Land Governance Expert

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Nairobi is the headquarters duty station for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) the United Nations agency mandated with ensuring better urban future by promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement sustainable development goal 11 (SDG 11). Although the mandate of UN-Habitat is global, the agency has placed special emphasis on working for the benefit of the host country through contributing to Kenya’s development priorities in a variety of ways. UN-Habitat Regional Office in Africa (ROAf) located in Nairobi, Kenya, is supporting priorities of member states and governments to achieve sustainable urban development. Implementation of Kenya programmes is carried out within the ROAf.

JOB SUMMARY

Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced degree in Land Administration, Urban or Regional Planning, Geomatics, Geography, Law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Minimum 7 years of professional experience in land governance, tenure reform, or land information systems in Africa is required. Proven experience working with local governments, informal communities, and cross-sector stakeholders on land governance, planning, or tenure security initiatives is required.Familiarity with gender-responsive land governance principles, including tools that promote women’s land rights and participation is an added advantage. Prior experience working with UN agencies or similar multilateral institutions is an advantage.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority, the land expert will be responsible for the following duties:Lead a detailed diagnostic of formal, informal, and customary land tenure systems in Busia (Kenya and Uganda sides), with specific focus on barriers faced by informal women and youth tradersAnalyse existing land-related laws, policies, and institutional frameworks in both countries and identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for cross-border harmonizationGuide the design and rollout of participatory land tenure mapping exercises, ensuring representation and validation by women, youth, local leaders, and customary landownersCoordinate the development and piloting of a fit-for-purpose land information system (LIS), tailored to cross-border, informal, and gender-sensitive land recording needsProvide technical assistance to integrate land and property data into the spatial economic development framework and local planning systemsSupport land dispute identification and management mechanisms, and advise on community-led land conflict resolution approachesFacilitate development of local by-laws, agreements, and protocols on tenure recognition and land use that align with both national and community systemsDeliver targeted training and mentorship for local government officers, land boards, survey teams, and community land actors on land governance, participatory tools, and LIS managementCollaborate with legal and gender experts to ensure all land interventions reflect inclusive, pro-poor, and gender-equitable principlesDevelop knowledge products including policy briefs, case studies, and technical guidance notes based on project findings and pilot experiencesContribute to the visibility and dissemination of land-related innovations, tools, and lessons from the project through technical briefs, public presentations, stakeholder workshops, and engagement with national and regional platforms

REQUIRED SKILLS

Legal analysis, Land use planning, Compliance, Ability to coordinate, Regulations

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Post-graduate education