Urban Law and Governance Consultant at UN-Habitat

Duties and Responsibilities

• In the light of the context described, UN-Habitat is seeking an urban law and governance consultant to support the several country projects focusing on strengthening urban legal and governance frameworks. The consultant will be responsible for producing normative outputs in this area by providing ongoing support and input to country legal projects in the Sultanate of Oman, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Vietnam.

Under the direct supervision of the Legal Specialist, Policy, Legislation and Governance Section and overall supervision of the Chief of the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section, the Consultant will have the following responsibilities:

• Conduct legal and governance review and analyses on UN-Habitat thematic issues such as related to urban planning law, governance, public participation, and land as well as environment and climate action. Legal and governance frameworks will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness in supporting urban processes specifically in the areas of resilient and low carbon urban development and good governance.
• Draft synthesis and comparative analysis reports on planning laws in developing country contexts contributing to: (i) reduced spatial inequality and poverty in communities across the urban–rural continuum; (ii) increased access to adequate housing and security of tenure, (iii) strengthened climate action and improved urban environment; and (iv) effective urban crisis prevention and response.
• Undertake reviews of projects and documents to strengthen legislation and governance dimensions.
• Undertake legal case studies and develop methodologies to assist to identify international legal best practices on urban development and management.
• The approval for payments to the consultancy shall be based solely on satisfactory delivery of the outputs specified in the ultimate result of service.

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in law, legal affairs or relevant field is required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in the legal field and/or governance is required.
• Knowledge and application of various urban legal, urban law, or regulatory systems and tools is desirable.
• Experience in conducting law and legal research from various sources and the ability to interpret frameworks, develop and present recommendations clearly and concisely is desirable.
• Previous experience working with the United Nations will be an added advantage.

Languages

• English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Proficiency in another UN language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Skills and Competencies:

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of legal theories, concepts and approaches relevant to land-use planning, public participation, and urban governance. Ability to develop sound substantive reports; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professionalism rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with challenges; remain calm in stressful situations.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; ask questions to clarify and exhibit interest in having two-way communication; tailor’s language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively to achieve organisational goals; solicit impact by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; places team agenda above personal agenda; shows credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team's shortcoming.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.