UN Habitat is seeking a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Human Settlements Officer x1

Junior Professional Officer (JPO) – Associate Human Settlements Officer
UN-Habitat | Urban Practices Branch, SDG Localization and Local Governments Team
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Background and Justification

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the UN agency mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of ensuring adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat works to support urbanization that contributes positively to development and is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Global Solutions Division (GSD) is responsible for guiding the programmatic direction of UN-Habitat and oversees the strategic delivery of its work. It focuses on producing tools and methodologies, supporting the integration of technical competencies, and building capacity through training and partnerships with Member States and other stakeholders.

The Urban Practices Branch (UPB), within the GSD, functions as UN-Habitat’s skills and methodology development hub. The Branch supports the design of innovative technical solutions and provides policy guidance through various urban practice communities. It ensures integration of cross-cutting themes such as human rights, gender equality, youth, older persons, and disability inclusion across the agency’s work.

Within the UPB, the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team leads the organization’s global engagement in SDG localization and partnerships with local and regional governments. This includes providing technical expertise, policy advice, and capacity-building support to national and sub-national governments.

UN-Habitat also hosts the secretariat of the Local2030 Coalition, a global platform for driving SDG implementation at the local level. The agency has taken a leading role in advocating for Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and strengthening multilevel governance mechanisms to support the integration of the SDGs into local policies and planning frameworks.

At the Second Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly in June 2023, a resolution on SDG Localization was adopted, mandating UN-Habitat to enhance support for localizing the SDGs. Member States specifically requested improved technical support on SDG data and monitoring, capacity-building on multilevel governance, and financing. The resolution also emphasized strengthening partnerships with local and regional government actors and aligning efforts with global initiatives like the G20 and Local2030.

The JPO will be an integral part of the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team, contributing to the development and implementation of methodologies, tools, and training programs to support SDG localization. This includes work related to planning, monitoring, financing, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

The JPO will work under the supervision of senior staff within the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team. Duties include:

• Supporting the development of methodologies and technical tools to assist local and regional governments in implementing the SDGs.
• Contributing to the preparation of training materials, policy briefs, and knowledge products.
• Assisting in the planning and execution of workshops, webinars, and stakeholder consultations.
• Supporting the coordination of initiatives with external partners, including the Local2030 Coalition.
• Contributing to monitoring and evaluation processes, including the tracking of VLRs and the integration of SDG indicators in urban planning.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts, including proposal development and donor engagement.
• Conducting research and analysis on emerging trends related to local governance and SDG implementation.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) is required in one or more of the following areas: urban development, international development, international relations, public policy, architecture, or another related field.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management or a related area is required.
• Experience in the field of SDG implementation, urban planning, or local governance is desirable.
• Experience with resource mobilization is considered an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language, particularly French or Spanish, is desirable.

Note: “Fluency” indicates strong skills in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while “Knowledge of” indicates confidence in at least two of these areas.

Additional Information

This JPO position is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The selected candidate will work closely with a dynamic and diverse team and will be involved in high-impact projects that support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the local level. The role provides an opportunity for early-career professionals to deepen their expertise in sustainable urban development, multilevel governance, and SDG localization in collaboration with global stakeholders.

For more information on how to apply please visit here.

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