Urban Researcher

Job Summary:

This post is located in the Knowledge Management Unit of the UN-Habitat Afghanistan office. The overall objective of KMU is to facilitate efficient and effective implementation and communications of the UN-Habitat Afghanistan office. KMU is mandated to enhance knowledge base and capacity development, promote result based implementation of programmes, and improve communication and visibility of UN-Habitat Afghanistan.
Urban Researcher (UR) will work for KMU under the direct supervision of Knowledge Management Officer (the Head of KMU). S/he will undertake the task related to production of knowledge and analytical products for UN-Habitat Afghanistan

Skills Required:

Requires travel to provinces:

Skills Description:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised,

Duties & Responsibilities:

The UR will perform his/her duty based on KMU’s work, programme and activities. She/he will be responsible for the following duties:
- Rigorous research and analysis of key urban trends and issues including but not limited to Urban Economy, Governance, Urbanization, Migration and others as required.
- Research, assemble, and manipulate data for research reports, discussion papers, knowledge products and flagship publications of UN-Habitat’s Programmes capturing processes and procedures.
- Build partnerships with key stakeholders including interagency and inter-country relationships for improved urban knowledge sharing and management in Afghanistan.
- Coordinate workflow between stakeholders from government, communities, donors, partners and other UN System organizations.
- Support the development of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools for Monitoring & Evaluation of programs effectiveness
- Assist the government’s participation in International conferences and events.
- Write concise reports for a variety of audiences on emerging thematic findings
- Work with the Senior Gender Advisor to promote gender mainstreaming in research and analysis activities as well as in new programmes
- Review and analysis of large data sets for key trends and visualization of information.
- Support the communication team for developing communication strategy, increased programme visibility and various materials
- Support and improve baseline surveys conducted by each programme
- Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the Knowledge Management Officer.
- Develop thematic presentations for seminars, workshops, and training events on programme progress and findings
- Represent UN-Habitat at national and International conferences and delivery keynote presentations and speeches as required






COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONALISM:

Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban economics, 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.

COMMUNICATION:

Excellent English oral and writing communication skills. 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 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.

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.