Sub Regional Program Coordinator

About

UN-Habitat seeks a Sub Regional Program Coordinator for its Southern Africa Sub Regional Hub. The 12-month home-based consultancy will support programme development, research, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, project development and resource mobilization for Southern African countries and the SADC and IOC. Applicants need an advanced degree in development studies, international affairs or a related field (or a first-level degree plus additional experience), at least 10 years of relevant progressive experience, and fluency in English and French. Duty station: Home-based

How to apply

Submit the complete application by email only to agnes.mashonganyika@un.org, copying mark.gitonga@un.org. Include a concise cover letter or motivation statement, a completed and signed Personal History Profile (P11), and copies of relevant supporting documents, including academic qualifications and evidence of relevant professional experience. Clearly label documents and submit them in PDF or clear image format. Use the subject line: APPLICATION_SUB-REGIONAL PROGRAM_COORDINATOR [First Name].

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue strategic opportunities for programme expansion in line with regional and country priorities as well as the agency’s strategic policy.
• Develop high-quality project documents, concept notes, and donor submission packages in collaboration with partners, covering thematic areas such as sustainable urban development, housing, land and property rights, informal settlement transformation, housing and basic services, climate resilience, a
• Support liaison with the governments, regional organizations, stakeholders and donors for proposal development and resource mobilization.
• Prepare analysis reports, draft policy documents, desk reviews, needs/trend analyses, evaluations, and research studies on topics related to urban development, climate resilience, informal settlements, land administration, and related fields, including the development and updating of country profili
• Research, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources, including government data, UN agencies, NGOs, media, surveys, field monitoring, and thematic releases, to generate evidence-based recommendations.
• Provide substantive inputs to annual work plans, including progress monitoring, achievement tracking, and preparation of regular updates.
• Contribute to the preparation of strategic planning documents for specific countries and for the Sub-Regional Hub, aligning UN-Habitat programming with national/regional priorities and UN frameworks, in coordination with country offices.
• Contribute to the operationalization of UN-Habitat country programme documents and agreements of cooperation (memorandum of understanding) with national governments and regional organizations, in coordination with country offices.
• Draft and produce high-quality communication materials, including press releases, media briefs, talking points, newsletters, brochures, presentations, human impact stories, and donor visibility materials.
• Prepare articles, chapters, and content for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports, and publications.
• Organize the timely dissemination of communication products to target audiences, monitor their reach, and evaluate their impact.
• Respond to internal and external information requests and prepare related correspondence, briefings, and reports.
• Coordinate conferences, seminars, press briefings, interviews, and other events, including preparation of briefing materials for senior officials.
• Identify key contacts, constituencies, and strategic partnership opportunities, and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Identify and propose visibility opportunities, activities, and approaches tailored to specific topics, audiences, or contexts.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in development studies, international affairs or a related field is required.
• A first level university degree in addition to two more years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in development assistance, field project coordination, project management or related field is required.
• Proven experience with the UN-Habitat or other UN agencies is desirable.
• Experience in working in sustainable urban development, urban governance, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction/reconstruction is an added advantage.
• Field experience in working in African countries is an asset.
• Fluency in oral and written English and French is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language would be an advantage.