Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

Africa is the most rapidly urbanizing continent in the world. Urbanization offers significant opportunities for economic and human development in many African countries. However, these opportunities are also vulnerable to risks and losses from disaster events. Over the next 30 years, Africa's population is projected to increase to 1.5 billion by 2025 and 2.4 billion by 2050. By 2050, 60% of Africa's population will live in urban centers. However, the current trend of urban growth also shows that disaster risk in Africa is increasingly affecting urban spaces. Disasters have increased in the region since the 1970s, with increases in human exposure to disaster risks largely driven by population growth, particularly concentrated in cities, interwoven with the effects of fragility. Despite the significance of large-scale disasters, the impacts of everyday hazards (e.g., infectious disease linked to unsanitary conditions) and small-scale disasters (e.g., localized floods and shack fires) in the region cannot be underestimated. Especially at the city scale, understanding the linkages between the development process, underlying everyday risks, and periodic disaster risk is vital if development is to contribute to reducing rather than generating risk.

Rapid urbanization in Africa has meant that urban dynamics and growth patterns not only contribute to the underlying drivers of disaster risk but also that a significantly large proportion of people are exposed and regularly experience losses to disasters (from both natural and man-made hazards). Therefore, disaster risk management and resilience-building in African cities demand requisite and urgent attention.

Recurrent disasters, particularly in cities and urban centers, have caused persistent deterioration of livelihoods, pushing people deeper into poverty and food insecurity and undermining their resilience to future shocks and stresses, with varying impacts on different social groups such as women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Although the trends and projections of urban disaster losses are of significant concern across the continent, a regional lens and approach to understanding and addressing urban risk allow for a degree of focus and deployment of the institutional and governance mechanisms that cascade from the continental level. For instance, in the ECOWAS region (the block of 15 AU Member States in West Africa), urban risk is exacerbated by environmental degradation, deepening poverty levels, gender inequalities, governance challenges, low socio-economic development, and chronic humanitarian crises due to recurrent drought, flooding, food insecurity, epidemics, violent conflict, and high population growth. Furthering this context of fragility and vulnerability of communities are a number of other key issues: the West African population is young and growing, with more than 64 percent of the region's population under 25 years of age and projected to reach approximately 900 million by 2050.

The African Union Commission (AUC) seeks to strengthen regional and national urban risk management policies and plans and the institutional capacities of Member States to address urban risks. Consequently, it has developed a dedicated continental program (the 'Africa Urban Resilience Programme'—AURP) to support resilience-building on the continent and promote the integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into development planning to achieve its development goals under Agenda 2063. The programme builds upon and complements other initiatives such as the Programme of Action (PoA) for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa. Furthermore, the AURP aligns with and supports the achievement of other developmental goals and targets such as the New Urban Agenda and the AU's Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2032.

Similarly, at the regional scale, the ECOWAS Commission has undertaken substantial efforts in addressing disaster risk and building the resilience of the region to shocks and stresses. These efforts include the ECOWAS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Plan of Action (2015–2030), which aims to strengthen relevant institutions at regional and national levels to address evolving, challenging risk scenarios that often present competing, complex priorities. Further, it aims to mobilize a broad coalition of partners to build resilience to hazards and to integrate disaster risk reduction into sustainable development. In addition to the Plan of Action, other initiatives include the ECOWAS Regional Strategy on Reduction of Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in West Africa, the Plan of Action of the ECOWAS Humanitarian Policy (2012 – 2017), the ECOWAS Policy for Disaster Risk Reduction (2006), the ECOWAS Disaster Risk Reduction Gender Strategy and Action Plan (2020 – 2030), and the recently adopted Regional Resilience Strategy for West Africa (2025).

In this context, through the urban resilience output area of the regional project titled "Strengthening capacities for disaster risk reduction and adaptation for resilience in the Sahel Region: fostering risk-informed solutions for sustainable development" (Sahel Resilience Project), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting the AUC and the ECOWAS Commission to address the challenges related to urbanization, and to build resilience of communities against shocks and stresses while leveraging the positive benefits of urbanization, continentally as well as in the west African region. The Sahel Resilience Project (2019-2026), funded by the Government of Sweden, is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the African Union Commission, ECOWAS and other regional institutions (LCBC, CILSS/AGRHYMET), academia (PERIPERI U) as well as other UN Agencies (UN-Habitat, UN Women and UNDRR) with the objective of building capacities of regional institutions and national governments in the Western Sahel, including the Lake Chad Basin (Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Nigeria) in the institutionalization of risk-informed development planning, programming and investment for gender-responsive resilience building.

During the first phase of the project, UNDP supported the AUC with dedicated technical expertise that resulted in the articulation of the AURP. Building on this and related results achieved in Phase 1, under the auspices of the second phase of this project, to ensure the effective development and deployment of the AURP and the delivery of the AUC's broad ambition to build urban resilience in Africa, the Project will continue to augment the human resources capacity of the AUC as well as that of the ECOWAS Commission through an Urban Resilience Advisor. The continental scope of this assignment will be complemented by a concurrent focus on a selected regional approach to support the ECOWAS Commission in advancing urban resilience in West Africa.

Scope of Work

The Urban Resilience Advisor (hereafter Advisor) will provide targeted technical support in urban resilience policy and programme development, implementation, partnership building, advocacy and resource mobilization efforts, at the continental level. In line with the AUC's role, the Advisor will support RECs and member states in the implementation of the Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP). In addition, the Urban Resilience Advisor will support the implementation of the Urban Resilience component of the Sahel Resilience Project in ECOWAS and the Sahel. As part of the AUC's effort to build the capacity of the REC, the Advisor will support the capacity strengthening of the ECOWAS Commission on Urban Resilience.

Specifically, at the continental level, the Advisor will support the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit, of the Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) and shall be responsible for providing key technical inputs into the development and deployment of the AUC's continental programmatic efforts to build the resilience of Member States. This will be achieved through the operationalization of the AURP, and the coordination and provision of policy guidance to shape the implementation mechanisms of the AURP and the delivery of strategic programme activities.

The Advisor will also contribute to the development of AURP implementation mechanisms, such as the Aqinile Partnership on Urban Resilience, in collaboration with UNDP, UN-Habitat, and UNEP and the AUC's partnership with the GIZ-funded' Resilience Initiative Africa' (RIA) project. S/he will also serve as the focal point for the implementation of other cross-cutting resilience initiatives between AUC and UNDP, namely the Community Recovery and Resilience Facility (CRRF) and the Roots of African Resilience (RoAR). Furthermore, S/he will contribute to other functions of the DRR Unit in areas such as risk assessment, early warning systems, preparedness for response and recovery as well as integration of disaster and climate risks in urban planning, infrastructure development and recovery, through coherent policy, strategic and programme advisory services, at the regional and national level, as per the requirements of the AUC.

At the regional level, the Advisor will provide similar support to the ECOWAS Commission on urban resilience policy and programme development, institutional strengthening, advocacy, partnership building and resource mobilization (albeit with a reduced scope as indicated in section B).

As part of the technical support to the African Union Commission, the Advisor's scope of work will include, but will not be limited to, the following responsibilities:

A. Technical support and advice to advancing urban resilience at the continental level – projects and initiatives (70

This will include the following tasks:

  • Provide strategic and technical oversight to the AURP programme implementation and operationalization;
  • Lead the development of an implementation matrix for the AURP and coordinate the delivery of strategic programme activities;
  • Support the operationalization of the AURP governance structures (including the periodic convening of the steering committee and technical working group);
  • Coordinate the organization of bilateral and multi-stakeholder meetings, and workshops for the effective delivery of AURP strategic activities;
  • Support resource mobilization, and partnership building to support the operationalization of the AURP and its operational mechanisms;
  • Work closely with the AURP technical delivery team, including the Programme Coordinator, Programme Analyst, and AUC DRR Unit Technical Coordinator, in the implementation of the AURP and related initiatives (and ensuring the synergies between AURP and other AUC DRR programmes); 
  • Serve as AUC focal point in the development and operationalization of AURP implementation mechanisms; namely the AUC-UNDP-UN-Habitat-UNEP Aqinile Partnership, and the GIZ RIA;
  • Serve as AUC focal point for the cross-cutting resilience initiatives between AUC and UNDP, namely the Community Recovery and Resilience Facility (CRRF) and the Roots of African Resilience (RoAR), and support the effective implementation of these initiatives;
  • Contribute to timely and effective production of relevant reports and programme evaluation modalities as it relates to the AURP;
  • Liaise with the Communication Specialist for the development of AURP advocacy plans and the dissemination of communication material and channels;
  • Support the development and delivery of training (including training material), and capacity-building efforts that underscore the Urban Resilience programming;
  • Support overall day-to-day management of urban resilience programming in the DRR Unit through the preparation of reports, briefs, memos, and statements, among others;
  • Lead knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy.

B. Technical support and advice to the ECOWAS region on urban resilience (30%)

  • Work closely with the technical teams of the ECOWAS DHSA, and SRP to coordinate and provide technical advice to the ECOWAS Commission on urban resilience programming;
  • Support the development of an ECOWAS-specific urban resilience action plan/roadmap and ensure its alignment with the AURP and the Regional Resilience Strategy for West Africa. As well as outline a work plan for implementation as a piloting of the AURP at the regional level;
  • Support and provide inputs for the development of the implementation plan for the ECOWAS Resilience Strategy for West Africa, and strengthen the urban components; 
  • Support the establishment and operationalization of an interdepartmental working group to serve as a platform to discuss, formulate and support initiatives on urban resilience in a coherent and coordinated manner. And also identify other institutional structures and mechanisms (new and existing) to support the delivery of urban resilience programming in the ECOWAS;
  • Support the development of a partnerships and resource mobilization strategy for urban resilience programming in West Africa, including leading stakeholder engagements and the development of products that can be used to support the ECOWAS Commission to draw key partners for resource mobilization;
  • Liaise with the DHSA technical team and communication staff for the development of urban resilience advocacy plans and the dissemination of communication material and channels.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangements

The Urban Resilience Advisor will work under the direct supervision and will report to the Project Manager, Sahel Resilience Project. For the AUC support for continental activities, s/he will work under the guidance of the Technical Coordinator, DRR Unit, AUC, whereas for those related to ECOWAS, the Advisor will work with the Head of Humanitarian Affairs and DRR Division of the ECOWAS Commission. S/he will liaise with the UNDP team at the regional and country level, representatives of relevant technical and financial partners as well as the designated focal points in partner organizations for effectively fulfilling assigned responsibilities. S/he will be responsible for providing his/her own laptop and any necessary equipment or communication devices required to fulfil assigned duties.

Competencies

Core Competencies

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact;
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems;
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences;
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands;
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results;
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration;
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional/Technical competencies

Digital

  • Co-creation

    • Ability to design and facilitate a process that enables a diverse group of stakeholders to solve a common problem, develop a practice, or create knowledge together;

    • Ability to embrace diversity, work with a diverse group of stakeholders understand their interests, perspectives and views and tap into to them as a source for creativity;

    • Ability to facilitate processes and create conditions that are open for diverse inputs, stimulate collaboration and sharing.

Communications

  • Advocacy strategy and implementation

    • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding,

Partnership Management

  • Relationship management

    • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.

  • Resource mobilization
    • Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.

2030 Agenda

  • Nature, Climate and Energy
    • Climate Change Adaptation: Coastal resilience; Early warning; Embedding adaptation into development policy/planning/ decision making; Urban resilience.

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

  • Inclusive Growth
    • Urban development/ inclusive design.

Business Direction & Strategy

  • Systems Thinking
    • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum education requirements

  • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Urban Studies and Planning, Environmental Science, Disaster Management or Development Studies or related field is required, or;

  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience 

  • Minimum of 10 years (with master’s degree) or 12 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in providing technical advisory to national governments, regional or multistakeholder institutions in reviewing, developing and implementing policies and programmes, and capacity building in disaster risk reduction, urban risk management, climate change adaptation and resilience-building is required.

Required Skills

  • Knowledge of urban development and management, urban risk reduction, disaster risk reduction and climate change concepts, frameworks and principles and ability to apply to strategic and/or; practical situations, and to guide delivery at regional, national and community levels;
  • Proven track record in research and analysis, writing and publishing in urbanization and disaster risk reduction, and urban resilience in Africa;
  • Demonstrable experience and knowledge of data collection methods; effective, systematic and transparent data management methods; and data analysis using a range of methods (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods).

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

  • Proficiency and experience in MS Office applications, GIS and statistical analysis tools;
  • Excellent oral, written and presentation skills;
  • Minimum 5 years of field knowledge and experience working in Africa, including in West Africa on urban risk reduction, climate change adaptation;
  • Minimum 5 years of coordination experience working with intergovernmental organizations, governments, development partners, and international organizations, including coordinating multi-partner interventions;
  • Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner;
  • Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work;
  • Ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
  • Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge;
  • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; and;
  • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
  • Experience working with and good knowledge of strategies, approaches, processes and systems of Regional Economic Communities in Africa, especially ECOWAS Commission and the African Union Commission;
  • Knowledge and understanding of UN/UNDP and other development organizations;
  • PhD in urban studies and planning, environmental or social science, disaster management or development studies.

Required Language(s) 

  • Fluency in English is required;
  • Basic level in French or any other AU official language is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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