Fall 2013.
- Lead the drafting of a Terms of Reference for the development of additional CCCA Course Modules.
- Support the promotion of the use of existing and future CCCA course modules by universities in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Support the CCCA project manager in any other CCCA work as may become necessary.
Competencies
Professionalism
- Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments.
- Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
- Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.
- Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
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.
Planning and
Organization
- 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Masters-level or equivalent) in Urban issues such as Housing, Urban Governance, Informal Urbanism, Urban Climate Change, Urban Futures, etc.
- A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience
Experience
working in one or more of the HPUI Hub areas: Housing, Urban Governance,
Informal Urbanism, Climate Change, and/or Urban Futures required. Previous experience
working with the United Nations, and in developing countries is an asset.
Language Skills
Fluency in
spoken and written English required.
Other Skills
Ability to
work independently with a high degree of responsibility, in a flexible manner
and under pressure.
Remuneration
Payments
will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period.
There are
set remuneration rates for consultancies.
The rate is
determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant.
The fees
will be paid as per agreement.
Applications should include:
Cover memo
(maximum 1 page)
Summary CV
(maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
1.
Educational Background (incl. dates)
2.
Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/
months)
3. Other
Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
4.
Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
5.
Expectations regarding remuneration
All
applications should be submitted to:
Mr./ Ms.
Fernando Cabrera
UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box
30030, 00100
Nairobi,
Kenya
Email:
fernando.cabrera@unhabitat.org
Fax: + 254
20 5125395
Please be
advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part
of the
UN-HABITAT
e-Roster in order for their application to be considered.
You can
reach the e-Roster through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
Deadline
for applications: August 1, 2013
UN-HABITAT
does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
If you have
any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on
behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org
