BACKGROUND
Land management is at the core of many of Afghanistan's urban challenges, especially in Provincial. These include land grabbing, inefficient use of land, tenure insecurity in informal settlements, limited access to serviced land for housing, insufficient land for economic activities, and undeveloped land-based financing for local service delivery. When land ownership is unclear, households are reluctant to invest in dwelling improvements, the private sector is reluctant to invest in industries that create jobs, and local authorities are slow to provide services to informal areas.
Given the pervasive gaps in information and the spatial spread of state land across 28 provinces, the mapping and land inventory process was an essential prerequisite for land clearance. Going into 2019, the extension of this programme will allow ARAZI to build on these achievements and secure a portion of the land inventoried in 2018 by physically delineating cleared parcels and building a centralised land profiling database.
This new legal framework provides the legal basis for the operationalisation of land allocation and housing assistance for reintegration purposes of specific groups of interests (Returnees, protracted IDPs and Martyrs families). The PD 305 was designed to address the shortfalls of the PD 104 by introducing key land suitability criteria ensuring the land allocated will be” well located and serviceable” to facilitate the reintegration of beneficiaries. The PD also institutes a Land Identification and Selection Committee chaired by ARAZI to ensure multiple level government agencies engagement in identifying, assessing and allocating land for the target populations.
UN-Habitat is supporting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) to implement the Sustainable Human settlements in Urban areas for Reintegration in Afghanistan (SHURA) under which a development engagement agreement to “Support to Afghanistan Independent Land Authority (ARAZI) in collaboration with UN Habitat for development of Land Bank & Clearance Activities” for the “Afghanistan Reintegration Facilitation Program” Initiative.
SHURA is a flagship action under the Urban National Priority Programme 2016-2025 (UNPP), to support the Land Survey, the registry of the parcels, the land mutations for allocation, the land use plans and importantly the deed certificate issuances, are aimed at securing the inventoried state lands and designed to improve land management; urgent and immediate is the significantly expanded government priority for reintegration of returning afghans and vulnerable protracted citizens.
The programme is also improving the enabling environment for the humanitarian-development nexus approaches, by providing technical support to national level agencies, including; the Afghanistan independent Land Authority (ARAZI), and Ministry of Urban Development and Lands (MUDL). This is essential to enable up-scaling, replication and sustainability.
The aim of this consultancy is to establish a Land-Bank Cadastral information infrastructure and data-base to support land management and allocation mutations. The key deliverables will be a cadastral database and digital land bank to support registration of inventoried surveyed lands and security of the state land bank at ARAZI, and the physical demarcation of the state lands and topographic surveys – leading to the land-use and subsequent master planning. The LIS advisor will provide hands on technical expertise for the design, development and deployment of these databases. The LIS advisor will also prepare technical procedures (manual) for the operation and maintenance of the databases including data processing and sharing and provide training for GIS and database officers on database management and system security.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Technical LIS Responsibilities
1.1. Provide technical advice for Cadastral data collection through Cadastral surveys
a) Review the land and Cadastral survey manual to update procedures and steps for data collection, data verification and data recording, including review of electronic survey forms to ensure alignment with legal and administrative requirements of government partners
b) Support the review of Cadastral data collection and data entry procedures to ensure data is complete and verifiable, and data collection methods are consistent across the SHURA programme areas
1.2. Provide technical support for survey data maintenance and handling
a) Ensure data validation through site visits and technical verification by project staff, public scrutiny of survey results and by performing random checks on survey data to ensure that quality control procedures are effective
b) Supervise the correction of Cadastral data and recording of claims at data collection centres based at ARAZI provincial offices
c) Support the development of solutions for transfer or synchronization of Cadastral data between data collection centres at provinces to data processing centres (ARAZI provincial/main offices)
1.3. Provide technical assistance for establishment of Cadastral databases for ARAZI and synchronization with other stakeholders engaged with the land data centre.
a) Design, test and deploy a spatial database including suitable applications for the registration of Lands and inventorying of state land (land bank) at ARAZI
b) Design, test and deploy a spatial database including a suitable application for the management of Tasfiya at ARAZI
c) Supervise the production of test deed certificates (ARAZI) and Tasfiya clearance documentation.
1.4. Provide tailor made training in GIS and land database management
a) Provide training to GIS and database officers at ARAZI and Provincial municipality on (i) management of spatial databases, and (ii) database system security
1.5. Prepare technical procedures (manuals) for the operation and maintenance of spatial databases
a) Produce manuals for integrating the (i) PRUIS system at ARAZI, (ii) ALASP (WB) system at the data centre
b) Support the development of formats, templates and protocols for reporting, sharing and distribution of Cadastral data, information and reports with partners and stakeholders
c) Scoping report on the previous work that has been done, resource requirements (inputs) needed to accomplish tasks and analysis of timelines and targets to be submitted not more than one month after the actual start date of the assignment
d) ARAZI Land databases are fully functional, customized and secure
e) Procedure manuals for the operation and maintenance of databases; formats, templates and protocols for reporting, sharing and distribution of Cadastral data
f) Trainings for GIS and database officers have been conducted at ARAZI and Provincial municipalities
g) Reports (including records and briefs of meetings attended, persons consulted and the progress of deliverables) to be submitted one week before the timeline due dates.
2) Ensure coordination and cooperation between programme activities/outputs/outcomes and related local, regional and international development efforts
a) Lead in building and maintaining strong relationships and coordination with partners (UN, government, I/NGO) at city, national, regional and global levels;
b) Support improved coordination of UN activities in Afghanistan, including contributing to the UNDAF and joint integrated work plans with programme-related inputs and monitoring;
c) Support the dissemination of programme outcomes and impacts to improve future programming and policies;
d) Support the promotion of sustainable urbanisation and adequate housing for all in Afghanistan;
e) Intervention where required in emerging issues of forced displacement and urban poverty alleviation in Afghanistan;
f) Technical assistance to various national committees, working groups and other urban development task forces about programme activities/outputs/outcomes.
g) Ensure timely and relevant informal and formal donor reporting, breifing notes, meetings and field visits.
3) Contribute to UN-Habitat's support to the GoIRA
a) Promote cross-fertilisation across all UN-Habitat programming, including supporting thematic linkages, enhancing delivery cost-efficencies, and streamlining tehnical assistance and capacity development to government partners to maximise its effectiveness/impact and reduce duplication;
b) Support the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD) 2015-2019, in particular through (i) strengthening UN-Habitat as a knowledge partner for the GoIRA; (ii) fostering a shift away from direct implementation to technical assistance and capacity development of government;
c) Support the GoIRA with resource mobilization by identifying new programmatic opportunities, developing concept notes and project documents, and building partnerships with donors and partners;
d) Supporting the strategic planning and management of UN-Habitat Afghanistan through the Senior Staff Team to promote alignment and maximize support for the GoIRA;
e) Facilitate institutional learning and integration of lessons learned through supporting the development of operational policies and procedures of UN-Habitat Afghanistan;
f) Capacity development of national staff.
Other:
a) Represent the programme/UN-Habitat in national humanitarian forums (i.e. KIS Taskforce, IDP Taskforce, DIREC Technical Working Group, Policy Working Group), policy forums (i.e. IDP Policy Working Group, Reintegration Working Group) and build support for humanitarian-development programming in Afghanistan;
b) Take proactive measures to reduce the gap between humanitarian and development interventions regarding displacement in Afghanistan, working closely with the Humanitarian Country Team to mainstream durable solutions
c) Lead capacity development of national colleagues working in relevant provinces to engage and represent UN-Habitat in programme-relevant provincial forums (e.g. Provincial IDP Taskforces, Regional HLP TF, etc).
4) Perform other duties and responsibilities which are within the expertise and experience as may be required by ROAP or the Country Programme Manager in support of the activities of the Agency and programme.
Evidence, descriptions and/or reports of all deliverables to be submitted to the SHURA Chief of Technical Advisor with copies to the UN-Habitat County Programme Manager in electronic format on or before the dates indicated above.
COMPETENCIES
· Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of land administrative functions, e.g., survey, land valuation, project budgeting, technical staff resourcing, database management, etc. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
· Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
· Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
· Planning& 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.
Other desired competencies/skills include:
· Promotes UN’s core values and ethical standards (professionalism, integrity, respect for diversity)
· Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
· Capability to engage in team-based management, experience of leading policy workshops and being a resource person
· Ability to formulate and manage work plans
· Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Geo-information Science, GIS/Remote Sensing Studies, Land Management/Administration, Urban/Municipal Governance, Urban Development Studies or related discipline; or A first level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant qualifying experience is required.
WORK EXPERIENDE
a) A minimum 5 years’ experience in technical advisory role on geospatial technology, urban governance, land legislation or land/Cadastral rights
b) Working experience in spatial/cadastral database design and management
c) Working experience in Afghanistan and / or the region/conflict/post-conflict context
d) Previous working experience within the UN system is an advantage
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
a) Programme and Project Management, including programme and project formulation and implementation in conflict and post-conflict environments
b) The capacity to provide quick and practical feedback and guidance to field staff is essential, as is the ability to adapt existing methodologies to the Afghan context
c) Maintaining appropriate balance between Implementation needs of the project and contributing to developing a longer-term vision of the programme
d) Good knowledge of UN operational rules and procedures
e) Good coordination skills, with ability to handle multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure and to tight deadlines
f) Positive approach to work with consistent energy and a positive, constructive attitude
g) Ability to participate effectively in teams of various expertise as well as organizations
h) Good diplomatic qualities and negotiating skills
i) Geo-spatial technologies
j) ICT and database management systems
k) Land survey management and administration
LANGUAGE SKILLS
For the advertised post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
ð A strong commitment to gender sensitive, social inclusive and pro-poor development
ð Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team
ð Consultative and empowering working style and willingness to learn from others
ð Willingness to travel as required
REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.
International Travel (Home – Kabul):
The cost of a return air-ticket from the place of recruitment on least-cost economy and visa fee will be reimbursed upon submission of travel claim together with the supporting documents including copy of e-ticket, receipts and used boarding passes. Three quotations from the reputable travel agents shall be submitted for UN-Habitat’s clearance prior to purchase of tickets.
Local Transportation:
Such as vehicle arrangements to provinces will be covered by UN-Habitat.
Travel Advice/Requirements:
The Chief Technical Advisor/Programme Manager – SHURA must abide by all UN security instructions. Upon arrival he/she must attend a security briefing provided by UNDSS. He/she should undertake Basic and Advanced Security Training as prescribed by UNDSS. Regular missions will be undertaken for which UNDSS authorisation must be sought.
Reporting Arrangements:
The Technical Specialist (Land Information Systems and cadastral survey) shall report to the Chief Technical Advisor/Programme Manager (SHURA) on daily basis, and overall to the Country Programme Manager in Afghanistan, and the Senior Human Settlements Officer based in ROAP.
Applications should include:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
* PHP can be also download from UN-Habitat/ROAP-vacancy website: www.fukuoka.unhabitat.org
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
1. Educational Background (incl. dates)
2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
3. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
4. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
5. Expectations regarding remuneration
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
All applications should be submitted to:
UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
ACROS Fukuoka, 8th Floor
1-1-1 Tenjin Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-0001 Japan
Please indicate the Post Title: “VA 9. AFG-LIS-SHURA_ARAZI” in your e-mail subject.
Please note that applications received after the closing date stated below, will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview. The fee will be determined according to the qualifications, skills and relevant experience of the selected candidate. In line with UN-Habitat policy on gender equity, applications from female candidates will be particularly welcome.