National Knowledge Management Officer

About UN-Habitat

Job Summary

This position is mandated to support UN-HABITAT Afghanistan Office (through the Knowledge Management Unit) to systematically analyses ongoing projects/programs, and their communication, visibility and reporting components while streamlining and strengthening various functions of knowledge management, GIS, urban research, gender and programme reporting.
The overall objective of the Knowledge Management Unit (KMU) is to facilitate capturing, collating, analyzing and disseminating the knowledge products to feed into future programming and global branches´ normative work. As such, the Knowledge Management Unit (KMU) is mandated to:
● Assist UN-HABITAT projects and the office as a whole in monitoring, reporting and supporting their overall knowledge-related operations, objectives and processes.

● Producing and showcasing knowledge. Share it with partners, donors and the communities, obtaining data from other units or programmes and transforming it into information and shareable knowledge.
● Act as custodian of data, information and knowledge for programmes and build up the institutional memory of the organization in the country.
● Support government partners with their learning objectives and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

Duties & Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Country Programme Manager based in Kabul and with guidance from the Research and Capacity Building Branch and Corporate Advocacy in HQ, and Communications unit in Kabul, the National Knowledge Management Officer will be responsible for:
● Guiding KMU team in reviewing existing best practices on programming on urban issues in Afghanistan.
● Leading the development of knowledge products (Data Analysis/ Research Reports/Knowledge Notes/Discussion Papers/High Quality publications/Long shelf life knowledge products etc.) that capture entire process, innovative approaches and lessons learnt of UN-HABITAT and other UN/NGO/Government programs drawing on existing inter-linkages between key issues (urbanization, land, governance, and economic development) and establishing a case for raising the linkages to the policy level.
● Providing substantial support to implementation and roll-out of UN-Habitat’s communication and visibility strategy through quality inputs based on research and outreach products.
● Supporting programs to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Guidelines and Manuals that serve as tools for UN-HABITAT and Government stakeholders to sustain and replicate similar activities elsewhere.
● Leading primary and secondary data collection at all levels (community, district, municipality and ministries) where UN-HABITAT-supported projects are being implemented and guide KMU and Communications teams in capturing human impact stories
● Providing programmatic inputs in formulating concept notes and project proposals with the use of qualitative and participatory tools and secondary data collection from country and global flagship and baseline reports on urbanization, national policy review reports, and relevant laws, and statistical databases related to land, cities, population, and urban characteristics
● Reviewing relevant international policies, agreements, outcome documents, position papers, and research papers on Urbanization, Local Economic Development, Municipal Finance, Urban Observatories and Indexing initiatives, and to utilize them for improving ongoing and future projects and programs in Afghanistan
● Reviewing relevant PAAS project documents of the agency for innovative ideas that may suit for improvement of country programming in Afghanistan
● Supporting baseline/mid-point/end line surveys and evaluation of each programme and provide guidance to national staff on updating and complying corporate reporting requirements (IMDIS, CPR reporting, PAAS and Annual Report)
● Any other tasks, duties or specific assignments which may arise in coordination with programme managers or as directed by Country Management.
COMPETENCIES
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches on New Urban Agenda, Land and Urban Development, Local Economic Development and Urban Economy, Community-based development (People’s Process) and Human Settlements; Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis; Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations; 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: Logical and English writing capability; 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.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION:
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Urban development, Urban studies, Human settlements, Economics, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two years professional experience and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least five years of experience in research and analysis on urban development and/or community- based development. Experience in programme/project implementation on urban developments and/or community-based development funded by aid agencies desirable. Excellent drafting and communication skills and good editorial capacity in English is required.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Earlier written knowledge products, research and technical papers of high quality are added advantage. Knowledge of another UN language and/or Dari/ Pashto is required.

Submission Guideline

Interested Afghan National Candidates should submit their P-11 forms along with cover letter to :
indicating on the SUBJECT line the vacancy number of the position, please note that applications received after the closing date (20 February 2019) will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview.
Note: Subject line must be: (2019-02-157) or your application may not be considered.

Letter of interest which clearly indicates the VA number (2019-02-157);

Updated and signed UN Personal History Form P.11 for Individual Contractor (IC)

Failure to comply with the above requirements (i.e. un-signed P11 forms, no indication of VA number) will result in rejection of the application.
For more details about UN-Habitat and UN-Habitat Afghanistan Country Programme refer Website: www.unhabitat.org and www.unhabitat.af
Additional Considerations:

UN-HABITAT is committed to gender balance in all functions and at all levels. Female candidates are therefore especially encouraged to submit applications.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified or contacted.

Functional Area

Economic Growth

Countries

Submission Email

vacancies@unhabitat-afg.org

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