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International Urban Advisor, Multiple positions

Home Based - May require travel

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Home Based - May require travel
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
    • Urban Development, planning and design
    • Urban Development
    • Urban Planning/Design
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background information- Cities Alliance

Cities Alliance

The Cities Alliance is the preeminent global partnership for the promotion of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels, it is a unique partnership with diverse members – local authorities, national governments, international non-governmental organisations, foundations and multi-lateral organisations  – which have come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development.

The Cities Alliance’s overall objectives are to support cities in providing effective local government, an active citizenship and a growing economy characterised by both public and private investment.

Since its establishment in 1999, the Cities Alliance has become a global leader in supporting strategic city planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Cities Alliance’s activities have helped leverage over US$1.5 billion in additional funding.

The current Medium Term Strategy is focused on Promoting Equity in Cities through equitable economic growth, gender equality and partnerships.

Cities Alliance is hosted by UNOPS.

Background Information - Job-specific

Joint Work Programme on Global Agendas

In the context of the intergovernmental negotiations towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA), in 2013 the Cities Alliance established a Joint Work Programme (JWP) to facilitate and support the collaboration of members around the objectives of informing and influencing these two global frameworks. Building upon the results accomplished in the first phase, members decided to continue their collaboration under the JWP format in the 2017-2018 period. The overarching goal for this phase is to support Cities Alliance members and its partners to share understanding, exchange tools, and collaborate towards the integrated implementation, follow-up and review of the SDGs and the NUA in and with cities.

The Government of Germany acts as Chair of the JWP through 2017-2018. The current JWP membership is: Ministry of Cities of Brazil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development-BMZ of Germany (chair) / Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO of Switzerland, the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Slum Dwellers International (SDI), Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the Ford Foundation, the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The Cities Alliance Secretariat acts as the interlocutor for the JWP members and fulfils overall secretariat functions to the JWP.

Objective of this assignment the consultant will provide support to the Cities Alliance Joint Work Programme (JWP) on Global Agendas. In 2017-2018, the JWP is developing activities around four focus areas:

-      Advocacy and awareness-raising on the ongoing processes related to the global agendas.

-      Localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda.

-      National urban policy frameworks.

-      Follow-up and review of the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. 

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The scope of this assignment is to support the quality of JWP activities by providing substantive input, drafting, assessing, reviewing and evaluating and facilitating selected activities under the supervision of the Programme Management Unit of the JWP, which is based at the Cities Alliance Secretariat. Under the guidance of the Secretariat, the assignment may also entail collaboration and complementarity, as appropriate, with other relevant assignments/consultants carrying out expertise work for the Cities Alliance in similar or related areas/dossiers.

The assignment covers the following areas:

  • Area 1. How urban development in general, and the role of city and regional governments in particular, can be advanced internationally, based on the global sustainability agendas recently adopted.
  • Area 2. The use of the urban and territorial lens for integrated monitoring and review of the SDGs.
  • Area 3. Input and reaction around the first New Urban Agenda Global Progress Report as well as the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The assignment will include the following tasks: 

Area 1. How urban development in general, and the role of city and regional governments in particular, can be advanced internationally, based on the global sustainability agendas adopted in recent years.

Work in this area will aim to:

  • Provide clarity on how the global sustainability agendas impact on enabling environments (institutional, legal, financial) for urban sustainability at the national and sub-national levels, as well as on the mandates of sub-national governments.
  • Identify effective ways and map ongoing initiatives to interconnect and integrate these global sustainability agendas at the national and sub-national levels for the purpose of sustainable and equitable cities.
  • Elaborate narrative that resonates with and engages urban actors, such as organisations of the urban poor, civil society organisations, philanthropy and local and national private sectors.
  • Contribute to understanding what are the implications of the global sustainability agendas for sustainable urban development reporting.
  • Serve as basis for clear guidance that both uses and promotes these global sustainability agendas in a more coherent fashion; and, that promotes the common understanding, better mobilisation and collaboration so essential for their effective implementation and follow-up and review at the national and sub-national levels.
  • Elaborate short background papers on issues relevant for the implementation of the global agendas such as: municipal finance, urban economics (formal and informal economy), urban governance and planning and forced evictions.
Area 2. The use of the urban and territorial lens for integrated monitoring and review of the SDGs.

Work in this area will aim to:

  • Demonstrate that whether or not the convergent implementation of SDGs contributes to addressing major human challenges depends to a great extent on planning, implementation and monitoring strategies that have integration and interlinkages as foundations.
  • Go beyond the common association of urban development and cities with SDG 11, which significantly understates the many other SDGs and targets that are indispensable to urban and territorial sustainability; as well as the potential of the urban lens to accelerate the implementation of other SDGs.
  • Develop understanding about how multi-dimensional and interconnected challenges and opportunities, as well as the multi-stakeholder partnerships so inherent to cities are key vectors for accelerating the integrated implementation, monitoring and review of all SDGs through multi-scale and cross-sectoral solutions.
  • Provide diagnostic work on progress on the implementation of SDG11 and the urban & territorial dimension of all SDGs, including from a regional perspective.
  • Provide clarity on how the implementation of the global sustainability agendas offer opportunities for the engagement of sub-national governments and local actors in follow-up and review mechanisms, including from national and regional perspectives.

Area 3. Input and reaction around the first New Urban Agenda Global Progress Report as well as the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development.

  • Work in this area will aim to:
  • Identify areas for engagement in the first Global Progress Report of the New Urban.
  • Identify areas for engagement in the HLPF.
  • Provide diagnostic work on progress on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, including from national and regional perspectives.
  • Support a clear articulation of the New Urban Agenda with other relevant global agreements, including the SDGs at the international, national and sub-national levels.
  • Support the Programme Management Unit by mapping relevant initiatives and stakeholders which could link to the JWP

In all three areas, the consultant will support the Programme Management Unit with substantive input, drafting and peer review of knowledge products; as well as with substantive input to and facilitation of the preparation and proceedings of public events at international milestone gatherings.

Successful candidates will be contracted between the period of 2018 and 2019.

The time of service will be up to a total of 50 days for service in any (one or more) of the above areas.


Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, law, political science, sustainable development, urban planning and development or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

  • At least 10 years of experience in a field related to urban governance and planning, local government, international sustainable urban development agendas, policy analysis and advocacy.
  • Very strong documented knowledge (publications, assignments, certificates) of urban governance and planning, local government and the implementation of international sustainable urban development agendas, including key institutions and stakeholders involved in these processes at the international, national and sub-national levels.
  • Proven experience of applied international development assignments, as well as outstanding analytical and advisory work documented through publications.
  • Proven ability to present multi-stakeholder approaches and consolidate and synthesise substantive views of multiple stakeholders in a balanced and concise manner. 

  • Outstanding analytical and presentational skills.
  • Strong communication skills, including ability to produce high quality presentations and reports.
  • Responsiveness and commitment to deliver on time to a high standard.
  • Ability to work in a team, develop synergies and establish effective working relations with Cities Alliance secretariat and members, as well as with government counterparts, donors, NGOs and other development partners.
  • Displays gender, cultural, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity. Experience in gender analysis is considered a strong asset.
  • Training and workshop facilitation skills and experience are considered a strong asset.
  • Integrity, modelled by the UN values and ethical standards.

Language Requirements

  • Proficiency in oral and written English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - Retainer
Contract level: IICA-3
Contract duration: Up to a total of 50 days between 1 January 2018 – 31 December 2019

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

This vacancy is now closed.
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