Career Opportunities at UN-Habitat

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical inputs on urban planning and design and to contribute to the development of a new generation of transformative projects in partner cities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of FSCP LAB Head Quarters Coordinator, the overall supervision of the leader of Regional and Metropolitan Planning Unit and the Outcome 2 Activity Coordinator.. . She/he will mainly contribute to the implementation of the regional and territorial component in the FSCP activities by performing the following tasks:

• Support the FSCP Head Quarter LAB planning team in the development of the following tasks:
  • Drafting and integrating regional and national levels inputs for 17 city profiles.
  • Support to up to 1 regional;/national level demonstration project from a regional and metropolitan planning perspective
  • Support to up to 12 rapid planning studio workshops from an integrated city, region and national policy and planning perspective
  • Undertake review regional and city plans, strategies and reports to ensure that regional and national dimensions are adequately covered and interlinked;

1. Review of proposals and design prepared by local planners for various pilot cities.
2. Develop critical analysis of existing planning documents and instruments.
3. Provide inputs to guide or facilitate the delivery of relevant urban legislation reviews and financial mechanism in view of plan implementation and planning processes support.
4. Develop and organize participatory, multi-stakeholder processes tailor made for the projects in a specific context.

• Take eventually part in field missions in collaboration with UN-Habitat’s regional and country offices.
• Participate in UN-Habitat missions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and attend other relevant meetings and conferences.
• Support the UN-Habitat Office in Riyadh and the Project Steering Committee in the urban and territorial planning activities related to the FSCP.

1. Support the Integrated Rapid Planning Studio preparation and execution in 12 cities from the regional and national perspectives.
2. Undertake other activities that would support the work of FSCP

EXPECTED OUTPUT

The consultancy will focus on enhancing the regional and national levels planning in developing 17 city profiles and the demonstration project through different methodological approaches.

4 types of outputs are expected:
1 Demonstration project at regional or national level

5 Concept Plans

• Draft sections relevant for urban regional and territorial planning in the City Profiles
• Support to HQ Lab coordinator in the integration of different teams’ inputs
• Preparations and follow up for validation workshops

12 Rapid Planning Studios (3 in 2017)

• Preparations and follow up for RPS workshops at the city-region or regional scale

17 City Profiles (8 in 2017)

• Draft integrated city profiles (integrating inputs received at all planning levels and from different teams including economy, legal, CPI in addition to planning)
• Develop policy recommendations for improving planning and design

Draft and review sections relevant for regional and territorial planning in the Table of Contents.
Output production will be documented regularly through interim reports covering the tasks above and one final report, summarizing the work done and presenting all outputs in electronic and hard copy format. Daily presence in UN-Habitat offices is expected.

Required skills:

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban planning and design. Strong analysis of urban form, urban systems, underlying social, legal and financial mechanisms and the political context. Ability to develop strong graphic materials (concept plans, diagrams, street sections) as well as substantive reports. Knowledge of urban development issues. Ability to observe deadlines and achieve set goals. Ability to work and deliver under pressure.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English. Excellent capacity to produce and manipulate graphic documents and drawings. Good presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex interventions in a clear language and convincing narratives. Sketching capabilities to effectively communicate in workshop settings and teams.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve agreed goals.
• Planning and Organizing: Ability to prioritize activities and assignments and to easily switch between different projects.
• Creativity: Strong conceptual thinking. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches, takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”, and offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Can easily develop clear plans in contexts with limited information and datasets. Finds ways to extract and combine data and information to create base maps. Is both able to reduce complexity as well as sensitive to specific urban form and the landscape.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban or Regional Planning, or related field that is relevant for sustainable urban and regional development. Experience in neighbourhood scale planning will be considered an advantage. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:
Between 2 to 5 years of experience in urban planning and design with direct proven experience in drawing and preparing plan graphical material using computer assisted design tools. Strong writing and text editing skills in English required. Good hand drawing / sketching of macro-scale plans is an advantage. The candidate has a portfolio of plans and designs of which he/she is the author.
Urban and Regional planning experience in Arab countries and/or planning in contexts of water scarcity and extreme weather conditions will be an advantage.
Technical Knowledge:

• Urban planning contemporary approaches.
• Excellent writing skills, in English are required.
• Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage
• Research and analytical skills combined with good drafting and drawing skills
• Ability to manipulate graphic material and production of complex urban planning documents
• Able to work independently and as part of team and deliver on time under pressure.

Language Skills
For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Although not a requirement, knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.

REMUNERATION

Payments will be on outputs basis, subject to satisfactory delivery of agreed outputs and targets within the consultancy work plans. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement

 

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OBJECTIVES

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical inputs on urban planning and design and to contribute to the development of a new generation of transformative projects in partner cities.

RESPONSIBILITY

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of FSCP LAB Head Quarters Coordinator, the overall supervision of the Manager of the Urban Planning and Design Lab and the Outcome 2 Activity Coordinator. . She/he will mainly contribute to the implementation of the neighbourhood and citywide component in the FSCP activities by performing the following tasks:

• Support the FSCP Head Quarter LAB planning team in the development of the following tasks:
• Drafting and integrating neighborhood and citywide levels inputs for 17 city profiles.
• Support to up to 2 neighborhood demonstration project
• Support to up to 12 rapid planning studio workshops from an integrated neighborhood and citywide planning perspective.
• Undertake review of city plans, strategies and reports.

1. Review of proposals and design prepared by local planners for various pilot cities.
2. Develop critical analysis of existing planning documents and instruments.
3. Provide inputs to guide or facilitate the delivery of relevant urban legislation reviews and financial mechanism in view of plan implementation and planning processes support.
4. Develop and organize participatory, multi-stakeholder processes tailor made for the projects in a specific context.

• Take eventually part in field missions in collaboration with UN-Habitat’s regional and country offices.
• Participate in UN-Habitat missions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and attend other relevant meetings and conferences.
• Support the UN-Habitat Office in Riyadh and the Project Steering Committee in the urban and territorial planning activities related to the FSCP.

1. Support the Integrated Rapid Planning Studio preparation and execution in 12 cities from the neighborhood and citywide perspectives.
2. Undertake other activities that would support the work of FSCP

EXPECTED OUTPUT

The consultancy will focus on enhancing the neighbourhood and citywide levels planning in developing 17 city profiles and the demonstration projects through different methodological approaches.

4 types of outputs are expected:

2 Demonstration project at neighbourhood scale

5 Concept Plans

• Draft sections relevant for urban planning in the City Profiles
• Support to HQ Lab coordinator in the integration of different teams’ inputs
• Preparations and follow up for validation workshops

12 Rapid Planning Studios (3 in 2017)

• Preparations and follow up for RPS workshops at the neighborhood and citywide scale

17 City Profiles (8 in 2017)

• Draft integrated city profiles (integrating inputs received at all planning levels and from different teams including economy, legal, CPI in addition to planning)
• Develop policy recommendations for improving planning and design

Draft and review sections relevant for neighborhood and citywide planning in the Table of Contents.
Output production will be documented regularly through interim reports covering the tasks above and one final report, summarizing the work done and presenting all outputs in electronic and hard copy format. Daily presence in UN-Habitat offices is expected.

Required skills:

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban planning and design. Strong analysis of urban form, urban systems, underlying social, legal and financial mechanisms and the political context. Ability to develop strong graphic materials (concept plans, diagrams, street sections) as well as substantive reports. Knowledge of urban development issues. Ability to observe deadlines and achieve set goals. Ability to work and deliver under pressure.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English. Excellent capacity to produce and manipulate graphic documents and drawings. Good presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex interventions in a clear language and convincing narratives. Sketching capabilities to effectively communicate in workshop settings and teams.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve agreed goals.
• Planning and Organizing: Ability to prioritize activities and assignments and to easily switch between different projects.
• Creativity: Strong conceptual thinking. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches, takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”, and offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Can easily develop clear plans in contexts with limited information and datasets. Finds ways to extract and combine data and information to create base maps. Is both able to reduce complexity as well as sensitive to specific urban form and the landscape.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, or related field that is relevant for sustainable urban development. Experience in regional and territorial scale planning will be considered an advantage. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:
Between 2 to 5 years of experience in urban planning and design with direct proven experience in drawing and preparing plan graphical material using computer assisted design tools. Strong writing and text editing skills in English required. Good hand drawing / sketching of macro-scale plans is an advantage. The candidate has a portfolio of plans and designs of which he/she is the author.
Urban and Regional planning experience in Arab countries and/or planning in contexts of water scarcity and extreme weather conditions will be an advantage.

Technical Knowledge:

• Urban planning contemporary approaches.
• Excellent writing skills, in English are required.
• Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage
• Research and analytical skills combined with good drafting and drawing skills
• Ability to manipulate graphic material and production of complex urban planning documents
• Able to work independently and as part of team and deliver on time under pressure.

Language Skills
For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Although not a requirement, knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.

REMUNERATION

Payments will be on outputs basis, subject to satisfactory delivery of agreed outputs and targets within the consultancy work plans. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement

go to method of application »

RESPONSIBILITIES

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Regional and Metropolitan Planning Unit, the Manager of the Urban Planning and Design Lab and the overall supervision of FSCP Outcome 2 Coordinator,. She/he will contribute to the implementation of the FSCP Head Quarter Planning Team activities by performing the following tasks:

• Manage the FSCP Head Quarter Planning Team as a team leader in the development of the following tasks:
• Coordination of the activity of the FSCP Head Quarter Planning Team activity in the accomplishment of the 17 City Profiles and 3 Demonstration Projects.
• Preparation with Outcome 2 Coordinator of the materials for the Integrated Rapid Planning Studio methodology application in the context of KSA.
• Participation to workshops, missions and technical meeting both in Nairobi and KSA.
• Provide planning and design inputs including regional and citywide strategies, extension plans and urban transformation plans in 17 cities.
• Elaborate 17 city profiles.
• Undertake review regional and city plans, strategies and reports to ensure that regional and national dimensions are adequately covered and interlinked;
• Develop clear planning proposals, drawings for 3 demonstration projects.
• Review of proposals and design prepared by local team of planners for various pilot cities.
• Develop critical analysis of existing planning documents and instruments.
• Provide inputs to guide or facilitate the delivery of relevant urban legislation reviews and financial mechanism in view of plan implementation and planning processes support.
• Develop and organize participatory, multi-stakeholder processes tailor made for the projects in a specific context.

• Manage and take part in field missions in collaboration with UN-Habitat’s regional and country offices.
• Represent the Lab at meetings and conferences within and outside UN-Habitat.
• Support the UN-Habitat Office in Riyadh in the planning activities related to the FSCP.
• Support the Integrated Rapid Planning Studio preparation and execution in 12 cities and regional level.
• Undertake any other duties to advance the work of the FSCP.

EXPECTED OUTPUT

The consultancy will focus on 1) helping cities develop practical, feasible approaches to implementing urban planning interventions through direct planning support; 2) assisting national governments to scale up successful local-level approaches through tools development, and 3) build the capacities of planning and facilitating institutions (development control, construction plan scrutiny, etc.)

8 main outputs that are expected are:

• Urban Planning and Design proposals.
• City profiles related with planning proposals.
• Comments and inputs to planning proposals.
• Presentations.
• Report on urban planning documents.
• Inputs to economy and legislation reviews related to urban planning.
• Participatory, multi-stakeholder processes and related sessions.
• Clear analytical drawings, design drawings and diagrams at various scales: region, city, and neighborhood.
• Reflective texts on projects, processes and best practices.

Output production will be documented regularly through interim reports covering the tasks above and one final report, summarizing the work done and presenting all outputs in electronic and hard copy format. Daily presence in UN-Habitat offices is expected.

Required skills:

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban planning and design. Strong analysis of urban form, urban systems, underlying social, legal and financial mechanisms and the political context. Ability to develop strong graphic materials (concept plans, diagrams, street sections) as well as substantive reports. Knowledge of urban development issues. Ability to observe deadlines and achieve set goals. Ability to work and deliver under pressure.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English. Excellent capacity to produce and manipulate graphic documents and drawings. Good presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex interventions in a clear language and convincing narratives. Sketching capabilities to effectively communicate in workshop settings and teams.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve agreed goals.
• Planning and Organizing: Ability to prioritize activities and assignments and to easily switch between different projects.
• Creativity: Strong conceptual thinking. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches, takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”, and offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Can easily develop clear plans in contexts with limited information and datasets. Finds ways to extract and combine data and information to create base maps. Is both able to reduce complexity as well as sensitive to specific urban form and the landscape.
• Management: Ability to manage smaller project teams, divide workload and sustain efficiency

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture or Urban Planning, or related field that is relevant for sustainable multi scale urban development and urban planning and design. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of experience in urban planning or design, a significant part of which should be directly related to different aspects of urban planning such as territorial and regional planning, city-wide planning, urban extension plans, urban redevelopment, land management, landscape and public space design etc. A combination of practitioner/private sector, academic, and public sector experience would be considered an asset. The candidate has a portfolio of plans and designs of which he/she is the author. Experience of long-term engagements/consultancy to national/regional/local governments focused on implementation of urban projects.
Planning experience in Arab countries and/or planning in contexts of water scarcity and extreme weather conditions will be an advantage.

Technical Knowledge:

• Urban planning contemporary approaches.
• Team management skills.
• Able to represent UN-Habitat FSCP Head Quarter Planning Team in technical meetings and workshops.
• Research and analytical skills combined with good drafting and drawing skills, manipulation of graphic material and production of complex urban planning documents.
• Writing skills, in English and possibly another UN language.
• Able to manage a team and deliver on time under pressure.

Language Skills
For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Although not a requirement, knowledge of Arabic or other languages will be an advantage.

REMUNERATION
Payments will be on outputs basis, subject to satisfactory delivery of agreed outputs and targets within the consultancy work plans. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.

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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.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

This role involves implementation of the Future Saudi Cities Programme (FSCP) with a focus on overall coordination, programme management and critical outputs as part of the coordinating team. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the HQ Steering Committee Coordinator and in coordination with the Project Leader. The overall supervision will be by the Coordinator, Urban Planning and Design Branch.. S/he will contribute to the implementation of the FSCP activities by performing the following tasks:

Key tasks:

1. Support to Nairobi Coordinator in project management as Secretary of the Steering Committee and as a special assistant
2. Supporting substantive integration across outputs, and quality control, in collaboration with all output leaders and the Programme Leader
3. Supporting the overall programme management by following up on management requests (Riyadh) with Output Leaders, and with Nbi Coordinator
4. Further specific support to city profiles preparation.

Detailed tasks include;

Support to Nairobi Coordinator in Project management

• Preparation of steering committee meetings (preparation/agenda, participate/attend and follow-up/minutes)
• Support to the progress reporting (drafting templates for project management and reporting, follow up and discuss with Activity Coordinators to collect monthly report and issues/challenges);
• Prepare 1 page summary / edited monthly report for Nairobi coordinator from Output coordinators inputs, to submit to UN-Habitat Management Office
• Support to follow-up on Management decisions with HQ offices and coordinator including vertical internal communication following up with pending issues, review workplan inputs/smartsheet, communication facilitation if required.

Support to Outputs Integration and Quality Control

• Support the follow-up of decisions with Activity leaders (for instance discuss review of ToRs/WP)
• Review of Outputs with different Units (CPI, 3 pronged discussions, IG-UTP , gender and youth, tailored training).
• Support to three-pronged approach / substantive discussions between ULLG, UEB, UPDB related to output
• Reviewing selected before submission to Editorial committee
• Contribute to the preparation of Draft report with final recommendations

Support Overall Programme management

• Draft templates/ToCs for project deliverables, in consultation with Outcome Coordinators
• Support to Project Board meetings ( preparation of documents , contribution to Agenda and Action points)
• Review of donor reporting and coordination of HQ inputs in the donors reports
• Support in following up on communication and decisions for Project Coordination effectiveness
• Reviews progress with Project Manager to identify critical points, possible solutions

Additional specific support to deliverables

• Oversees redaction and advises to city profile outputs (integration of results and findings from other Outputs across the project, Identify critical issues at redaction level for the integration of CPI results, gender/youth findings, and scales
• Advice on 3-pronged dimensions at profile level
• Application of 3 pronged approach at activity design phase
• Advice on integration of scales based on on IG-UTP s
• Advises on integration within Output 2 activities of different Outputs’ findings and reports (i.e. evidence (CPI) and stakeholders participation (youth and gender) into field activities for instance).

EXPECTED OUTPUT

The consultancy will focus on 1) helping cities develop practical, feasible approaches to implementing urban planning interventions through direct planning support; 2) assisting national governments to scale up successful local-level approaches through tools development, and 3) build the capacities of planning and facilitating institutions (development control, construction plan scrutiny, etc.)

Activities will be documented regularly through interim reports covering the tasks above and one final report, summarizing the work done and presenting all inputs provided in electronic and hard copy format. Daily presence in UN-Habitat offices is expected.

REMUNERATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payment will be based on satisfactory delivery of agreed tasks and related time and cost implications. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and fees will be paid as per agreement.

Responsibility

Outputs

Workload

Amount

Steering committee

· Progress Reports to the ED

· Action points of the UN-Habitat steering committee meetings

20%

Quality control

· Meeting agenda for three-pronged discussions

· Policy conclusions of the programme

· Review of Terms of References

30%

Project management

· Review of Programme workplan

· Review of donor reports

20%

Outputs related activities (Profiles)

· Advises at redaction level for integration of CPI results, gender/youth findings, and scales

· Review of consolidated City Profiles

30%

Required skills:

· Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to urban planning and design. Strong analysis of urban development issues in a variety of contexts and underlying social, legal and financial mechanisms and the political context. Ability to develop clear as well as substantive reports. Ability to observe deadlines and achieve set goals. Ability to work and deliver under pressure.

· Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English. Excellent capacity to produce and manipulate conceptual document. Good presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex interventions in a clear language and convincing narratives. Capabilities to effectively communicate in workshop settings and teams.

· Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve agreed goals.

· Planning and Organizing: Ability to prioritize activities and assignments and to easily switch between different tasks.

· Creativity: Strong conceptual thinking. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches, takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”, and offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Can easily work with limited information and datasets. Finds ways to extract and combine data and information. Is both able to reduce complexity as well as sensitive to specific urban realities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable urban planning, urban governance and law, or related field of urban affairs that is relevant for sustainable urban development and advising on urban planning frameworks and institutions. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

Between 2 to 5 years of experience in urban planning and governance with direct proven experience in project management and strong knowledge of issues in sustainable urbanisation. Strong writing and text editing skills in English required.

Work experience in urban context in Arab countries will be an advantage.

Technical Knowledge:

· Urban planning contemporary approaches.

· Excellent writing skills, in English and possibly another UN language are required.

· Research and analytical skills combined with good manipulation of data and ability to synthetize complex concepts and information is required.

· Able to work independently and as part of team and deliver on time under pressure.

Language Skills

For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. Although not a requirement, knowledge of Arabic or other languages will be an advantage.