Project Management Officer (Urban Planning)/

Background

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations system’s
designated entity for addressing and promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human
settlements, development, and the achievement of adequate shelter for all (www.unhabitat.org). Its New
Urban Agenda sets out a shared vision for cities and other human settlements towards an improved urban
environment and strengthened climate action responses.

To support cities, which are at the frontline when natural and man-made crises occur, UN-Habitat has a
strong commitment to develop approaches and tools that help them better prevent, prepare and respond.
In conflict and post-conflict contexts, UN-Habitat developed am Urban Recovery Framework, using
urban profiling to create an enabling environment for more effective recovery in urban areas.
The UN Innovation Technology Accelerator for Cities (UNITAC) is a collaboration between UN-Habitat,
the UN Office for ICT and HafenCity University. UNITAC is implementing the project “Just transitions
in vulnerable places – Towards climate resilient neighbourhoods and communities in Ukraine”. The
project will support the recovery efforts of cities affected by the conflict, providing local governments
with technology-supported assessments of post-conflict environmental and socio-economic risks as well
as housing, land and property assessments that outline pull and push factors, and the preparation of a wellcoordinated and durable return. The project will also offer new ways of exploring risks, what-if scenarios
that support national and local authorities and respective key stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities and
risks and determine the best possible area-based interventions that ensure climate mitigation and
adaptation measures are integrated into reconstruction planning.

The Project Management Officer, Urban Planning, typically reports to the Representative of UN-Habitat
in Ukraine as First Reporting Officer (FRO) and the UNITAC Project Management Officer as additional
supervisor.

Duties and main responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Project Management Officer (Urban Planning) will be responsible for the
following duties:
• Manage the day-to-day project implementation of the Just Transitions project in Ukraine.
• Supervise the Project Assistant.
• Support the hiring and management of consultants that will support specific activities in Ukraine
on urban recovery, impact assessments, data platforms and data governance.
• Coordinate with implementing partners and contractors on specific activities related to urban
planning, urban recovery, and digital development.
• Develop and organize workshops with relevant stakeholders.
• Collect and analyze relevant data and formulate ideas for further research and publication of
findings.
• Liaise with national, regional, and local government partners on relevant project activities,
maintaining close working relations.
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• Contribute to the broader engagement of UN-Habitat in Ukraine, including engage with national
and local government counter parts, UN agencies and INGOs active in Ukraine and relevant civil
society actors, relevant for UN-Habitat’s Crisis Response Framework.
• Develop methodologies and implementation activities in an innovative and progressive manner,
paying special attention to stakeholders’ needs and requirements.
• Performs other related work as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Counterparts, senior officers, and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs
and other UN specialized agencies. Representatives and officials in national and subnational
governments, international organizations, consultants.

Results Expected:
Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates assigned programme/projects. Provides thorough, wellreasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs
to publications, etc. Develops and maintains effective working relationships. Promulgate coherent
policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients. Efficiently uses resources.

Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to
particular sector, functional area or other specialized field relating to digital transformation in urban
contexts. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability
to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct
independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research
sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet, and other databases. 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;
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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender
perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing
others’ ideas and expertise; 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& 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. Technological Awareness:
Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work
of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new
technology.

Required Skills and Experience

Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in: Urban Planning; Regional
Planning; Architecture; Environment; Environmental Management; Geography; Project
Management; Computer Science, Digital Technologies or related area.
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in
lieu of the advanced university degree.
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Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management
in urban planning/recovery planning, digital development or related area. Experience of working with
digital data, mapping and digital innovation.

Languages
• Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral
and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable.
• Knowledge of Ukrainian (both oral and written) is required.

Others
• Good knowledge and understanding of best practices within the field of urban and spatial
planning. International experience would be an advantage;
• Proven experience with innovative participatory planning approaches and modern planning
techniques; understanding of European trends and concepts in planning;
• Demonstrated experience in training design and delivery and institutional capacity building;
• Capable of working in a team and undertaking initiative to ensure smooth relations and open
communication within the team and with partners;
• Good analytical, solution defining, creative and interpersonal skills;
• Computer skill is a requirement; working knowledge of GIS will be advantage;

Special considerations
The candidate should be:
• Familiar with, and committed to the goals of UN-Habitat
• Willing to take responsibility, act professionally at all times, and make sure tasks are fully
completed
• Able to innovate and initiate activities from scratch
• Able to work under pressure in diverse environments with minimum supervision
• Sensitive to gender issues and issues of concern to vulnerable groups
• Flexible and prepared to pursue goals through teamwork
• Able to meet deadlines for reporting and all project work
• Express enthusiasm and willingness to continue learning new skills and share experiences with
other members of the team