Programme Management Officer, Human Settlements
Organizational Context
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the UN's focal point for urbanization and human settlement matters, promoting sustainable towns and cities. As the lead agency for sustainable urbanization, UN-Habitat plays a pivotal role in South Africa's development, aligning global expertise with national priorities through the Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD) 2024-2028. This role supports the UN Country Team and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Job Purpose
The Programme Management Officer will lead the implementation of the Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD) for South Africa (2024-2028) under the supervision of the Head of Southern Africa Sub Region. This role is crucial for establishing UN-Habitat's presence in South Africa and managing its office. The incumbent will coordinate policy development, support resource mobilization, establish stakeholder coordination mechanisms, and provide technical support to relevant South African ministries. The position involves representing UN-Habitat within the UN Country Team, participating in field missions, managing budgets, and analyzing regional urbanization trends to elevate the urban agenda. The role requires data analysis for informed decision-making and reporting, contributing to inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities in alignment with SDG 11 and national development plans.
Responsibilities
Develops, implements, and evaluates assigned programmes and projects, monitoring progress and initiating corrective actions. Conducts consulting assignments, facilitating workshops and developing action plans for change management. Coordinates policy development through research and analysis of trends. Supports country programme resource mobilization and donor coordination. Establishes stakeholder coordination mechanisms with ministries, civil society, and academia. Provides technical support and acts as an interface with relevant government ministries on urbanization. Represents UN-Habitat in the UN Country Team and participates in relevant working groups. Leads and participates in complex field missions, guiding consultants and government officials. Coordinates budget funding activities, including project preparation, submissions, and financial reporting. Monitors regional urbanization trends and supports the SADC secretariat. Collects and analyzes data using visualization methods for planning, decision-making, and reporting.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human settlement, project, or programme management is required. Experience in leading complex, cross-functional teams and working with government agencies is necessary. Experience in the Southern Africa context and at least two years in data analytics are desirable.
Skills
Project/programme management, data analysis, research and analysis, policy development, resource mobilization, stakeholder coordination, technical support, field missions, budget management, data visualization, client orientation, planning and organizing, judgment and decision-making.