Project Assistant

CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Issued on: 11 March 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION

Office for European Institutions, UN-Habitat

DUTY STATION

home based

FUNCTIONAL TITLE

Project Assistant

CONTRACT TYPE

Individual Contractor

POST DURATION

8 Months

CLOSING DATE

19.03.2025

 

• BACKGROUND

The Brussels Office of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established in 2001 to allow for a smoother relationship and cross-fertilization between European Institutions, Member States and UN-Habitat. The Office focuses on conducting policy dialogue, building partnerships, and mobilizing resources for the achievement of the New Urban Agenda at the global level. It furthermore supports operational activities within countries of the European Union and neighbours. The Liaison Office plays a role in assisting UN-Habitat headquarters and regional offices in identifying the priorities of European partners, developing new projects, and backstopping EU-funded programmes

Since 2017, UN-Habitat and the European Commission have collaborated to enhance the methodology and data collection for monitoring urban development in the framework of a project called Urban2030. The focus is on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for cities and the related indicators that measure access to affordable housing, green public spaces, public transport, and land consumption of cities relative to their population growth. Expert group meetings are convened to build collective knowledge and to develop a community of practice.

These expert group meetings bring together representatives from the European Commission, its Joint Research Centre, the United Nations, academia, city associations, civil society, and the private sector. The research results are presented and debated over two days with the aim of taking stock of data availability and shortcomings in measuring the Sustainable Development Goals related to cities. The meetings have produced recommendations for improving methodology and data collection. Additionally, general recommendations have been made for communicating with the public, crowdsourcing, working with informality, and understanding the potential and limitations of earth observation.
The expert group meetings have provided inputs that have enabled the revision of the methodological basis for data collection to measure the SDGs. They have also contributed to suggestions and fine-tuning of secondary indicators, which will feed into the upcoming comprehensive review of SDG indicators planned by the UN Statistical Commission for early 2025.

The meetings have also been the occasion to exchange on the Degree of Urbanization, a universal method to define cities, towns and rural areas for international comparisons that was adopted by the UN Statistics Commission in 2020.

Objective of the Consultancy

UN-Habitat is working to strengthen its engagement with its partners in recognition of the rapid urbanization process and the strategic political relevance and potential for unique and important contributions to the regional and global debate on urban issues. One of the first key steps being taken was the concluded creation of the long-term WUF website to increase partner engagement, cohesion among existing partners and to engage with a wider range of non-traditional partners. To revamp its communication with partners for greater impact the second key step is by creating a long-term WUF registration and event application platform that will foster continuity from session to session and create a positive online user experience for several thousand participants who register online, thousands who submit event applications and exhibition booking and several hundred of event organizers using the back-end features of the platform. The consultancy also seeks to revamp UN-Habitat’s main website and integrate it with the WUF website.

To achieve the above, UN-Habitat seeks a consultant to create the dynamic, functional, and user-friendly websites and applications that reflects the ambitions of the agency vis-à-vis the mandate of the World Urban Forum and other corporate events with developing the UN-Habitat Global Event Management System (GEMS).

• RESPONSIBILITIES

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager for Urban 2030 Phase 2. She/he will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Performs a wide range of office support and administrative functions.
2. Monitors processes and schedules related to the unit’s outputs, products, tasks, etc.; where applicable, assists in the verification of receipt and accuracy of requisite documents, approvals, signatures, etc. to ensure compliance with relevant legal, financial and other requirements.
3. Researches, compiles and organizes information and reference materials from various sources for reports, work plans, studies, briefings, meetings/conferences, etc.
4. Responds to moderately complex information requests and inquiries (e.g. answers requests requiring file search, etc.), and as necessary, refer inquiries to appropriate personnel for handling.
5. Provides secretarial, administrative and logistics support to meetings, boards, committees, conferences, etc.
6. Performs general administrative tasks (e.g. leave and attendance recording, arrangements for meetings and other events, reservations, budget follow-up, etc.), including preparing and/or processing administrative requests/documents (e.g. requisitions, purchase orders, travel requests, contracts, expenditure authorizations, visa applications, etc.).
7. Maintains files (both paper and electronic) and databases for work unit.
8. Performs other duties as assigned

• EXPECTED RESULTS/ Ultimate Results

Successful organization of meetings/conferences, travel requests and other administrative tasks.

• COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONALISM:
Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to administration, programme administration and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. The ability to perform analysis, modelling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

PLANNING AND 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.

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; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Skills

• Self-motivated, critical thinker and the ability to thrive in a team environment
• Strong client-services orientation with excellent communication skills to non-technical staff
• Fluency in both oral and written English
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and a high level of resilience is required.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity is highly desirable.

 

• QUALIFICATIONS

 

• Self-motivated, critical thinker and the ability to thrive in a team environment
• Strong client-services orientation with excellent communication skills to non-technical staff
• Fluency in both oral and written English
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and a high level of resilience is required.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity is highly desirable.

Education

Bachelors degree in Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or any related discipline is desired.

 

Work experience
A minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience in the field of business administration or a related field is required.

Language
For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Although not a requirement, knowledge of any other UN language will be an advantage.

Applications should include:

• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• P11, indicating the following information:
  • Educational Background (incl. dates)
  • Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
  • Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)

All applications should be submitted to: Samuel Muraga [email protected]

Deadline for applications: Posting period 11 March 2025-19 March 2025

UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: [email protected]