Housing, Land and Property (HLP) Advisor
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) supports the implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. As an operational arm of the UN, it provides project management, procurement, and infrastructure services. UN-Habitat, the UN agency for human settlements, promotes sustainable urban development and aims to improve living conditions, focusing on housing, land, and basic services, particularly in areas with acute humanitarian and development needs.
Job Purpose
The Housing, Land and Property (HLP) Advisor, hosted by the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) within UNSCO, will integrate HLP considerations into humanitarian response, early recovery, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the West Bank. Working closely with UN Country Team members, Palestinian Authority institutions, and other stakeholders, the Advisor will provide strategic coordination, policy advice, and risk analysis. The role aims to safeguard land tenure and property rights, reduce disputes and displacement, and promote transparent land governance, thereby enhancing UN system coherence and supporting sustainable recovery and long-term resilience.
Responsibilities
The HLP Advisor will support the Resident Coordinator in strategically focusing on HLP for humanitarian response and reconstruction in Gaza, while addressing land-related complexities in the West Bank. This includes providing technical guidance, monitoring HLP contexts and risks, and analyzing political developments. The role involves facilitating a coherent UN approach to HLP rights engagement with the Palestinian Authority and stakeholders, updating the Strategic HLP Framework, and supporting its integration into inter-agency planning. The Advisor will lead HLP project development for the UN Trust Fund, engage with partners to promote inclusive HLP approaches, and monitor the impact of recovery activities on HLP rights. Additionally, the position requires developing and updating HLP risk assessments, preparing substantive written outputs, and supporting consultative meetings and field missions.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in housing, land, and property rights, land governance, and administration within conflict-affected or post-conflict settings is required. Experience engaging with government counterparts, international organizations, and civil society is essential. Strong analytical skills, political judgment, and experience with UN coordination structures are highly desirable.
Skills
Land Administration, Strategic Partnerships, Technical Communication, Technical Writing, Recovery and Resolution Planning, Strategic Thinking, Risk Assessment, Stakeholder Engagement.