E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential Location

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

NOC

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2024-12-01

September 3, 2024

Settlement Planning Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Under the supervision of the Senior Field/Technical Coordinator or the Senior Operations Manager, the Settlement Planning Officer will perform a variety of functions related to the design, management and coordination of humanitarian settlement and infrastructure projects across various settlement typologies. This will be done within the context of UNHCR’s Global Strategy for Sustainable Settlement, Shelter and infrastructure.
Working in coordination with other colleagues in the Field such as, protection, health, community services, WASH, education, energy and environment, the incumbent acts as focal point for maintaining effective coordination with any established settlement sector working group. In addition, s/he is responsible for the strategic management and monitoring of the implementation of settlement planning activities, and for collaboration with Administration, Finance and Programme on all programmatic issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). S/he shall be working closely with other sections on settlement and general infrastructure related activities and provides functional technical guidance to the team as well as to the technical experts in the Field.

The Settlement Planning Officer provides specialised support to emergency and protracted operations in designing and developing sustainable settlements to host people of concern (POC) to UNHCR. A settlement should take into consideration the spatial allocation of functions while addressing the needs of the population, the availability of resources, the enhancement of living conditions, the provision of services, enhancing transportation networks as well as provision of recreational spaces. The incumbent will therefore be expected to analyse a variety of settlement options urban, rural, formal or informal and ensure that spatial allocation of lands is decided in support of the protection, access to basic services, livelihoods, and socio-cultural life of displaced people and the host community. The incumbent will also participate and represent UNHCR in negotiations with national and local government authorities regarding land acquisition and site development works.
The Settlement Planning Officer (SPO) will ensure that management of multi-sectorial assistance and services in refugee sites are handled effectively and efficiently among all the stakeholders, through a strong collaboration with the Field unit and relevant field staff. The incumbent will contribute in inter-agency coordination structures set up for settlement planning and land related issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).

The SPO should maintain regular communication with the shelter and settlement team in HQ for technical advice, information, communication and access to updated global tools and resources.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
Technical Guidance
– Conduct assessments and ensure selection of potential sites is done in accordance with the Master Plan approach to settlement planning taking into consideration protection concerns, national legislation, environmental considerations, appropriate density, and access to basic services including water, hydrological concerns, socio/economic issues, and cultural inclusion and HLP matters.
– Ensure that settlement layouts respond to natural topography and drainage patterns of the site to reduce construction and maintenance costs.
– Ensure that safe and equitable access to basic services is provided for both the displaced and host communities while making particular emphasis on meaningful inclusion of the site community groups (women, youth, elderly and persons with specific needs) in decision-making processes including through governance structures and sectorial focal points.
– Work with the relevant technical, programme and supply colleagues in close coordination with implementing and other concerned parties to develop implementation modalities and work plans for the settlement plans. Provide technical inputs and advice to Programme in the process of Implementation Partner Selection and review of PPAs of all sector related partners and partners with construction related activities in their budget.
– Provide support in Preparedness through the development of contingency plans for population movements. Develop and update agreed response strategies (MPAs and APAs) for refugee sites, including transition/exit strategy for site consolidation and closures within the AOR.
– In close consultation with partners, conduct assessments, provide concrete initiatives and develop specific strategies to make sure that residential areas, key services and infrastructure are not susceptible to the risk of natural hazards such as flash floods and landslides.

Coordination and Leadership
– Provide strong leadership in ensuring that UNHCR’s operation within the AOR is technically sound in the field of settlement planning to best meet the needs of POC.
– Liaise with Government, line ministries and relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure strong coordination and partnership. Ensure that settlement plans are aligned with regional, national land use plans and planned developments.
– Represent UNHCR in the process of site selection and land negotiations with the national government, local government, local community leaders and the landlords for the settlements within the AOR. In doing this, ensure that the risk of conflict linked to land tenure is addressed and mitigated while continuing to pursue actions that increase the security of tenure for displaced populations.
– In line with UNHCR’s commitment, promote the integration of agreed priority cross-cutting issues (e.g. age, environment, gender, and human rights) in sector/inter-sector needs assessments, analysis, planning and monitoring are met.
– Develop and implement Settlement plans in a consultative process with Senior Management, relevant technical colleagues (integrated multi-sectoral approach), implementing partners, and other relevant stakeholders. Maintain, support or complement existing coordination mechanisms.
– Develop Settlement Master Plans in alignment with the UNHCR guiding principles of the Master Plan Approach to Settlement Planning. Ensure periodic updates on the Masterplan taking note of the expansion and densification of the settlement and develop plans for any settlement extensions.
– Upload technical information and settlement plan updates on the SIP (settlement information portal), ensure shelter dashboards are populated with relevant settlement data, prepare mission reports and debrief.
– Work together with implementing and operational partners to ensure the use of common standards and tools for information collection and data management, including in needs assessments and monitoring.
– Working closely with Risk management, utilise adequate Project Management tools and conduct regular monitoring of settlement and infrastructure works so these are implemented according to plans and completed within designated timelines and budget, and ensure that this information is captured in the global monitoring and evaluation framework.
– Provide support in advocating for the mobilization of resources, where applicable. Identify core advocacy concerns for the sector and contribute key messages to the broader multi-sectoral advocacy initiatives including coordinated inputs into donor proposals and multi-agency appeals.

Collaboration
– Collaborate and coordinate with all functional units in UNHCR and relevant technical actors in the feasibility and technical assessments, planning and development of sites, including protection, environment, Health, Education, water and sanitation and, in order to inform the overall planning process, carry out appropriate assessments and mapping exercises such as environmental impact assessment, useable land area assessment, mapping of services, mapping of host communities, livelihood assessments, etc.
– Ensure a rights-based approach in physical planning/ master plan, support to active participation of communities and promote community-based approaches in the planning and implementation of activities.
– Develop adequate reports and share information, both within the settlement planning stakeholders and with other sectors through inter-sector communication channels. Work on the reporting and monitoring through the provision of 4W, SIP and site monitoring information.
– Promote and ensure the accountability to affected populations and the identification of durable solutions that also promote peaceful co/existence with the host communities.
– Identify and maintain existing linkages between the shelter and settlement team with other actors and sectors.
– Maintain a strong collaboration with the Shelter and Settlements Section in HQ.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Architecture; Urban Planning; Civil / Structural Engineering;

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
GLDC managed Autodesk Software eLearning training is considered desirable
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Managerial and technical ability to guide a specialist team in emergency and/or protracted situations. Previous similar job experience in the humanitarian settlement planning / infrastructure field, knowledge of technical drawing software, GIS tools and an ability to produce technical plans, BQ’s, specifications and conduct training.

Desirable
Advanced awareness of several technical sectors. Appropriate work experience in Shelter, Settlements and Infrastructure in a Humanitarian Context. Ability to use AutoCAD software and GIS technology would be an asset.

*SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning
CO-Cross-cultural communication
CL-Camp Coordination and Camp Management
IT-Computer Literacy
SO-Presentation skills
PG-UNHCR’s Programmes
MG-Coordination
SP-Urban/Rural Settlement Planning
SP-Reconstruction and Community Planning
SP-Natural Resources Management
SP-Environmental Assessment/Planning/Monitoring/Evaluation of integrated projects/programs
SP-Infrastructure Development/Construction Management/Property Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

– Demonstrated experiences in the urban planning and development particularly in the humanitarian and protracted contexts supporting sustainable human settlements development.
– Proven managerial and technical ability to lead and support the team in similar context as Kakuma with experiences in humanitarian settlement planning, development, infrastructure services, spatial analysis, technical needs assessments, technical tools including GIS and virtual reality (VR) and 3D integrated platforms, and capacity building trainings.
– Demonstrated experiences leading or managing and or working in shelter and site planning development including infrastructure development in humanitarian, early recovery and or protracted contexts.
Excellent knowledge of and demonstrated experiences working on HLP rights, durable solutions, and national and sub-national level land policies supporting socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and host communities.
– Demonstrated experiences in partnership building with various stakeholders and managing the coordination platforms for settlements development in the similar context as Kakuma.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Government of Kenya, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and its Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), in collaboration with its partners has taken concrete steps through number of initiatives to improve the socioeconomic conditions and inclusion for refugees, and support building resilience of host communities. These include enactment of Refugees Act of 2021, Refugee Regulations, and importantly the Shirika Plan (one of the pioneering innovative approaches globally for Refugee inclusion) and its building blocks of Garissa and Kalobeyei Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plans (GISEDP and KISEDP) aligned with the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), the Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), its Medium-Term Plan (MTP, 2023-2207), and Vision 2030.

With the gazettement of Municipalities of Dadaab and Kakuma, the transition from camps to integrated settlement (herein after referred as the municipality) is at scale i.e. 46 km2 camp area to 632 km2 municipality in Kakuma. Accordingly, the area-based and multidimensional approach (e.g. demographic, political, cultural, social, economic, ecological, and technological) lays out the gradual transition process and as such includes a wide range of sectors that needs a coordinated and systemic approaches safeguarding the rights of refugees, promoting their inclusion and self-reliance within the municipalities planning and development.

Accordingly, and further in light of the establishment of the municipal governance structures including Urban boards and the ongoing National Land Policy Review, the Assc Settlement Officer position is critical to ensure, among others, that the municipality planning embeds inclusive development of refugees and host communities, equitable access to rights-based services particularly for refugees including the Housing, Land, and Property rights and ownership, evidence-based data on carrying and absorption capacities, and the repository of all plots for effective land use and land cover.

In line with the above, the Assc Settlement Planning Officer supports the design and development of the sustainable settlements in Kakuma municipality and coordinates different infrastructure interventions of UNHCR ensuring the right-based services are centric to the settlement development. Accordingly, the key responsibilities include:

Work with Country Government and UN agencies, particularly the Ministry of Lands and Urban Management, and the State Department of Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD), UN-Habitat and WB (particularly through KUSP-2) and others, to support the Municipality spatial planning and development. Provide support in accordance with the Master Plan approach to settlement planning taking into consideration protection concerns, national legislation, environmental considerations, appropriate density, and access to basic services including water, hydrological concerns, socio/economic issues, and cultural inclusion and HLP matters etc. Work with stakeholders to establish evidence-based settlement absorption and carrying capacities including through conducting in-depth analysis of the Kakuma municipality (based on secondary data and available documents), and prepare accordingly the UNHCR strategy for adequate housing (shelter) and infrastructure services. Lead the adequate housing (shelter) and site planning sector, and work with Protection and relevant UNHCR units and all stakeholders to support reviewing of the Housing Land and Property rights – including the land acquisition and refugee ownership rights and negotiations therein for gradual transition, and land allocation in line with the Municipality Master Plan and Spatial Planning for equitable services development and delivery. Work with all the technical sectors in UNHCR to ensure a coherent and coordinated planning and response of the UNHCR safeguarding the rights of refugees including the comprehensive needs assessments, in line with the KISEDP and Shirika Plan. Build and strengthen partnerships with all stakeholders and actors on sustainable integrated settlements (i.e. municipalities); and coordinate with Government and stakeholders ensuring refugee inclusion and towards sustainable, green, and inclusive municipality development ensuring the social and environmental safeguards (including DRR). Support in identifying the avenues and entry points for UNHCR engagement with focus on resource mobilization under KISEDP and Shirika Plan. Support development of 3D/GIS/VR mapping for interactive Virtual Integrated Platform for Enhanced Settlements in Kakuma and Dadaab including the overlay of the different layers (e.g. demographic, economic, environmental etc.). Work with the relevant UNHCR units, programme, external relations to develop UNHCR implementation modalities and work plans, and with communications the evidence-based updates and briefs including for KISEDP. Provide technical inputs and advice to Programme on the Partnership Agreement with the organizations, for UNHCR-funded infrastructure facilities on the designs and preparation of the BOQs etc, and in identifying, monitoring and evaluation of the adequate housing (shelter) and site planning intervention including preparation (and periodic review) of the Standard Operating Procedures and risk mitigating quality control and compliance measures. Perform other duties as required

Living and Working Conditions:

Kenya is a country that enjoys social stability resulting from the smooth functioning of state institutions with a good level of infrastructure (e.g. roads, distribution of water, electricity, etc.) and a popular tourist destination. The current Security Level in the capital and in SRM Area 1A: Northern Rift Valley (Kakuma, Lodwar ) is Moderate -3. All UN personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Kakuma. Kakuma is a non-family duty station with a hardship classified E, its living conditions are difficult but the social climate is calm. The weather is hot, dry and sunny. Windy storms are common in December and more pronounced in January till March. Staff live in UNHCR-provided accommodation; the facilities are generally of acceptable condition. The incumbent will be briefed on conditions of accommodations, laundry, meals, communications, air and road transports, recreations and others relevant information. However, staff members are charged rental fee predetermined by the organisation paid upfront on monthly basis. It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all banks here in Kakuma. There are limited banking facilities at Kakuma with two banks (Equity & Kenya Commercial Bank ) having branches locally; internet and communications networks are available at the compound with fairly speed. The mobile telephone remains stable with 4G network. Climatic conditions are relatively harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects and even snakes are present in the environment on seasonal climate changes. UNHCR has established a satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic in the compound following COVID-19 situation readily available 24/7 hours ; there is also Kakuma Mission Hospital where a doctor/Surgeon is deployed and paid for by UNHCR to provide assistance to refugees but special arrangements can be made during emergencies for staff members. There are also some pharmacies within Kakuma with basic medical facilities. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be updated. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Camp Coordination and Camp Management, CO-Cross-cultural communication, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Coordination, PG-UNHCR’s Programmes, SO-Presentation skills, SP-Autocad for Settlement Planning, SP-Environmental Assessment/Planning/Monitoring/Evaluation of integrated projects/programs, SP-Infrastructure Development/Construction Management/Property Management, SP-Natural Resources Management, SP-Reconstruction and Community Planning, SP-Urban/Rural Settlement Planning

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Construction, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Development Planning

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position requires Functional Clearance