Vacancy Announcement: Urban and Spatial Economy Specialist

TERMS OF REFERENCE

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, Urban and Spatial Economy Specialist will work under overall guidance of the Programme Manager, UN-Habitat in India and will be responsible to undertake the following activities in close collaboration with country office team (Country Office, Regional Office and HQ thematic focal point on the SDGs/ Spatial Data Management):

• Lead analytical studies and research initiatives, particularly on issues related to lagging regions, local economic development, development/growth corridors and nodes, and spatial and territorial development strategies.
• Develop a long-term spatial vision and strategic policies and proposals through evidence- based comprehensive assessments covering existing geographical, social, economic and cultural potential at regional and sub-regional levels.
• Lead and manage repository of geospatial datasets including those prepared internally and those acquired from external sources.
• Develop spatial analyses tools and methodologies for application and analysis of spatial datasets and other data and information related to sustainable urbanization at national to local levels to prepare spatial maps, illustrations and reports.
• Provide technical expertise to develop spatial policies that will make cities and city-regions competitive, socially cohesive and environmentally sustainable.
• Review use of GIS tools in the urban planning and management in the SCIAP target cities and develop recommendations for ULBs to enhance GIS use for spatial planning.
• Support Country office in India to establish and/or maintain relations with relevant stakeholders to promote evidence-based urban economic development.
• Develop concept notes so as to strengthen project portfolio of India Office in these areas.
• Represent UN-Habitat at conferences, workshops, professional events as a subject matterexpert as an advocate of institutional good practices.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities, which are within the expertise and experienceas may be required by UN-Habitat in responding to the requests of the respective member states.

Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree in Urban Development/ Economic/ Geography/ Business/ Public Policy (or related discipline), or a first level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant qualifying experience is required.

Work Experience: At minimum of seven (07) years progressively responsible experience in directly related to the development agenda, in particular on competitiveness and private sector policy/development issues at sub-national level (regional/local/urban). 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.

Professionalism: Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, plus ability to handle a range of equipment used in communication. 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. Ability to use latest software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Stata, SPSS and similar others for analysis will be an added advantage.

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

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

Deadline for application: 24th October 2019 before 05.30 pm (IST)

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).