Urban Development and Territorial Planning Associate

Organizational Context

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable urbanization and human settlements development, working towards inclusive, safe, and resilient cities globally. In Angola, UN-Habitat supports national and local authorities in addressing rapid urbanization, internal migration, and pressure on services. The program focuses on improving urban governance, land management, and inclusive planning for communities, including returnees and displaced populations, linking humanitarian assistance with urban resilience.

Job Purpose

The UN Volunteer Associate will support UN-Habitat Angola's efforts to enhance inclusive urban development and territorial planning. This role involves integrating cross-cutting priorities such as peace, human rights, sustainable development, climate action, and humanitarian assistance. The position is designed for learning and practical experience in programme implementation, stakeholder coordination, and policy mainstreaming. The associate will contribute to evidence generation, participatory processes, and the design of small-scale planning and land management activities aimed at improving services, tenure security, and resilience for vulnerable communities.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer Associate will support UN-Habitat Angola in strengthening inclusive urban development and territorial planning, integrating key priorities like peace, human rights, sustainable development, climate change, and humanitarian assistance. Key duties include synthesizing evidence and reviewing policies to ensure planning aligns with human rights and security standards. The role involves supporting the integration of human rights principles into programme materials and community engagement, and facilitating participatory processes for social cohesion. Contributions will be made to sustainable development initiatives linking urban planning with health, education, and livelihoods, and supporting climate-sensitive planning. The associate will assist in humanitarian-development coordination, documenting service gaps and preparing situation updates. Responsibilities also include contributing to responsible technology use in urban planning, participating in monitoring and reporting, supporting capacity-building for local stakeholders, and assisting in stakeholder coordination and partnership development. The role involves contributing to small-scale project implementation and piloting, and supporting communication and advocacy efforts on urban planning's impact.

Work Experience

A minimum of 1 month of relevant experience is required. Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in programme planning, monitoring, communications, or external relations is beneficial. Prior exposure to the UN or international organizations is an asset. Experience in urban development, territorial planning, housing, land management, or resilience in humanitarian or migration contexts is advantageous. Proficiency in office software and strong interpersonal and organizational skills are necessary.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, commitment, motivation, continuous learning, communication, creativity, empowering others, ethics, integrity, judgment, knowledge sharing, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, and teamwork. Technical skills include proficiency in office software. Familiarity with Portuguese or another UN official language is an advantage.

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