Active Mobility Assistant, UN-Habitat

Result of Service To support efforts of UN-Habitat under the UNRSF supported project to promote active mobility and road safety in Kenya, so that in the long-term, walking and cycling is systematically integrated in mobility plans, policies and investment decisions.

Work Location Nairobi

Expected duration 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is mandated by the UN-General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat works with varied partners including cities, central governments, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector in the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular, Goal 11 of “Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.

As cities around the world rapidly urbanizing, they are increasingly facing urban mobility challenges key among them traffic congestion, pollution and road traffic crashes. The transport sector also significantly contributes to global energy related carbon emissions. Public transport comprising efficient bus systems, trams, metros and non-motorised mobility such as walking, and cycling are emerging an ideal mix to curb the growing urban transport challenges and meet the transport needs of citizens. UN-Habitat collaborates with governments at city, regional and national levels on development and implementation of policy, guides and tools for sustainable urban mobility; provides technical support for development of effective transport systems and supports knowledge, advocacy and capacity building.

Under the Urban Pathways project, in 2019, UN-Habitat and partners launched Nairobi’s first Bike Train, which illustrates an organized group of commuter cyclists who cycle to and from work together to enhance safety. This concept shall be scaled up now across Nairobi together with supplementary activities that aim to drive systems change. Under the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) supported project “Reclaiming Streets for Pedestrians and Cyclists”, UN-Habitat is supporting Kenyan cities, among others, in their transition towards safer infrastructure for active mobility through the provision of technical advice, policy support and advocacy.

Objectives of Assignment The objective of the assignment is to support efforts of UN-Habitat under the UNRSF supported project to promote active mobility and road safety in Kenya, so that in the long-term, walking and cycling is systematically integrated in mobility plans, policies and investment decisions.

Supervision and Reporting The Individual Contractor will work under the overall supervision of the Coordinator of the Urban Basic Services Section, and in close collaboration with the thematic team on mobility - reporting to the Programme Management Officer, Lead, Urban Mobility.

Responsibilities and Tasks

The Individual Contractor will support the successful roll out of the bicycle train in Nairobi, with the participation of local members of the cycling community as well as several government participants. The Individual Contractor will also support with the provision of technical advice to the local government on safe routes to school, conduct road safety assessments and propose street design recommendations. Furthermore, the Individual Contractor will support advocacy activities related to promoting the uptake of cycling amongst women.

• Roll out the concept of the Bike Train to further areas in Nairobi to enhance safety of commuter cyclists
• Conduct road safety assessments (Safe Routes to School) in the catchment of 2 schools including fatality and injury data, road and street conditions, quality of public transport services, road safety measures taken by the school etc.
• Based on the road safety assessments (activity 2), derive policy recommendations towards improving road safety around schools
• Propose design improvements around schools (related to activity 2) and provide technical assistance in design review to ensure alignment of street design proposals with child-friendly streets
• Support collaboration between government and schools (i.e. parent-teacher associations) on road safety & safe routes to school

• Promote the uptake of cycling among women in Nairobi through advocacy

  Qualifications/special skills High school diploma/certificate is required. Additional training in Urban Planning, Transport Planning, Geography, or a related field is required. A minimum of 5 years working experience in Urban or Transport Planning is required. A good understanding of urban planning, urban development, urban policy and legislation and sustainable urbanisation in Kenya and other African countries is required. Experience working in an NGO is an added advantage.

  Languages Fluency in oral and written English is required.

  No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.