Organisation: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Job Opening Number: 18-Programme Management-UN-HABITAT-101775-R-Kampala (E)

Reports to: UNDP Country Director

Grade: NOB

About US:

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. For close to forty years, UN-Habitat has been working in human settlements throughout the world, focusing on building a brighter future for villages, towns, and cities of all sizes. Because of these four decades of extensive experience, from the highest levels of policy to a range of specific technical issues, UN-Habitat has gained a unique and a universally acknowledged expertise in human settlements development at different planning scales.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  Under the administrative guidance of the UNDP Country Director, and Programmatic guidance of the UN-HABITAT Regional Office for Africa (ROAf), the UN-Habitat Programme Officer will be responsible for the following tasks:

UN-HABITAT Representation in UN country team activities and Participation in Regional, interagency, and inter-organizational processes.

• Active participation in the UN Country Team activities, and other UN common strategic planning through his/her active involvement in the UNDAF, CAP, etc.
• Provide management leadership and be responsible for the day-to-day running of the UN Habitat office in Uganda.
• Actively participate in the AU, UNDAF and other activities coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Global Campaigns/Global Programmes

• In-country liaison officer for UN-HABITAT, particularly with reference to the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, advocacy of the norms and principles of the Global Campaigns for Sustainable Urbanization and implementation of global programmes.

Project and Programme identification and monitoring.

• Supporting the Regional Office with identification of Programmes or Projects related to sustainable urbanization especially in the seven thematic focus areas of UNHABITAT including: Urban Legislation and Governance, Urban Planning and Design, Urban Basic Services, Urban Economy, Research and Capacity Building, Disaster and Risk Reduction, and Housing and Slum Up-grading.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The ideal candidate for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Associate Programme Management Officer job must hold an advanced university degree in either; Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering (including Urban/Municipal Engineering), and Architecture or a related Social Sciences field such as geography, environmental science, and public and/or business administration. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in human settlements issues, formulation and implementation of human settlements programmes and projects is required.
• Knowledge of procedures related to technical cooperation, programme/project identification/formulation/appraisal/implementation and evaluation and programme management is desirable. Experience in an international organization is an added advantage.
• Languages: fluency in English (both Oral and written), Luganda or Swahili is required. Knowledge of any other UN working language is an asset.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
• 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

NB: The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

How to Apply:

All candidates who wish to join the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in the aforementioned capacity are encouraged to apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 11^th September 201

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Fungaroo said that the key players in the peace deal should be left to build trust in each other for the negotiations to take place rather than external forces forcing them to sign the agreement. The agreement aims at ending a war in which tens of thousands of people have been killed.  

On the other hand, Kapelebyong County Member of Parliament Julius Ochen said that the United Nations also needs to appoint a competent panel of experts to help the South Sudan Institutions sieve the interest of foreign countries that are involved.

He said that Uganda has an interest in the cease fire agreement adding that south sudan instability directly affects the economy of Uganda by the virtue of its geographical position as neighbors.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) leader Riek Machar recently signed an agreement providing to implement a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in the country ahead of the formation of an inclusive transitional cabinet.

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Soldier carry the remains of their lost Comredes. Ugandan officials have said only four soldiers were killed in the attack when Al-Shabaab Islamist extremists attacked their base on Sunday. Internet Photo

Alshabab attacked and killed at least four Ugandan soldiers at the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) base in Somalia on Sunday.

The attack happened on April 1st 2018 at Quoryole, Bulomareer and Golwein in Lower Shabelle region in Somalia.

Since the attack, the media has been awash with different statistics with some reports suggesting that 8 soldiers died whereas others have up to a tune of sixty soldiers.

The Shadow Minister of Defense who is also the Member of Parliament Kilak  County North Gilbert Olanya raised the matter before parliament noting  that their investigations indicate  that 10 UPDF soldiers have died and 14 are injured.

The army spokesperson Brig .Richard Karemire told the media that four Ugandan soldiers had died, and only six were injured, while UPDF managed to kill 22 Alshabab Militants, although international media agencies reported higher figures of 46 and 59 as the number of dead UPDF soldiers.

On Tuesday, President Museveni revealed that actually 8 soldiers had been killed, and that UPDF managed to kill 36 alshabab terrorists.

MP Gilbert Oulanyah  said that  the death of these soldiers is raising speculations over the motive in the secrecy of this information.

Oulanya wanted to read out the names of the deceased who he thinks their number is slightly higher from that quoted by government and those considered injured but he was stopped by the deputy speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

He asked for Government to give the names and details of the dead and injured without concealing anything,

He also asked government to explain the plans it has of bringing the Ugandans soldiers back home since it was considered last year to withdraw them from Somalia.

While responding to the matter raised by mp  Olanya ,the minister of Defense Adolf Mwesige told parliament that  130 Alshabab militants were killed by AMISOM forces on the day of the attack, while only 8 UPDF soldiers died.

He committed himself to give a comprehensive statement over this matter on Thursday 5^th April 2018 before parliament. Mwesige explained that four soldiers had died on the spot, while four died later from the injured six. He also said the UPDF will stay in Somalia as it has been agreed upon in the United Nations.

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“The interviews are prepared by the department of Peace Keeping Operation in New York in collaboration with the countries that requested .” said the Director of Peace Support Operations in Uganda Police Force , AIGP Grace Turyagumanwe. Turyagumanwe made the remarks while briefing the officers at Namboole today (23/10/2017).

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President Museveni believes in a large population

As Uganda joined the rest of the World yesterday Monday June, 11, 2017 to commemorate the World Population Day, authorities have come out to admit that early pregnancies is still one of the most crucial challenges that hinders sustainable development.

Early pregnancy is said to be at 25% and this has stagnated for the last 10 years. This means that in Uganda, one out every four of our teenage girls has had a baby before they reach 19 years.

Government says high teenage pregnancies (24.8%, UDHS 2016), poor sanitation, poverty (19.7, UNHS 2012/13), unemployment (9.4%, UNHS 2012/13), school dropouts, and low universal coverage of immunization against all six killer diseases.

At the national level, it is reported that about 900,000 (15%) of women in the country today were married by the age of 15 years; while about 700,000 (1 in every 4) adolescent girls have either had a child or got pregnant at some point.

Reports also indicate that 134,000 Uganda girls and young women today have been subjected to FMG/C. 68% of adolescent girls between ages 15-19 today have never attended any secondary school.

Furthermore, according to the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC), 66% of all HIV infections are contracted by the adolescent girls. This figure collarets with what is found in reports from districts health facilities and partners working on HIV/Aids issue across the country.

This year’s event was held in Busia district at Madibira Primary School under the theme; “Strengthen Youth Competitiveness for Sustainable Development”.

Teenage Girls Participating in last year’s World Population Day 2016 Uganda – tackling early and forced marriage

The day was designated by the United Nations in 1987 when the total world population hit the five billion mark.

This is an annual event, observed on July 11 by all United Nations members states to raise awareness of population issues like; maternal health, gender equality, poverty alleviation, family planning and youth empowerment.

The function was presided over by President Yoweri Museveni who went on to support the need for a large population for Uganda.

“I am a happy man, because my children and grandchildren have increased. Population increase is good and it is a sign of the good services we are offering. Children are longer dying and we have more people living,” Museveni said.

However, the Netherlands ambassador, Henk Bakker, who was in attendance at the same function had earlier warned of dare consequences in future if Uganda doesn’t check its population.

“If the current growing population is not checked, Uganda will be suffering with a big number of its population uneducated and majority not accessing health services,” Bakker said.

Museveni, however, said, that a huge population is Uganda’s biggest asset that can be used to develop the country.

“The most important asset in Uganda is its people.But you are fighting for gold, oil and other minerals.The wealth of any country is its people, especially when they are educated, healthy, skilled and innovative,” Museveni said.

According to government statistics, there has been a decline in total fertility rate which reduced from 6.9 in 1995 to 5.4 in 2016. Increase in modern contraceptive use from 8% in 1995 to 35% in 2016.

Reports also indicate that there has been a reduction in infant mortality from 81 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1995 to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2016. There has also been a reduction in maternal mortality from 524 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1995 to 338 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016. Life expectancy has increased from 43 years in 1991 to 63 years.

It is no wonder therefore that this year’s theme was adopted to highlight the challenges that are faced by young people and the need to improve their competitiveness.

Some of the major challenges that still remain are;

Maternal mortality ratio is still a challenge for no woman deserves to die while giving birth and though fertility is reducing, an average of 5.4 children per woman of child bearing age is still high.

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The second of the Sustainable Development Goal developed in 2015 aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. The Global Hunger Index combined the four component indicators of Undernourishment; Child wasting; Child stunting; and Child mortality to come up with accurate conclusions on hunger.

Countries’ hunger levels were rated as Low, Moderate, Serious, Alarming, and Extremely Alarming. Hunger levels were found still serious or alarming in 50 countries the highest of which are found in Africa south of the Sahara and South Asia. Highest hunger levels were found in Central African Republic (with a score of 46.1) followed by Chad (44.3); lowest hunger levels were found in Argentina (<5) followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina (<5). The regional countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda were rated Serious with Tanzania having the highest levels scoring at 28.4. Rwanda was at 27.4, Uganda 26.4 and the least being Kenya with 21.9.

The report notes that the decline in hunger must accelerate in these regions if the world is to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030.

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One of the crashed helicopters

The United Nations (UN) has officially communicated to Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) declining to compensate three helicopters that crashed in Kenya in 2012. The helicopters crashed on the slopes of Mount Kenya on August 12th, 2012 on their way to beef up the mission to fight against Al Shabaab militias, under the UN-sponsored African Union Mission (AMISON) in Somalia.

The three Mi24 gunship helicopters that crashed reportedly cost Shillings 30 billion, and Uganda has since been pushing UN to replace them. Reports indicate that they were part of force enablers that were to be used by AMISON in ‘Operation Eagle’ an operation that was to weaken the Al-Shabaab in areas of Baidoa. They were also to help in air surveillance in the ‘Operation Indian Ocean’.

General Katumba Wamala, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) said that UN had refused to compensate them for the helicopters indicating that they had not entered the mission area in Somalia. He said that also other earth moving equipment worth 10million Dollars that was lost in the Somalia is not to be compensated.

On August 12th, 2012 three Ugandan army Mi24 helicopter gunships operating under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) crashed over Mount Kenya. The helicopters were heading to Kismayo to combat the Al-Shabaab militants. Seven crew members died and 21 were injured.

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A health worker rides on a motorcycle to vaccinate children with the oral polio drug.The vaccine is being phased out for preference to the Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV).

In a bid to increase immunity of children across the globe, Uganda is among the countries that are slowly phasing out oral polio vaccines to replace it with the new type of injectable vaccine which experts say offers extra health protection to the children.

Presenting a paper on the new immunization programme, the deputy programme manager at United National Expanded Programme on Immunisation (UNEPI), Dr. Henry Luzze recently confirmed that this type of vaccine dubbed ‘injectable polio vaccine’ (IPV) was recommended by the Global Health Organization after a full study on how it works and its advantages compared to the current vaccine used in 60 countries across the globe.

Luzze revealed that Uganda is among the countries that are yet to fully embrace that vaccine for the elimination of polio in the country’s population by 2020.

“As UNEPI, we are very sure that when Uganda finally fully embraces the new injectable polio vaccine, then the country’s population will be free from the disease and ensure that there is a health population,” Luzze said.

With Uganda now already at 98% immunization levels, the health ministry is now moving in swiftly to start mass immunization of the swarming refugee population that is entering the country from all directions.

The current South Sudan conflict has seen an influx of refugees entering Uganda with the United Nations figures putting the number at 26,000.

Luzze however maintains that all the foreign populations from war tone nations are strictly being targeted to keep Uganda at the desire immunization levels with polio being the highly considered immunizable disease among other deadly immunisable diseases.

According to the ministry of health, efforts have already been put in place at especially the borders with South Sudan to avoid having Ugandan citizens’ contract  immunisable diseases especially children.

Luzze, said it has been a long journey for Uganda to reach these levels and still sights challenges that the country is facing to hit its target of 100% immunization levels.

He said the challenges mainly include; negative attitudes towards immunization by some parents, negative cultural and religious trends among others which need to be overcome for the country to fully embrace immunization and eradicate immunizable diseases which continue to kill and affect Uganda’s children.

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Cross generational sex is sighted as a leading cause of HIV infections among young girls in Uganda.

At least 570 young girls are infected with HIV in Uganda according to the latest findings by a United Nations report.

The findings is a set back to the country’s efforts to curb the scourge that has claimed thousands of lives since it was first discovered in the early 80’s.

It is also more scaring as the report points out that the most infected group with HIV is that of girls especially between the ages of 15-24 years.

“Go look at those posh vehicles parked at girls university hostels, those men are not picking or visiting their daughters but they are picking other people’s daughters,” said Dr Zepher Ranyabokabo from Ministry of Health who attributed this trend to cross-generational sex and the use of money to lure unsuspecting young naïve girls.

Ranyabokabo was speaking during a dissemination conference on the current prevalence HIV rate hosted by Alliance of African Mayors’ Initiative for Community Action on Aids at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala yesterday. The conference was intended to draw strategies to improve urban health, end cholera and HIV/Aids pandemic by 2030.

“In Africa, Uganda is second to South Africa, where at least 2,363 get infected with HIV every week, compared to 468 for Kenya, 491 for Tanzania and only 25 for Rwanda,” says the UNAIDS report dated 2013, which also quotes the 2014 US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief.

The report put teenage girls in the group of key populations where HIV prevalence is highest. The group was in the past dominated by sex workers, fishermen, long distance truck drivers and boda boda cyclists.

Girls from the age of 20-22 have a 7.1 per cent prevalence rate, while boys of the same age have a significantly lower prevalence rate at 2.8 per cent. It says, between the ages of 23 and 24 years, girls’ prevalence rate remains significantly high at 7 per cent more than that of boys of the same age bracket.

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Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), a network of over 1300 Lawmakers from all regions of the world committed to human rights and the Rule of Law, welcomes this important contribution to strengthening the international legal framework to guarantee international peace and security and the territorial integrity and political independence of States, as well as to respect fundamental human rights and International Humanitarian Law.

A war tanker

Iceland, which deposited its instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute on 25 May 2000, has now become the 29th State of the world that ratified the Kampala Amendments on the crime of aggression. This is an important step towards the goal of achieving the 30 ratifications needed by 2017, when the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) will decide on the activation of the jurisdiction of the ICC over aggression. The prohibition of aggression is a norm of jus cogens, a peremptory and non-derogable norm of International Law, alongside the prohibitions of genocide, crimes against humanity and (large-scale) war crimes, which are also peremptory norms affirmed in the Nuremberg jurisprudence and principles right after World War II. These are the four ‘core’ crimes under International Law listed in Article 5 of the Rome Statute, which form part of the subject-matter jurisdiction of the first permanent international criminal jurisdiction, the ICC. While the ICC has operational jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes since 1 July 2002, date of the entry into force of the Statute, the jurisdiction on the crime of aggression may be activated in 2017.

Selected Statements:

Mr. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland, Former Member of the Board and President of PGA
I am proud of my country’s decision, which illustrates its commitment to international justice and the strong role of the Rule of Law. I would like to call on all States that have not yet done so, to continue ratifying the Kampala Amendments in order to not only reach the milestone of 30 ratifications necessary for the activation of the Amendments but also to demonstrate the respect for the territorial integrity of States and peace and security around the world. I hope that my country’s step in this direction will serve as an inspiration to all the States to take the initiative and join the group of countries that are sending a strong message that the illegal use of force has no role in international relations and those who launch aggressive wars shall be held accountable.”

Ms. Barbara Lochbihler, MEP European Parliament (Germany), PGA Member

I strongly applaud Iceland`s ratification of the Kampala Amendments. By ratifying the Kampala Amendments, Iceland has contributed to enhancing the global fight against impunity and attained a major step forward in building accountability for the commission of the most serious and dangerous form of the illegal use of force. This crucial step represents an important contribution to ensuring the activation of the jurisdiction of the ICC over the crime of aggression and to securing the strengthening and the universality of the Rome Statute.  Activating the Court’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression will make the Court a more powerful institution, reaffirming the promise of “never again” contained in the Nuremberg judgement after World War II.

Dip. Clemente Barrios Monges (Paraguay), PGA Member

The deposit by Iceland of the Kampala Amendments arrives at a time where the world faces numerous military conflicts and, as such, highlights the importance of criminalising the aggressive use of force. It also demonstrates the increasing relevance of the ICC and the necessity to operationalize its jurisdiction over this serious crime. I am hopeful that my country will be soon in a position to ratify the Kampala Amendments to demonstrate our strong commitment to the Rule of Law, peace and justice. To attain this objective, Paraguay, with the cooperation of Parliamentarians for Global Action, is going to host Consultations on the Implementation of the Rome Statute in July, with the objective to accelerate the process of the ratification of the Kampala Amendments and show Paraguay`s support for the Court.

Dip. Jorge Calix (Honduras), PGA Member

I congratulate Iceland on ratifying the Kampala Amendments and bringing the international community closer to the achievement of the threshold for the activation of this important jurisdiction. My country is currently actively working on the ratification of the Kampala Amendments on the crime of aggression. I am convinced that the ratification creates a deterrent effect and plays a crucial role in preventing the future commission of these crimes by ensuring that those responsible will be held accountable. Therefore, I sincerely hope that we will be soon in a position to follow the Iceland`s example and criminalise the acts of aggression, which represents a serious breach of international peace and security.

About PGA

Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) is the largest transnational network of members of parliament from all regions of the world that, in their personal capacity, support the effective functioning of the ICC and national courts to end impunity for crimes of international law. The PGA network is assisted by a Secretariat to facilitate cooperation between member-parliamentarians with the view of realizing the vision of the Organization, namely “to contribute to the creation of a Rules-Based International Order for a more equitable, safe, and democratic world”. The Secretariat also provides technical assistance, and policy and legal advice to members.

PGA members have contributed to 77 over 124 ratifications or accessions to the Rome Statute as of today. PGA is a member of the Steering Committee of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC).

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