Senior Urban Programme Development Specialist

About the role

The Senior Urban Programme Development Specialist will support the design and implementation of urban‑related projects and programmes across West Africa, with a focus on the Sahel region. The role is home‑based and reports to the Head of the West Africa Sub‑Regional Hub of UN‑Habitat.

Key responsibilities

• Develop at least two sub‑regional concept notes or project proposals, identifying funding sources and negotiating project development.
• Provide senior technical advice to four country programmes, enhancing portfolios in housing, slum upgrading, basic services and land management.
• Deliver technical expertise for EU‑funded projects in Burkina Faso and Mali, covering community participatory planning, social cohesion, land management, housing design and local economic development.
• Liaise with UN‑Habitat Headquarters to align proposals with existing tools and knowledge bases.
• Support project acquisition through the Project Review Committee and conduct scoping missions as needed.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in urban planning, architecture, engineering, international cooperation or related field (or a first‑level degree plus two years experience).
• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience at regional or international level on human settlements, urban planning, or related areas.
• Strong understanding of UN‑Habitat’s mandate and operations.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; French is an asset.