Specialist Urban Programs

JOB SUMMARY

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia (HFHE) envisions a future where everyone in Ethiopia has access to a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. In line with Habitat for Humanity International’s global strategic direction and Ethiopia’s national development priorities, HFHE’s Country Strategic Plan (2026–2030) focuses on inclusive housing and settlement systems, climate-resilient and sustainable communities, and strengthened local housing ecosystems.

Ethiopia’s rapid urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities. Cities are expanding, often with inadequate housing, infrastructure, and land management systems. The Urban Development Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping HFHE’s urban interventions — fostering inclusive, resilient, and well-planned urban communities that improve the quality of life for low-income and vulnerable households.

The Urban Development Specialist will provide technical leadership, strategic guidance, and programmatic oversight in the design, implementation, and evaluation of HFHE’s urban development and housing initiatives. This role will work collaboratively with other functional areas in the Programmes and Operations teams to achieve a coordinated approach for addressing the challenges of urban shelter and settlements programming, as well as engaging with partner organizations, government agencies and donors for a holistic community-based outcome. The position holder will also work collaboratively with the Africa Urban Programmes Manager to implement the Africa Urban Framework and global HFHI urban guidelines and standards.

This role directly contributes to HFHE’s Strategic Objectives under the 2026–2030 Country Strategic Plan:

• SO1: Promote equitable access to affordable, adequate, and sustainable housing in urban and peri-urban areas.
• SO2: Strengthen urban resilience and local governance for sustainable settlements.
• SO3: Foster inclusive partnerships, innovation, and policy advocacy for sustainable urban development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Strategic Leadership and Technical Guidance

• Lead the development and implementation of HFHE’s Urban Development Framework aligned with the Country Strategic Plan.
• Provide technical expertise on urban housing, slum upgrading, land and tenure security, urban infrastructure, and climate-resilient and inclusive to ensure our urban planning intentionally entrenches inclusivity in principle and practice.
• Provide thematic expertise on relevant housing and urban planning regulations and policies as they apply in the urban environment and their impact on HFHE programming and project design and implementation
• Support the integration of sustainability, gender equality, and social inclusion principles in all urban programs.
• Advise on innovative approaches, including green building, energy-efficient housing, and circular economy practices.
• Advice on appropriate housing typologies for urban areas, and urban development models that promote inclusivity and long-term housing affordability

B. Program Development and Management

• Lead or support the design, planning, and implementation of urban development and housing projects, ensuring alignment with HFHE’s strategic objectives and donor requirements.
• Identify emerging urban housing needs and develop evidence-based project proposals for resource mobilization.
• Oversee project performance, budgets, and reporting to ensure quality and accountability.
• Ensure systemic approach that promotes comprehensive urban programming that integrated HFHE’s shelter, basic services, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and recovery, advocacy and livelihoods initiatives.
• Ensure alignment of HFHE’s urban programming to the Africa Regional Urban Framework and HIFHI Urban Programming approach and guidelines, while maintaining relevance to the local country context

C. Partnership, Coordination, and Policy Engagement

• Strengthening collaboration with key national and local government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, City Administrations, and Urban Renewal Agencies, private sector actors, academia and communities to identify and maintain strategic partnership and implementation models (such as Public, Private, People’s Partnerships) that enable the achievement of holistic urban housing solutions in line with HFHE’s strategic plan
• Represent HFHE in urban development platforms, technical working groups, and coordination mechanisms.
• Act as a strategic link and focal point HFHE urban programming, connecting HFHE to the regional urban community of practice for mutual support
• Support policy analysis and advocacy for inclusive urban planning, affordable housing, and land tenure reform.
• Nurture and maintain strategic relationships with external actors such as UN-Habitat and other relevant UN agencies, CSOs, professional associations, academic/research institutions among others to contribute to organizational learning and build HFHE’s credibility and influence in the area of urban programs in the country

D. Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Management

• Lead or contribute to applied research on urban housing challenges, affordability models, and resilient settlement planning.
• Document and disseminate lessons learned, case studies, and innovations in sustainable urban housing.
• Promote learning exchanges and capacity-building among partners and stakeholders.
• Support development of digital tools and data systems for urban program planning and monitoring.

E. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Work with the MEAL team to design indicators and data collection tools that measure urban development outcomes.
• Work with the HFHE’s MEAL team to ensure proper reporting of urban work in HFHI’s reporting system
• Ensure evidence-based decision-making through regular monitoring and learning reviews.
• Promote adaptive management and continuous improvement in project implementation.

G. Safeguarding

• Support the staff and manage focal points with adequate resources and prioritization of safeguarding efforts.
• Hold teams accountable for delivering safeguarding best practices and mitigating risk.
• Promote a safe, productive and respectful environment, including a “speak up” culture of reporting.
• Other related duties as assigned by Program Manager

Duration of the contract: - 1 year with possibility of an extension.

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa

Salary:  Negotiable

Required number: - 1

Vacancy Closing date: – January 06

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree (at least Bachelor) in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Management
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in urban planning, housing, or infrastructure development.
• Proven experience in managing or advising urban housing or slum upgrading programs, in Ethiopia.
• Strong understanding of urban governance, land tenure systems, and affordable housing finance mechanisms.
• Experience in partnership building with local governments, NGOs, and donors.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent technical knowledge of urban design, land use planning, and settlement upgrading.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation abilities.
• Experience in integrating gender, inclusion, and climate resilience into housing programs.
• Proficiency in English and Amharic (both written and spoken).

Active support for HFHI Values:

• Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves
• Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
• Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
• Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.