Chief of Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit, P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

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. The position will head the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit which is located within the Corporate Management Division of UN-Habitat in Nairobi. The Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit is responsible to advise on and coordinate strategic and policy matters related to the Programme's objectives, results-based programmes, budgets and resource mobilization for all sources of funds in achieving sustainable urban development; carries out corporate monitoring as well as monitoring of global agendas. The Unit also leads and coordinates the development of UN- Habitat's strategic plan and results framework and its Work Programme to the four-year Strategic Plan (Strategic Direction, Planning and Management); to identify strategic growth potential of the portfolio, emerging issues on urbanization and strategic challenges and to develop policy positions and solutions on sustainable urban development. Under the direct supervision of the Director, Corporate Management Division, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

Ensure multi-year strategic plans and annual work planning processes are well coordinated in line with the recommended timelines and guidelines, coordinating diverse projects in the Unit, and, in liaison with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate. Guide and coordinate development of results framework including revisions of indicators, drawing from lessons learnt and best practices. Lead the corporate monitoring and reporting of the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the Annual Work Programme. Provide inputs to project design, including comments on project documents, support development of theory of change and logical frameworks from planning, monitoring and evaluation perspectives. Manages, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Strategic Planning Unit. Coordinates the work carried out by the Unit and provides programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others. Provides substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentations to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and the UN-Habitat Assembly and its Executive Board. Contributes to the reporting to intergovernmental bodies or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. Ensures that the outputs produced by the Unit maintain high quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Strategic Prepares inputs for the work programme of Strategic Planning and Monitoring unit determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. Recruits staff for the Unit taking due account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values. Manages, guides, develops and trains staff to have a common understanding of Results Based Management (RBM) concepts and techniques. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit/Section and across organizational boundaries. Supervises and coach staff in the Unit throughout the period with the view to ensuring conformity, client oriented effective and efficient support and guidance to other divisions. Represents the Organization at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive-related issues. 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. Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. PLANNING & 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance and budget, or related area 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 an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in budget, finance, strategic planning, policy analysis, or related area is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience in preparing high-level institutional strategies, strategic reports, for senior leadership, is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the implementation of organizational strategic plans and results-based management frameworks is required. Experience in conducting presentations on matters of strategy and planning, providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior management, executive leadership, governing bodies, or intergovernmental forums is required. Experience in overseeing services provided to or in field locations of the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience in supervising professional staff and managing multidisciplinary teams is desirable. Two (2) years or more experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

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