International Consultant - Background Paper for the State of African Cities Report at UN-Habitat

Objectives of the assignment:

• To conduct an overview and analysis of urbanization trends in Africa, focusing on key financial indicators.
• To assess the current state of urban infrastructure, including housing, transportation, water and sanitation, energy, and digital connectivity, across major African cities, with a particular emphasis on their financial sustainability.
• To identify and analyze key challenges and opportunities associated with urbanization in Africa, including issues related to existing financial institutions, political, economic and legal structures, informality, inequality, climate change, and governance.
• To highlight best practices and innovative approaches in sustainable urban development across the African continent and beyond.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for policy interventions and strategic actions to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa.

Responsibilities:

• Within assigned authority, the International Communication Consultant will undertake the following duties:
• Review existing literature, reports, and data sources related to urbanization in Africa, including national census data, academic publications, and relevant multilateral agency reports.
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on urbanization trends, demographic dynamics, economic development, and infrastructure provision in selected African cities.
• Identify case studies and best practice finance structures for urban development initiatives from different regions of Africa, highlighting lessons learned and transferable practices.
• Develop a comprehensive report outlining the findings of the analysis, including data visualizations, maps, and graphs to illustrate key trends and patterns.
• Prepare a set of evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice, tailored to the needs and priorities of African governments and urban stakeholders.

Deliverables:

• Inception Report: A detailed work plan proposing three economic and finance themes for the report, outlining the methodology, data sources and timeline for the completion of the report.
• Draft Report: A draft background paper for the State of African Cities Report with a focus on financing urban development.
• This should include economic analysis, finance structure assessments, relevant case studies, findings and recommendations.
• Final Report: A revised and finalized version of the background paper incorporating feedback from stakeholders and reviewers, accompanied by an executive summary and a policy brief summarizing key findings and recommendations.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced degree in urban planning, geography, economics, sociology, or a related field is required. A bachelors degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Demonstrated expertise in urban research, data analysis, and report writing, with a focus on African cities. A minimum of 10 years experience in urban planning, geography, economics, sociology, or a related field is required.