Land and conflict Consultant

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations Agency for Human Settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Land and GLTN Unit, located within the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance (ULLG) Branch of UN-Habitat, is mandated to develop, test and disseminate pro-poor and gender responsive land tools and approaches within the continuum of land rights framework. Established in 2006, the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN), is a coalition of 80 international partners concerned with rural and urban land issues, working together to contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development through promoting secure land and property rights for all, demonstrated through country-level interventions. In the past years, GLTN has been expanding its work in the conflict-affected countries, including Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Syria and other countries. The key aspects of the GLTN work in such countries include land governance, capacity development, knowledge management, support to land projects implementation, adaptation of land tools, and land sector coordination. The aim of this consultancy is to deliver specific technical outputs contributing to the implementation of the UN-Habitat and GLTN portfolio in conflict affected countries. Under the overall leadership of the Coordinator of the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance Branch, the consultant will report to the Human Settlements Officer who is leading the Land and Conflict portfolio located in the Land and GLTN Unit of UN-Habitat. The consultant will collaborate with UN-Habitat country office colleagues and other colleagues working in the Land and GLTN Unit of UN-Habitat.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The aim of this consultancy is to implement activities related to the land and conflict stream of work and to coordinate the realization of the following activities : Land Conflict, Mapping, and Research, Land Conflict Resolution Mechanisms, Capacity and Knowledge Development, Land Policy and Legislative Review , Advancing Women’s Land Rights, Land, HLP and Legal Trainings. This involves developing the Terms of Reference for particular studies and activities; plan and follow up on the activities realized by colleagues and partners on the ground; quality control as well as time and cost management. The responsibilities further include undertaking capacity development and training events and workshops, developing and adapting training materials, develop documents and papers, review and provide inputs in research assignments and analyses, prepare concept notes and programme documents, and support the implementation of other specific activities within the land and conflict portfolio (including coordination and among working on the topic and focal point roles). The consultant will also support the coordination and networking activities, identify new partners for the GLTN Network and explore further funding opportunities.

Qualifications/special skills

Competencies

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the team, where applicable.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of principles and approaches relevant to land, HLP rights, project management and coordination. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in English; 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.

Skills: Proficient in use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Illustrator and PowerPoint. Ability to work to schedule and within set deadlines and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and timelines. Ability to understand complex assignments, undertake them with precision in line with the guidance given. Capacity to plan and prioritize conflicting priorities.

Academic Qualifications: Advanced education degree in one of the following fields is required: urban development, international development, land administration and management, urban planning or related social sciences. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of 6 years working experience in urban development, land sector, international development, humanitarian assistance or related areas is required. Experience in a conflict-affected context at the field level is desirable Working experience with national or international development agencies is an Asset

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, fluency in in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Arabic and French would be an added advantage

Detailed Terms of Reference for Land and Conflict Consultant

Additional Information