Vacancies

Vacancies

Associate Land Information Consultant

Issue Date 10 Mar 2017 Closing Date 22 Mar 2017
Grade CONSULTANT Post Duration
Duty Station Nairobi Organizational Unit
Job Opening

The Land and GLTN Unit, located within the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance (ULLG) Branch of UN-Habitat, has the mandate to develop, test and disseminate pro-poor and gender responsive approaches in regard to rural and urban land, innovative residential tenures, affordable land management/administration systems, and land related regulatory/legal frameworks and tools.

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CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Issued on: 08 March 2017

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:

UN-HABITAT/UNOPS

DUTY STATION:

Nairobi

FUNCTIONAL TITLE/LEVEL:

Associate Land Information Consultant (ICA 1)

EQUIVALENT LEVEL

P2

DURATION:

Nine (9) months with possibility of Extension

CLOSING DATE:

22th March 2017

BACKGROUND
The Land and GLTN Unit, located within the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance (ULLG) Branch of UN-Habitat, has the mandate to develop, test and disseminate pro-poor and gender responsive approaches in regard to rural and urban land, innovative residential tenures, affordable land management/administration systems, and land related regulatory/legal frameworks and tools.  The Unit hence focuses on research and tool development also to supply technical advice to Member States and backstop the Regional offices and other sections of UN-Habitat.  Land tools provide a resource for enabling action.  While there has been extensive global discussion around land policies that work for the poor, there has been insufficient attention paid to the development of methods for developing and implementing these pro-poor land policies.  Consequently what are required are land tools that are affordable and accessible for all sections of the population in countries around the world.  This is essential for creating societies with sustainable, equal access and use of land.  Work has already started on these approaches, both for developing and post-conflict societies.  Incremental expansion of this work over time, as capacity is developed, will take place through the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN), the Secretariat of which is located at UN-Habitat (see www.gltn.net)
Under the ongoing GLTN Phase II implementation there in an increasing demand and commitment to adopt and implement GLTN tools at country level. The Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM) which is a pro-poor, gender responsive and participatory land information system is one of such tools and its implementation is spreading globally. STDM implementation is embedded in other GLTN land tools as a vehicle for UN-Habitat's Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. This campaign advocates for change and assisting Member States to introduce innovations which strengthen tenure security for the majority of people, especially the poor. It operationalizes the continuum of land rights concept, enlists inclusive approaches advocated in participatory enumeration, and highlights the gender status in land relations. STDM adheres to GLTN’s core values and principles, and this is strengthened by: its affordability (it uses free and open software packages); its flexibility in its use and application (it can be applied in various contexts, complements other tools and is a specialization of the ISO-approved Land Administration Domain Model - LADM); it is simple to use (non-technical people can use it); it is inclusive and has a pro-poor focus (it can be used by communities such as slum dwellers, small landholders, and is adaptable to formal situations, etc.); and it follows good governance principles (participation, gender-segregated data, responsiveness and transparency).

RESPONSIBILITES
The specific objective of this consultancy is to support the implementation of GLTN country strategies and support development and testing of land tools. The consultant will focus on on-going activities in Kenya and the Philippines; In addition to supporting tools development and on-going development/refinements of STDM to meet clients’ requirements, technology improvements and global trends. The country support will include development action plans/agreements, support for capacity enhancements, implementation reports highlighting innovations, and undertake detailed monitoring and evaluations to inform GLTN reporting.
Under the overall supervision of the Unit Leader of Land and GLTN Unit under the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance Branch of UN-Habitat, in collaboration with GLTN Secretariat, especially the STDM team and country engagement teams, the consultant will perform the following tasks:

  1. Support country teams in developing country engagement concept notes and AOCs/GSAs based on possible entry points and assortment of land tools that ensure achievement of envisaged outcomes. The concept notes should highlight the following aspects.
  • Link land tool to land challenges ensuring that the tools explanation in non-technical and comprehensible to relevant stakeholders.
  • Explain the relations of several land tools supporting the achievement of the object.
  • Highlight the linkages between the application of the tools and global land conventions and agreements such as SDG, VGGT, Habitat III etc.
  1. Support STDM knowledge management and , communications including documentation of impacts and lessons learned
  • Undertake STDM implementation review of projects implemented by partners to ensure adherence to Grant Support Agreements (GSA) or Agreement of Cooperation (AoC) where applicable.
  • Capture STDM implementation impacts and lessons and document those for sharing where they may be applicable or globally.
  • Support information materials and dissemination of lessons learned.
  • Support other related work on partnership, knowledge management and communications on STDM and other land tools.
  1. Support land tools development with special focus on STDM development including technical documentation and supervise STDM development team.
  • Compile sample data (either from country work or generated fictitious data) for testing STDM functionalities.
  • As the STDM development proceeds test the new modules under varying scenarios to ensure stability.
  • Check the instruction STDM manuals against the STDM improvements to ensure to ensure compatibility where necessary make refinements in consultation with programmers.
  • Identify further technical requirements for STDM development and engage appropriate partners to assist in further development.
  • Support the social and governance aspects of STDM while ensuring linkages to other relevant GLTN tools.
  • Support operations of STDM Advisory Committee
  1. Undertake capacity development initiatives for partners and country teams
  • Ensure the STDM training handbook is reviewed and revised in accordance with software updates and training practices.
  • Develop STDM instructional training videos to enhance STDM training initiatives
  • Lead and/or support capacity development initiatives such as awareness and learning events bringing on board all GLTN tools.
  • Support the development of STDM instructional videos for training and information purposes highlighting innovations and impacts.
  • Participate in developers’ community discussions and bring to their attention country level experiences and aspirations for improvements.
  1. Lead and/or support STDM piloting and country implementation of GLTN tools in countries where GLTN or GLTN Partners are engaged
  • Undertake training of country teams on STDM to ensure smooth implementation at country level
  • Advise country teams on enumerations, mapping and other relevant tools to meet their requirements and GLTN values.
  • Support networking and sharing on STDM experiences and innovations, especially amongst the youth
  1. Perform other tasks or functions as appropriate.

COMPETENCIES

  • Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of land administration and information issues in the developing countries and the potential innovative solutions or strategies to address them. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to collect data 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.
  • Planning and Organising: 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.
  • Team Work: 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.
  • 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.

EDUCATION
University degree in a field deemed relevant to the subject areas covered by these Terms of Reference such as Land Administration, Surveying/Geomatics, Computer Science, GIS Programming/Design and Database Programming.
WORK EXPERIENCE

  • At least 4 years’ working experience in addressing land sector issues in developing countries particularly in regards to land administration and information is required.
  • Advanced knowledge and experience in Land Information Systems, digital mapping, and participatory enumeration methods are required.
  • Experience in the use of open source software packages relevant to land records and information using participatory approaches is required.
  • Knowledge on land and land information tools, good practices and innovations is desirable.
  • Previous experience in working with United Nations and other international organizations is preferred.
  • Team working ability and flexibility;

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other UN languages is an added advantage.

 

REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.

 

Applications should include:
•    Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
•    CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
•    The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
•    Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
1. Educational Background (incl. dates)
2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
3. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
4. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
5. Expectations regarding remuneration
•    Cover memo (maximum 1 page)

 

All applications should be submitted to:
Mr./ Ms. Josephine Ruria     
UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: josephine.ruria@unhabitat.org,
copy to danilo.antonio@unhabitat.org

Deadline for applications:  22th March 2017

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: recruitment@unon.org