Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements, NOD

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. With its Headquarter in Nairobi, Kenya, UN-Habitat's Regional Programmes Division (RPD) has a Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Fukuoka, Japan, and a Bangkok Programme Office in Thailand. ROAP was established in 1997 as the second Regional Office of UN-Habitat. The Office oversees programme and project portfolios in the region, manages country teams undertaking country projects as part of UN country teams, engages with Member States at national level and in Bangkok, the regional UN center, and collaborates with the UN system and the Regional Commission. ROAP engages with over 30 developing countries in Asia and the Pacific and has 15 country offices. Under the guidance of a Regional Representative, the office employs a team of substantive and admin/finance specialists and staff. The position is located in ROAP Fukuoka, with the First Reporting Officer (FRO) being a Senior Programme Manager or other designated senior officer, and the Second Reporting Officer (SRO) being the Regional Director. As a National Officer position, the role requires strong knowledge of Japan’s national context, intensive collaboration with local and national counterparts to promote partnerships and development cooperation, always in support of the ROAP programme and the Regional Director. The incumbent will support engagement with Japanese ministries and agencies relevant to environment, infrastructure, land, transport, urban development, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and international cooperation, as well as with JICA, local governments, the private sector entities, business associations, academia and civil society organizations. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. • Provides substantive support, as assigned, to maintain existing partnerships in Japan relevant to ROAP; and to identify targeted opportunities with Japanese private sector, local governments, academia, foundations, and other partners that can add value to ROAP and UN-Habitat as a whole. • Provides substantive support to ROAP to develop and implement relevant locally-tailored partnerships and resource mobilization strategies and initiatives; and identify appropriate data and benchmarks to measure progress and success with Japanese public, private, municipal, academic and philanthropic stakeholders; Provides substantive support to the UN-Habitat as a whole, to generate relevant programme resources with Japanese partners and Japan-linked partnership opportunities. • Monitors and assesses the relevant parts of the ROAP strategy at regular intervals to harness emerging opportunities for new high-impact partnerships, to identify probable changes to the internal direction and external environment, and to make mid-term adjustments including in relation to Japanese policy, technology, financing, local government, and private sector trends. • Prepares inputs on due diligence processes of potential investment and partnership opportunities, in accordance with UN regulations and procedures, including potential private sector, innovation, and co-creation partnerships in Japan. Contributes to dialogues with partners to improve development assistance policies and practice and to connect relevant Japanese experience and expertise with ROAP priorities. • Assists in engaging with relevant external stakeholders - including the national government, national and international financial institutions and others.Assists in liaison and coordination with UN-Habitat entities at country, various regional levels and at HQ level, to help package and define relevant UN business strategies, including differentiated value propositions to attract partners, both traditional and non-traditional and to support strategic briefing and follow-up on Japan-related opportunities for the Regional Director as required. • Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, • Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting including partnership mapping, resource mobilization tracking, and Japan engagement monitoring. • Performs other duties as required.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. 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 analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, business administration, management, economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of 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.

Not available.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project or programme management, administration or related area is required. A minimum of five (5) years of responsible experience for an international organization, as a senior advisor or senior team leader is required. Experience in resource mobilization in the context of urban development cooperation, donor relations and/or outreach is required. Experience in supporting development and providing technical advice in Asia is required. Experience in government functions or in senior advisory roles in support of government bodies is desirable. Experience in leading the organization of high-level events involving business and government is desirable Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

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

This is a Fixed Term Appointment Limited position (FTA-L). The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF JAPAN ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Japanese nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Japan in the event of an employment offer. External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the National Officer and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. 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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.