Innovate Counties Challenge Project Coordinator at UN-Habitat

RESPONSIBILITIES
Terms of reference:
The consultant will spend majority of their time coordinating the implementation of the Innovate Counties Project and support the ICT as a driver for urban prosperity project
The expected tasks include:

• Coordinate ICT and sustainable cities projects in collaboration with participating UN-Habitat branches and external partners

• Organize expert group meetings, training sessions and multi stakeholder sessions aimed at enhancing the delivery of the projects.

• Establish and managing partnerships with counties, academic institutions and researchers as and when required by the projects, including with the preparation of agreements of cooperation with research and implementing partners.

• Produce annual project reports on the projects.

• Monitor the financial expenditure of the projects.

• Provide communications, monitoring and administrative backing to the projects.

• Arrange and take part in regular project team meetings.

Output expectations:

• Organize one urban challenge workshop

• Organize three urban bootcamps for county governments in three counties

• Organize three hackathons in three counties

• Produce reports on the aforementioned activities

Travel:
It is expected that the consultant will undertake occasional missions to meet with the project team and to support project activities in Kenya as well as being part of the delegation to the UN-Habitat III conference.
Training:
The UN Office at Nairobi (UNON) provides language training in all official UN-languages plus Kiswahili. This service is also available to the Consultant. UNON also periodically offers training in a number of other areas such as competency-based interviewing skills, results-based management and project management. These trainings courses will be open to the Consultant.  However, participation on a course cannot be guaranteed as limited places are available.
The supervisor and Consultant will discuss and agree on specific training needs and opportunities (for example in relation to project development and management).

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• The incumbent is required to have a university degree fulfilled when applying for the position. The academic background should be in any of the following fields: International Development, Social Sciences, Administration, Urban Development. A relevant Masters degree is an asset.

• The incumbent should have at least 4 years of relevant work experience. Experience from the ICT or telecommunications sector is an asset.

• Good project cycle coordination and management skills covering project design, implementation and monitoring.

• An understanding of urban planning, urban development, urban policy and legislation and sustainable urbanization. Knowledge of the smart cities field, ICT4D projects, or urban indicators is an asset.

• Excellent ICT skills and analytical and communication skills.

• The ability to draft a wide selection of written communication and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise manner. Research skills, particularly in the technology field, are an asset.

• Good interpersonal skills, previous exposure to cross cultural environments is advantageous.

• Ability to work well in a team whilst also having the capacity and initiative to work independently is required.

• Knowledge of the UN, including working experience in a developing country and working experience with the UN (work within the UN, or working with UN agencies and programmes) are assets.

• Fluency in English, written and verbal, is required. Working knowledge of Kiswahili, is an asset as significant work in Kenya is expected.

Competencies:
The principal competencies required to carry out the duties of the job are:

• Technological Awareness Keeps abreast of available technology, understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks, shows willingness to learn new technology.

• 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; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed, Excellent drafting ability and communications skills, both oral and written; proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

• Teamwork  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning and organizing Able to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for contingencies in planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Living conditions at duty station

• The UN classifies Nairobi as a class B duty station

• Nairobi enjoys normal living conditions for a developing country in Africa.

• Comprehensive security advice and support is provided upon arrival.