Urban Planning and Development Adviser (International Position)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Published on: 25 November 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 SHSO, ROAP UN-Habitat, and Leader, City Planning, Extension and Design Unit, HQ, the Urban Planning and Development Adviser will work under overall guidance of the Programme Manager, UN-Habitat in India and in close collaboration with the City Planning Extension and Design Unit and Urban Planning and Design Lab at UN-Habitat Headquarters, and will be responsible to undertake the following activities:

·       Lead collaboration and coordination on project related normative and technical work between UN-Habitat HQ and India country office;

·       Lead technical advisory in areas of sustainable urban development assessment frameworks, policies and plans, data management and urban analytics with focus on the SCIAP project and other sectors in alignment with the UN-Habitat India Country Strategy Plan (2019 – 2022);

·       Strengthen SCIAP project component 1 – “Sustainable Urban Planning and Management” to mainstream SDG 11 and other related urban SDGs, and contribute in development of integrated approaches and methodologies for SDG 11 and related urban SDGs building on experience from UN-Habitat.

·       Coordinate knowledge management including documenting and training UN-Habitat country office and project staff in innovative tools, methodologies and best practices for sustainable and resilient urban planning and development developed by UN Habitat HQ/ROAP.

·       Provide capacity building, training, technical and operational support to the project team during inception phase, and when they undertake the workplan harmonization process, activities, and deliverables.

·       Review and comment regularly on deliverables produced by the project team prior to submission to the clients, with a view to ensure quality assurance and quality standards expected of international organizations

·       Support effective and efficient execution of programme activities by working in close collaboration with field staff, and assist national programme manager in selected project coordination activities including work-planning and reporting

·       Coordinate capacity development activities on programme components and technical guidelines through field missions, workshops, and other modalities between UN Habitat HQ experts, ROAP, and India office;

·       Contribute to the consolidation and development of new ideas, concepts, innovations and new programmes and approaches;

·       Any other assignments requested by the supervisors.

The Adviser will be part of a multidisciplinary team managing and guiding the project, which is composed of National Programme Manager (UNIDO), Programme Manager (UN-Habitat), urban planners, city infrastructure and investment experts, urban governance expert, climate change expert, ICT expert, interns, among other staff recruited over time.

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, is required; or first level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant qualifying experience is required.

Work Experience: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in spatial planning, sustainability and resilience. Demonstrated capacity to supervise graphic representation of ideas and concepts and familiarity with graphic design packages are required. Experience in working with government institutions at national and local level in India is an advantage. Experience in working with teams and with partners is required. Experience within the United Nations common system will be an advantage. Proficiency in design and illustration software is necessary.

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, Adobe Creative Suite; illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, AutoCAD, and similar others for design and analysis will be an added advantage.

Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations.  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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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

Deadline for Application has been extended till - 21 December 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).