Urban and Governance Expert (Re-advertised)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Re-advertised on 04^th July 2019

Background:

UN-Habitat in cooperation with UNIDO is implementing a Global Environment Fund (GEF-6) supported project on sustainable cities to be piloted in five cities (Bhopal, Jaipur, Mysore, Vijayawada, Guntur). The overall objective of the GEF project is to integrate sustainability strategies into urban planning and management with the end view of achieving the goals of ongoing city-related government projects hoping to achieve livable, workable and sustainable cities. The components of the project include:

·       Integrated urban planning and management – this will include the introduction of tools and internationally accepted methodologies for sustainable cities planning and management, setting indicators according to internationally-accepted standards; a major aspect of this is low-carbon and low-emission planning;

·       Investment pilots in 4-5 cities – the pilot cities will all benefit from the service of mobilizing funding to support technology and/or infrastructure projects necessary for achieving better city services and environmental management;

·       Partnerships and capacity building – developing partnerships with private, public and civil society organizations in implementing initiatives for sustainable cities and building capacity of major players and stakeholders for better governance and project implementation in cities;

·       Knowledge Management – sharing of experiences among Indian cities, and between Indian cities and those abroad which have advanced in building sustainable cities and also those which can learn from the Indian experience; this is also related to the Global Knowledge Platform being set up in relation to the overall sustainable cities program of the GEF.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Country Manager, UN-Habitat India, Urban and Governance Expert will work under overall guidance of the National Project Manager, UN-Habitat in India and will be responsible to undertake the following activities:

1.     Provide technical expertise on strategic urban planning for sustainable development and inclusive service delivery working closely with field teams;

2.     Support the development of urban planning guidelines and regulations;

3.     Support assessment and development of sustainable city plans in pilot cities;

4.     Monitor the overall quality control of outputs;

5.     Lead in engagement with MoHUA and the ULBs for plan adoption and use;

6.     Integrate gender equality and youth empowerment strategies in urban planning processes and outputs.

7.     Support trainings and workshops at national and state levels in line with agreed workplans;

8.     Build consensus on the importance of participatory planning, collaborative governance and evidence-based strategies to harness them as drivers of sustainable development (e.g. metropolitan governance, city region planning);

9.     Promote mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues (gender, youth, environment, and capacity development)

10.  Organize and manage the campaigns and events such as Forum and Seminars organized under the programme;

Qualifications:

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Urban Development, Urban Geography, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Urban Governance, Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or any other related field from reputed universities; or first university degree with additional 2 years relevant experience in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: At minimum of five (05) years progressively responsible experience in spatial planning, sustainability and resilience. Strong graphic skills and familiarity with graphic design packages are required. Experience in working with government institutions at national and local level is an advantage. Capable of working in a team and undertaking initiative to ensure smooth relations and open communication within the team and with partners is required. Experience within the United Nations common system will be an advantage. Proficiency in design and illustration software.

Competencies: Strong analytical, conceptualization, reporting skills required. Should have advanced writing, research and analytical skills. Expertise in development of strategic documents, policy documents, local action plans as well as preparing and planning of various trainings/ workshops for different stakeholders. Able to work both independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization. Ability to use latest software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Photoshop, AutoCAD, InDesign and similar others for design and analysis will be an added advantage.

Professionalism: Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, plus ability to handle a range of equipment used in communication.

Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Planning & Organizing: Ability to work with minimal supervision, under the pressure of frequent and tight deadlines often in difficult and demanding conditions.

Communication: Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills and demonstrated ability to explain UN security policies and procedures.

Client orientation: Professional and courteous attitude and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a stressful environment. Receptive towards client needs. Understands that those provided services are clients and seek to see things from a client perspective. Maintains tact and diplomacy at all times.

Language: Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another local language or UN official language would be an advantage.

Reporting Arrangements: Urban and Governance Expert shall report to Country Manager of India Office.

Deadline for application: 20^th July 2019

Due to a large number of applications expected, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).