UN Jobs in Nairobi Kenya

Background: 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. 

UN-Habitat has been involved in the publication of several reports to ensure that urban youth development issues are reflected substantively including the Global Report on Human Settlements and of the State of the World’s Cities Report.

UN-Habitat has undertaken to carry out an analytical study to examine the impact of structural change on opportunity of youth employment, poverty and inequality in comparative perspectives of African and Asian countries with the objective of informing public policy discourse and improving the policy landscape for young people.

Presently, 1.7 billion people - more than a quarter of the world's six billion people - are between the ages of 10 and 24, thereby making this group of change agents the largest ever to be entering adulthood and the largest under-represented segment of the world’s population. 

Young people in all countries are both a major human resource for development and key agent for social change, economic development and technological innovation but these ability of youths cannot be discovered if they are not contributing and participating in decision making processes of society at all levels. 

These young people have the potential of making a huge contribution to society, but their ideas, enthusiasm and commitment are often overlooked by the world's decision makers.

Globally, the situation of young people today is characterized by extreme poverty, and inequalities deriving from disparities in economic, technological, social and cultural resources, which vary enormously across regions, countries, localities and population groups. 

The United Nations World Youth Report 2007 states that youth make up 25 per cent of the global working-age population, but account for 43.7 per cent of the unemployed.

Eighty-six per cent of 10-to-24-year-olds live in less developed countries. The first six goals of the MDG are directly related to children, youth and development. These disparities suggest that youth development should be a priority for development.

We propose in this analytical study to examine long-term structural change and its broad impact on the development of youth using as entry points the key variables of poverty, urbanization, and employment. 

By allowing capital and labour to move from low productivity to high productivity sectors, structural change fuels economic growth and productivity. 

Developing countries with “dual” economies, modern and traditional sectors, have the potential to significantly increase their productivity and growth through these movements and resulting resource allocation efficiency gains, even when within sector productivity is not changing much. 

Urbanization and structural change are intertwined. In the narrative of structural change two dynamics take place: “the rise of new industries (i.e. economic diversification) and the movement of resources from traditional industries to these newer ones. Without the first, there is little that propels the economy forward. Without the

second, productivity gains don’t diffuse in the rest of the economy.”{Dani Rodrik and Margaret McMillan, (2011), paper prepared for a joint ILO-WTO volume} Understanding this dynamics and how it is affecting job creation that particularly benefiting young men and women will of strategic and policy importance.

This has a direct bearing on the inclusive growth agenda which increasingly has gotten traction within the global discourse, and currently a focus within the post 2015 debate and goal setting process. Inclusive growth demands not just high economic growth, but also that benefits most those
 
In the lower income percentile, and the number and quality of jobs is a key determinant and channel of achieving it. 

Jobless growth constitutes a serious concern because leaving large swathes of society in the mire of unemployment is costly to economies and societies; it leads to lower growth, lower productivity and throws the economy into an inefficiency cycle. 

In a recent study a strong association was established between lower levels of inequality in developing countries and sustained periods of economic growth. {Andrew G. Berg and Jonathan D. Ostry,(2011) a study for the IMF}

Developing countries with high inequality have "succeeded in initiating growth at high rates for a few years" but "longer growth spells are robustly associated with more equality in the income distribution." 

In other words long run sustainability is closely connected to sustained equality Therefore job rich growth and structural change is fundamental to addressing inequality over the long term. 

Evidently other factors are also necessary such us for example the role of the State in long-run growth, governance, state capacity, and skills, but low inequality is still among a necessary condition.
 
The study would collect empirical evidence from major developing countries such as China, India, Peru, Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa. 

The evidence from China, India and to a lesser degree South Africa and Nigeria show that these countries have witnessed considerable structural change over the last few decades.

One distinct feature of growth in several emerging and developing countries is the growth without the expected job creation. 

This suggests that countries may well record economic growth, whether through within sector productivity increase or through structural change, but this do not necessarily lead to employment, an important concern for youth development.
 
The process will also include a series of specialist publications.

It is envisaged that the report will consist of the following structure and Contents;
  • Structural Change, Productivity and Growth
  • Structural Change, Growth Youth Employment and Job Creation
  • International Evidence (China and other Asian Countries)
  • Structural Change and African Countries
  • Productivity Change and Sectoral Growth
  • Structural Change and Sustainable Urbanization
  • Structural Change Impact on Urban Poverty and Prosperity (special focus on Youth)
  • Structural Transformation in Comparative Asia and Africa Perspectives
  • States, Youth and Structural Transformation in Asia and Africa
Organizational Location: UN-Habitat
 
Duty Station: Nairobi
 
Functional Title:Lead Research Consultant - Youth and Structural Change: Comparative Development Prospect of Asia and Africa Report
 
Duration of Assignment: 6 Over 8 Months
 
Closing Date: 12 March 2015
 
Objective of the Assignment: UN-Habitat is seeking to engage a Lead Consultant to manage the development of the report on the Youth and Structural Change: Comparative Development Prospect of Asia (special focus on China) and Africa ensuring high quality research outputs, extensive engagement and outreach activities such that the report delivers real policy impact. 

The Lead Consultant is expected to achieve this through methodological guidance, effective coordination and supervision of the writing team, as well as management of inputs and advice from the Contributing Authors and Research Assistants, and quality assurance.

Responsibilities
 
Under the overall guidance of the Chief Scientific Advisor and direct supervision of the Branch Coordinator Urban Economy Branch the Lead Consultant will be directly responsible for the following activities:
  • Provide substantive guidance in the development of the report methodology with special focus on youth employment, poverty, inequality, productivity, urbanization, prosperity, and social issues in selected cities.
  • Based on relevant literature, UN and other Databases, produce long-term trends analysis on the subject of structural change across countries and the relevant regions including cross-regional comparisons;
  • Combined with the trend analysis and other objective data, , performing data analysis/interpretation; drafting and editing the report in consultation and collaboration with the other Author(s) involved in the report, the writing team and Report Coordination task force
  • Providing feedback to draft outputs, and ensuring quality of final deliverables
  • Coordinating the development of the final report, through close management of inputs/feedback from Authors, and the writing team by an agreed upon date
  • Submission and presentation of the final report (English) by the agreed date with the Project Coordinator.
  • Ensuring regular, structured communications with the Lead Authors and Report Coordination task force
  • Providing advice and support to the planning and delivery of consultation events, seminars and youth consultations
  • Attendance at consultation events, seminars and youth consultations
Key Deliverables
  • Inception report which spells out a clear methodology, metadata and literature review on Youth and Structural Change in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
  • Publication of three papers in major international economic journals by end of the year;
  • Completed fully edited and reference report on the “Youth and Structural Change: Comparative Development Prospect of Asia and Africa” derived out of a highly participatory process
  • Publication of the report by a recognised publishing company
  • Presentation of the report findings before and/or during HABITAT III in 2016.
Time Line
  • First Delivery: end April2015;
  • Second Delivery: end June 2015
  • Third Delivery: end August 2015.
  • Fourth Deliverable: end of November
  • Fifth Deliverable: October-December: Final Write-Up
The report will be published in March2016.
 
Competencies
 
Professionalism: Knowledge of concepts and approaches relevant to the communication sector and ability to conduct independent analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations.
 
Communication: Excellent oral/communication skills and ability to articulate ideas in a clear and accurate manner including the ability to prepare and edit a variety of written documents, reports and briefs.

Planning and organizing:
 ability to work under pressure, establish priorities and plan, coordinate own work plan, use time efficiently and apply judgement in the context of competing deadlines.
 
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural environment

Required Qualifications
  • Abilities and adequate experience of conducting surveys, econometric models constructing and large scale research projects
  • PHD in Development Studies, Economics, Statistics or other relevant field
  • General adequate knowledge in urbanization and youth issues/realities, structural development, and economy
  • Excellent understanding of both qualitative and quantitative survey and data collection methods
  • Thorough knowledge of SPSS manipulation or other relevant software
  • Clear experience managing teams at the organizational, departmental or unit level
  • Experience with International Organizations and United Nations is considered to be an asset
Work Experience
  • At least 15 years of relevant experience in the development sector (research, data handling, report writing)
Language Skills
  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. 
  • For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. 
  • Knowledge of another official language of the UN is an advantage.
Other Skills
  • Familiarity with United Nations system, processes & good knowledge of emerging UN issues; and 
  • In-depth knowledge of UN-Habitat mandate and areas of work
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)
  • CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
  • The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
  • 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
  • Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
Please also 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 

All applications should be submitted to:
 
Ms. Anne Muchiri
UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: Anne.Muchiri@unhabitat.org
Fax: +254 20 7623080
 
Deadline for applications: 12 March 2015

Organizational Location: UN-Habitat
 
Duty Station:Nairobi, Kenya
 
Functional Title:Information and Knowledge Management Officer – Temporary Appointment
 
Grade: NOA
 
Post Duration: 12 months (renewable depending on availability of funds, and performance)
 
Closing Date: 11 March 2015
 
Organizational setting and reporting: The National Officer will be located in the Regional Office for Africa at the UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Settlements Officers responsible for programmes in Mozambique, Ethiopia, Cabo Verde, Angola, Rwanda, Zambia, Namibia, Eritrea, São Tomé e Principe, Guiné Bissau, Guinea Equatorial, Somalia and South Sudan, the National Officer will perform the above specified tasks and liaise with the relevant UN-Habitat programme officers and administrative staff.
 

Responsibilities: The National Officer will provide support to the Senior Human Settlements Officers dealing with the above mentioned countries in the Regional Office of Africa in matters related to project support, documentation, reporting and information and data management.

The National Officer will provide direct support on the following responsibilities:
 
a. Project Support:
  • Assist in organizing meetings with partners, and in the dissemination of best practices and expertise to the relevant actors within the country programmes
  • Assist in programme administration, including provision of support in the formulation of consultant and institutional contracts, including Agreements of Cooperation, and subsequent implementation, development of the programme budgets, etc.
  • Monitoring specific aspects of programme/project implementation
  • Liaising with relevant parties/branches and represent the SHSOs in relevant meetings while on mission
  • Identify and follow-up actions whenever needed in the different HQ branches/offices
  • Supporting programme development, including feeding the project details on the Project Accrual and Accountability System (PAAS)
  • Undertaking field missions when needed, including provision of substantive and administrative support to the respective programme/project.
b. Documentation and Reporting:
 
The National Officer will assist SHSOs in their effort to ensure that there is adequate reporting in the specified countries, thus allowing for greater initiatives to be developed and strengthened into the future.

The role of the National Officer will be:
  • Preparing various project reports as requested, i.e. project status reports and fiscal reports in coordination with project managers and PMOs.
  • Updating project information on PAAS to ensure that all information is available for projects undergoing closure assessment
  • Assist preparation and processing of Terms of Reference to recruit individual consultants and Agreements of Cooperation with implementing partners
  • Be the PAAS focal point ensuring that all project data is available in the system for purposes of performance monitoring
  • Support with regular reporting activities including reporting on the progress of the work programme on IMDIS
  • Support managing and maintaining the records for all project activities within the specified countries.
  • Prepare concept notes for the dissemination of knowledge and best practices, and presentations for workshops and training programs.
  • Reviewing/editing substantively relevant documents and reports, as required
c. Data and Information Management:
  • Liaising with partners, coordinating and compiling provided data inputs from partners, reviewing and analyzing these regarding usability for the reports
  • Assisting in identifying gaps in information and data management in the specified country projects
  • Contributes to the maintenance and management of the project records
Competencies
 
Professionalism:  
  • Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change and migration. 
  • Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. 
  • Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. 
  • Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
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 & 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.
Qualifications
 
Education
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) Information Science, Records Management, Communication, Knowledge Management and/or other relevant discipline. 
  • Knowledge on Urban Planning and Development will be an added advantage.
Work Experience
  • A minimum of two years working experience at the international level in project management, research and analysis and in information management. 
  • Experience in collaborating with intergovernmental and/or UN bodies would be considered an advantage. 
  • Working experience within multi-cultural international institutions and with donor relations would be considered an asset.
Language:
  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. 
  • For this post, fluency in oral and written English is mandatory.
Other Skills
  • Ability to work under pressure against deadlines and to work efficiently in a multi-national team;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, gender and cross- cultural awareness;
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence, and integrity;
  • Good writing and reporting skills
Assessment Method: Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

All applications should be submitted with subject heading to: Janet Kabatha, UN-HABITAT E-mail:janet.kabatha@unhabitat.org

Deadline for applications:
 06 March 2015 at 1700hrs (Nairobi time)

Organizational Location: UN-Habitat
 
Duty Station: Nairobi
 
Functional Title: Consultant:Communications Associate
 
Supervisor: Unit Leader, Land and GLTN Unit , ULLG Branch
 
Contract Type & Duration: 12 months from 22 March 2015
 
Vacancy Closing Date: 11 March 2015
 
Responsibilities: Under the overall supervision of the Unit Leader of Land and GLTN Unit under the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance Branch of UN-Habitat or authorised staff, the consultant will perform the following tasks and responsibilities:
 
1. Oversee the management and functionality of the GLTN website and social media
  • Regularly update the website with fresh content (news updates, vacancy announcements, publications)
  • Ensure maximum website availability by managing hosting services (subscriptions, troubleshooting)
  • Promote GLTN website content on UN-Habitat website and on social media
  • Support substantive officers in moderation of e-discussions and forums on the GLTN website and social media platforms
2. Develop and manage GLTN visibility and information products
  • Perform basic graphic design work for GLTN printed and online information products
  • Perform basic editing of GLTN video footage and materials
  • Support the technical team in conceptualizing and formulating respective information products under their work streams
  • Prepare evidence-based GLTN newsletters and other regular information products
  • Organize and oversee the engagement, functions and services provided by off-site contractors (translators, editors and graphic designers)
  • In liaison with relevant teams, support the procurement function of related materials
3. Manage the GLTN information database
  • Develop and maintain updated contacts for GLTN partners and members and actors
  • Develop and maintain updated mailing lists for GLTN partners, members and actors
  • Develop and maintain updated imagery database (photos, logos, diagrams, illustrations)
  • Update and maintain information on the GLTN shared drive
4. Support the planning and implementation of GLTN events
  • Avail promotional items to missions and meetings
  • Provide communication support to GLTN events
5. Perform any additional tasks as required to deliver on the shared goals of the unit
 
Competencies
 
Professionalism: Knowledge of concepts and approaches relevant to communication and design and ability to conduct independent analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations.
 
Communication: Excellent oral/written/visual communication skills and ability to articulate ideas in a clear and accurate manner including the ability to prepare a variety of visual designs and written documents.

Planning and organizing:
 Ability to work under pressure, establish priorities and plan, coordinate own work plan, use time efficiently and apply judgment in the context of competing deadlines.
 
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Education
  • A University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, information technology or other related fields; 
  • A Master’s degree in a related field is an advantage.
Work Experience
  • At least two years of progressively responsible in journalism, advocacy, communications, public relations or related fields: international experience desirable;
  • Experience in information, public awareness, advocacy and communications or in any related discipline;
  • Understanding of multi-stakeholder partnership arrangements, operations management and dynamics in a highly complex environment such as land is preferred;
  • Theoretical background and good understanding of approaches, tools, methodologies relating to planning, executing and monitoring public communications campaigns, e.g. campaign management, message targeting, impact evaluation, etc.
  • Competence in web management, desktop publishing, video editing, graphic software is highly preferred;
  • Good communications research and analytical skills;
  • Excellent drafting and editing skills;
  • Excellent in English writing skills is required; and
  • Previous work experience for the UN systems is desirable.
Language Skills
  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. 
  • Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage.
Remuneration: Remuneration shall be computed based on tasks assigned and results delivered.
 
Applications should include:
  • Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
  1. Summary CV (please use the United Nations standard personal history form available upon request or viahttp://www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc).
  2. Educational Background (incl. dates)
  3. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years / months)
  4. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
  5. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
  6. Expectations regarding remuneration (daily)
  7. List of referees
Optional: A document developed by the applicant that is able to depict his / her ability to perform the tasks described in these Terms of Reference.
 
All applications should be submitted to:
 
Global Land Tools Network Secretariat, UN-Habitat
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 
Nairobi, Kenya
 
Email: info.ullg@unhabitat.org cc: Josephine.Ruria@unhabitat.org

Subject of the email: Application - Communications Associate
 
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:11 March 2015
 
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

Organizational Location: UN-Habitat
 
Duty Station:Nairobi
 
Functional Title:Editorial Consultant
 
Vacancy Closing Date: 11 March 2015
 
Contract Duration:6 Months
 
Editorial Consultancy: The Global Land Tool Network needs to develop appropriate messages that carry the ideas of the initiative, by using channels such as presentations, speeches, brief materials and visits to get them across. 

The objectives of the dissemination of the publications and tools of GLTN are to;
  • Support implementation at country level to improve the social well-being of citizens and achievement of the MDGs
  • Enable dissemination of knowledge and best practices among stakeholders involved in the land sector in general and the GLTN network
  • Enable cooperation more effectively among stakeholders involved and with the Government in terms of ministries/agencies involved in the land sector on global, regional and country levels.
Responsibilities
 
Under the supervision of the Unit Leader and in close collaboration with the focal person for Project Management the expert will undertake the following responsibilities

Editing:
  • Proofread all text for spelling, grammar and logical flow.
  • Ensure the texts follow the UN style guidelines.
  • Re-write any sections that are clumsy or are grammatically incorrect, including moving text so that there is a better flow of information.
  • Ensure non-native English speakers will understand the text.
  • Reduce text and rewrite to fit the text within a specified number of pages.
  • Fact check.
  • Ensure references follow UN guidelines.
Writing:
  • Produce documents from texts provided.
  • Produce Executive Summary and /or conclusion based on text in document.
Competencies 

Professionalism: Knowledge of concepts and approaches in the areas related to communication and journalism and ability to conduct independent analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations
 
Planning and organizing: Ability to work within set deadlines and in line with the requested outputs; Capacity to establish priorities and plan, coordinate own work plan, use time efficiently and apply judgment in the context of competing needs.
 
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate complex ideas in a simple and clear manner; Ability to prepare and edit a variety of written documents, reports and briefs.
 
Creativity: Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches, takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; Offers new and different options to solve problems and meet the GLTN team’s needs.
 
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
 
Education
  • First level university degree related to mass communications, journalism or equivalent; 
  • Additional qualifications in website development, using the Joomla! Or Drupal content management System, Graphic Design using InDesign, Photoshop, Publisher, Page Maker and Video Editing are added advantages.
Work Experience
  • A minimum 5 years of experience in editorial services, communications or journalism, preferably for an international market and audience
  • It is considered as a specific merit if the above mentioned competencies and experiences are drawn from the development area;
  • Strong people and process skills with proven ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders
  • An understanding of the political and cultural dynamics of development issues
  • Excellent analytical and conceptual writing skills.
Language Skills
 
English and French are the working languages of the UN. 

For the post advertised, excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage

Other Skills
  • Good communications research and analytical skills
  • Excellent drafting and editing skills
  • Excellent English writing skills is required and
  • Previous work experience for the UN system is desirable
Remuneration: Remuneration shall be computed based on tasks assigned and results delivered.
 
Applications should include:
  • Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
  • Summary CV (please use the United Nations standard personal history form available upon request or viahttp://www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc).:
  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 (daily rate for period of up to 50 days)
  6. List of referees
Optional: A document developed by the applicant that is able to depict his / her ability to perform the tasks described in these Terms of Reference.

All applications should be submitted to:
 
Global Land Tool Network Secretariat, UN-Habitat
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Email: info.ullg@unhabitat.org with cc : to Josephine.Ruria@unhabitat.org

Subject of the email: Application for Editorial Consultant

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:
 11 March 2015


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