Background

UN-Habitat is the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future with a mission of promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. It is present in Ethiopia since 1998.

While providing its support to sustainable urban development in Ethiopia, UN-Habitat has developed a guiding document called UN-Habitat Country Programme for Ethiopia (2016-2020). Building on global frameworks such as SDG 11, the New Urban Agenda and Ethiopia’s 2nd Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II), the country programme is organized around four pillars: (i) Urban Regional Planning, (ii) Urban Resilience, (iii) Housing and Urban Basic Services, (iv) Urban Monitoring and Research Advocacy. It also considers cross cutting issues such as Awareness Raising – Participatory Approach Capacity Development – Technical Advice – Policy Support. Subsequently, UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Urban Development and Construction (MUDCo) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding in February 2018 which provides the legal framework to implement the UN-Habitat Country Programme.

UN Habitat Ethiopia successfully implemented dump site rehabilitation projects in Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar through the introduction of the Fukuoka Method. Both projects responded to the urgent demand of improving the existing and increasing waste issues by designing a sustainable and efficient solid waste system with Fukuoka Method with long term development vision for the cities. The project also supported capacity and skills development of the city administrations, through training and introduction to approaches and methods for sustainable and strengthened local governance in environmental engineering and management.

Currently, UN Habitat Ethiopia is implementing a project entitled “Emergency Technical Support to Solid Waste Management (SMW) In Hawassa, Ethiopia: The Implementation of Fukuoka Method as a Solution to Reduce Risks of Open Dump Site and Safeguard Public Health” funded by the Government of Japan and has the objective of 1)Rehabilitate and stabilize the Hawassa dumpsite to reduce the immediate and high risk of methane gas explosion, subsidence, and flooding which is affecting tens of thousands of the surrounding settlements and (2) Provide technical support to Hawassa City for better waste control and management from the environmental and socio-economic risks.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the national project lead heading the project, UN-Habitat Programme Manager and in close collaboration with national and local counterparts as well as Development Partners, the incumbent of the post will have to fulfil the following duties and responsibilities

• Support the assessment of the existing situation of solid waste management in Hawassa through direct communication with relevant government office and associations working in the system;
• Support in the collection of relevant data for the project design and implementation;
• Familiarize himself/herself with Fukuoka semi-aerobic method of landfill management;
• Support the designing of proper solutions to rehabilitate the Hawassa dumpsite;
• Support city officials and technical staff in the rehabilitation of the dumpsite and improve the situation of SWM in Hawassa city through on-the-job training, technical assistance, and strategy development;
• Support the supervision of the rehabilitation works in the Hawassa dumpsite including keeping timesheets of contractors and sub-contractors on site;
• Support the Fukuoka Method specialists, who will be mobilized through ROAP in carrying out their activities when they are on mission in Ethiopia;
• Support the preparation of progress reports regarding the implementation of the project, including documentation, knowledge management, advocacy, and outreach;
• Organize and facilitate experience sharing with other cities to disseminate the Fukuoka Method in Ethiopian cities;
• Support UN-Habitat in developing project proposals on solid waste management and/or other urban challenges;
• Liaise with donors and government partners, attend meeting and workshops with the project lead;
• Undertake tasks assigned by senior project lead.

Competencies

• Highly motivated, with the capacity to handle different assignments;
• Capacity to analyze and synthesize information. Problem solving skills and analytical skills to guide decision making;
• Ability to work in teams with different backgrounds and independently with a high degree of responsibility, in a flexible manner and often under pressure and against deadlines;
• Ability to conduct trainings, presentations, interviews, surveys, and other data collection techniques;
• Good communication and report writing skills.

Required Skills And Experience

Qualifications:

• BSc degree or above in urban planning/management, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or similar field. Proven work experience in solid waste and/or environmental management is an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of 6 years (4 years with M.A./M.Sc. Degree) of working experience at National or international level, with relevant knowledge in the field of solid waste management, urban planning/management, civil engineering and/or environmental management.
• Proven working experience in Ethiopian context, especially with governmental counterparts.
• Knowledge of the UN system is an asset.

Language

• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Amharic, both in written and in oral form.
  • Languages – Essential: English
  • Languages – Desirable: Amharic

Computer Skills

• Knowledge and experience in using basic computer programs such as word, excel and PowerPoint is highly desirable.