Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Forest, Land Management and Housing Division of the Economic Commission for Europe, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports directly to the D1, Chief of Forests, Land, and Housing Division (FLHD). The incumbent is expected to provide regional advisory services (advisory missions, capacity building and field projects) on housing, urban development, urban forests, within the framework of the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation (RPTC).

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Technical Adviser provides technical and policy advice and expertise to governments, as follows: • Provides advice to beneficiary countries on national or sectoral development strategies, programmes and policies in urban development, housing, land management, and urban forestry; • Undertakes cross-sectoral role for 3 countries of the 17 programme countries (countries within the Resident Coordinator System which are in the ECE region of work) working closely with the Resident Coordinators (RCs) and United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs), including working on new programmatic opportunities and proposing new joint project initiatives with resident UN agencies. Undertakes capacity-building activities, as follows: • Organizes seminars, workshops and training to assist beneficiary countries to accede to and implement UNECE legal instruments, norms, standards and guidance in urban development, housing, land management, and urban forestry; • Assists governments in formulating and implementing field projects in urban development, housing, land management, including those of multisectoral and/or transboundary nature • Facilitates and supports the development of institutional frameworks in support of subregional / national cooperation among UNECE member States; • Promotes sharing of experience and identifying of best practices in urban development, housing, land management, and urban forestry. Supports the work of the Division by: • Undertaking resource mobilization, to leverage additional funding for regional advisory services for housing, land management, urban development and urban forests interventions; • Serving as the primary link between the normative and analytical work of the Division and operationalizing the norms and standards within the beneficiary countries (17 UN programme countries). • Advising the Director of Division on technical cooperation needs of beneficiary countries (17 programme countries in the UNECE region) in urban development, housing, land management, and urban forestry; • Managing Subprogramme 8 (Housing, land management component) of the RPTC, including the budget as well as extra-budgetary resources, and coordinates with Subprogramme 7 (Forests and the forest industry) as appropriate. Maintains strategic partnership and coordinates activities, as follows: • Establishes and maintains regular contacts with relevant counterparts from national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, regional, sub-regional organizations and development banks, permanent missions, UN funds and programmes and specialized agencies, development agencies of donor countries, as well as with business community; • Coordinates technical cooperation activities with other Regional Advisors inter alia through the Working Group on Technical Cooperation (WGTC) at the Secretariat level; • Contributes to the UNSDCF (United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework) processes at the country level, and the United Nations Special Programme for Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) at the subregional level.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the work of the UN and its specialized agencies, funds and programmes. Good knowledge of the UNECE Region and of the economic and environmental problems specific to the 17 programme countries. 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. Planning and 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. Accountability: 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in urban studies, geography, environmental studies, economics, social affairs or related fields is required. A first-level or advanced degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in any fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree in the specified fields of studies.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in housing, land management, and urban development is required. Experience of all aspects of project/programme management is required. Experience mobilizing resources is required. Experience with international organizations, multilateral development banks, or development agencies is desirable. Experience in the UNECE programme countries or other economies in transition is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Russian is a working language of ECE. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required and knowledge of Russian is desirable. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.