Research and Coordination Specialist (Urban Development)

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The position is located in ESCWA’s Cluster 2 on Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development. Specifically, the UNV will provide technical and non-technical support to the Urban development portfolio lead.

Under the supervisor of the Social Affairs Officer, the UN Volunteer is responsible to perform the following functions:

• Support the implementation of the urban development portfolio projects including the projects on “Fostering COVID-19 recovery and SDG implementation through local action in Asia-Pacific, Arab and African countries” and the “Quality of Life Initiative”
• Systematically follows through and retrieves, and compiles information on economic and financial resilience of cities, with an explicit focus on leveraging digital and technology-based solutions in the Arab region from a wide variety of information sources, prepares inputs on the subjects as required
• Ac as the web focal point of the urban team
• Keep abreast of urban development advances and Voluntary Local Reviews in the region and identify related knowledge gaps and prepare summaries accordingly
• Support the process of establishing the first Mayors’ Academy in the Arab region aimed at strengthening the capacities of local authorities
• Support the development process of the Quality-of-Life Index
• Assist in drafting the knowledge products of the urban team and undertake related research needed
• Assist in the preparation of agenda, info notes, presentations, background substantive material related to urban development meetings.
• Coordinate with partners and relevant stakeholders on issues related to the urban team’s projects
• Translate from English to Arabic and vice versa upon request.
• Undertake other tasks as needed.

Adaptability and flexibility Creativity Planning and organizing Professionalism

development is required for this position. Substantial experience in urban development research, analysis, and project coordination. Proven track record in conducting research activities, data collection, and analysis on development issues. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing projects, especially in the context of urban development or similar fields.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Lebanon. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers:

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.