Senior Regional and Metropolitan Planner (consultant) at UN-Habitat

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance of the Leader of the Regional and Metropolitan Planning Unit (RMPU), the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

1. Support the implementation of the International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning (IG-UTP) and associated areas of work such as Urban-Rural Linkages, spatial frameworks and trans-boundary planning, Metropolitan Development, small and intermediate cities, and New Towns
2. Contribute to advance the National Urban Policy Programme, particular by contributing to developing the NUP knowledge, tools and capacity development resources providing by the Unit, assisting in the implementation of NUP in targeted countries;
3. Support the effective delivery and implementation of ongoing RMPU projects and programmes such as the Future Saudi Cities Programme, Urban Corridor development, UN Development account projects,

More specifically, the assignment will include:

On the implementation of the International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning (IG-UTP) and associated areas of work such as Urban-Rural Linkages, spatial frameworks/transboundary planning, Metropolitan Development, small and intermediate cities, and New Towns:

• Collect, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources to enhance the knowledge base on URL, IG-UTP spatial frameworks/transboundary planning, Metropolitan Development, small and intermediate cities, and New Towns
• Enhance tools already developed by the RMPU and also to work with the RMPU team to develop new tools to support the implementation of the UN-Habitat Governing Council resolutions on the IG-UTP and Urban Rural Linkages;
• Prepare concept notes, project proposals for fundraising, reports, background papers, analytical notes and give inputs to publications, including awareness materials, technical tools, case studies, etc.;
• Contribute in the implementation of the of the IG-UTP through inter alia the Handbook
• Design a Digital Platform on IG-UTP (including exchange platform for inspiring practices)
• Support training events on application of IG-UTP
• Design partnership framework to implement the New Urban Agenda on topics related to the RMPU
• Undertake scoping missions to countries and cities as appropriate

On National Urban Policy,

• Assist in organizing meetings and workshops related to NUP, with the aim of identifying training needs and demand by working with key international, national and local stakeholders at local, regional and country levels as required;
• Develop and implement training and capacity development tools and packages related to NUP and IG-UTP, and engage with the RMPU team to develop systems and platforms in order to facilitate the exchange of good practices and peer to peer learning;
• Undertake other relevant duties to advance the work of the Unit, Branch and the Agency.

On Projects and programme support:

• Support the implementation of the RMPU projects and programme, particularly the component of the Future Saudi Cities Programme with the view to contribute to better informed and inclusive policies and programmes on sustainable urbanization issues at the local, regional and national levels. This task will include inter alia:
• Prepare a chapter as contribution to the 2018 National State of Saudi Cities Report;
• Undertake review regional and city plans, strategies and reports to ensure that regional and national dimensions are adequately covered and interlinked);
• Analysise the regional and National Spatial Strategies (reviews) reports for Saudi Arabia to align with the overall project objective;
• Review of Planning System against the International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning;
• Prepare policy recommendations for the reform of the planning system to appreciate how the system works and whether it is fit to deliver the policy objectives that exist for Saudi cities;
• Review of the situation in 12 cities to determine their relationship to the types established by the planning systems;
• Identify and support the development of demonstration projects (possibly using the MetroHUB approach);
• Undertake desk based and consultative comparative analysis of the findings from the participating cities;
• Support at least two foundation trainings (e.g. Urban planning and sustainable urban development; International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning);
• Prepare tailored training by development of materials (e.g. manual) specifically designed to support the implementation of recommendations delivered by the Future Saudi Cities Programme;
• Assist in ensuring an effective and efficient execution of RMPU projects and programmes (corridor development, Development account projects) by coordinating the provision of appropriate technical support to projects through project design, field visits, training and evaluation, organization of meetings and other events, reporting, coordination and monitoring activities.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:

The incumbent will be expected to deliver the following outputs:

• Monthly reports based on agreed schedule of delivery  **

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to land and indicators and monitoring and evaluation; Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Ability to apply judgement, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identify priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; Allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresee and allow for contingencies when planning; Monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time efficiently. Ability to work under pressure, establish priorities and plan, coordinate own work plan, use time efficiently and apply judgment in the context of competing deadlines. Ability to work with minimal supervision and with good sense of initiative.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and accurate manner including the ability to present the content of the thematic area in a clear and concise manner. Keep the supervisor regularly informed of progress.

Creativity: Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches, takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; is flexible and able to think "outside the box", and offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs.  **

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in urban and territorial/regional planning, geography, urbanism or any other related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in urban and territorial planning, geography, metropolitan planning, urban indicators development or related field. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations. Work experience in the UN and or international organization Civil Society Organisation in international programmes or national related to urban and territorial planning is an asset. Work experience in developing countries is an advantage.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the consultancies advertised, excellent proficiency English, both verbal and written, is required. Ability in verbal and/or written French or Spanish or Arabic will be desirable.  **

REMUNERATION

Payments will be on outputs basis, subject to satisfactory delivery of agreed outputs and targets within the consultancy workplans. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement. The cost of organising expert group meetings and workshops will be supported by UN-Habitat.