Technical Lead - Urban Lab Director and NUP Expert (Urban Planner and Designer)

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements. It 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. The UN-Habitat office in KSA has been working on several projects to support the UN-Habitat mandates and to boost the implementation of the NUA and the SDGs especially goal 11 as well as support the implementation of the Saudi Vision 2030 and its different programs that correspond with the mandate of UN-Habitat. The Saudi Arabia Office is affiliated to The Regional Office of Arab States (ROAS), which is responsible for the implementation of the UN-Habitat Work Programme at the Regional and at the Country level for all domains of change under the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan (2020-2023).

MOMRAH issued a new program called “Spatial Planning and Visual Appeal program”. Through this program, MOMRAH aims to achieve a number of Vision 2030 goals, which are defined by two tracks built on three building blocks. The first track is the spatial planning track, which involves a multilevel set of spatial policies and tools that determine the future spatial territorial structure. This is accomplished through a formal planning process where land, infrastructure, and services demand guide the allocation of suitable land, incorporating specific organisational forms and hierarchies of tools to define spatial interdependencies at the local, regional, and national levels, enabling decentralised but coordinated action.

The second track is improving visual appeal in cities which is highly dependent on a steady urban planning and urban design foundation. It involves shaping space with a focus on enhancing the experience of the urban landscape. Also, it goes beyond the function of planning and design, as it entails the combination of social, economic, and environmental dimensions that influence the arrangement, appearance, and function of buildings and places.

Drawing on its extensive international expertise, this project will be implemented by UNDP jointly with UN-HABITAT and has been designed to support and deliver six initiatives within the Spatial Planning and Visual Appeal Program established by MoMRAH. UN-Habitat will focus on the following three outcomes:

• The municipal system is improved and restructured, updating settlement boundaries, revising the classification and categorization of Saudi human settlements, and optimising service delivery towards efficiency and sustainability.
• The Saudi Planning framework is restructured, and planning tools are redefined, updated, and improved in line with the new classification and categorization.
• The existing MoMRAH Urban Design Studio is upscaled in a fully-fledged Urban Lab and capacitated to spearhead and device innovative tools and projects-based satellite Labs in support of MoMRAH mission.

The project will provide a strategic framework for UNDP and UN-HABITAT to provide substantive technical assistance, advisory, and quality assurance services to the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (MoMRAH) to deliver on its six initiatives of the Spatial Planning and Visual Appeal Program mandate, and in particular perform its functions more efficiently and effectively in the six initiatives that are the focus of this project. The project will capitalise on UNDP and UN-HABITAT’s institutional and human capacity strengthening expertise and experience, and its strategic role as a central and impartial knowledge provider, builder of capacities, partnership broker, and facilitator of exchanges at country, regional and global levels.

The Senior consultant shall report to the Senior Human Settlements Officer (P4) who will act as the Project Manager. She/He will provide overall guidance as the Project leader for the Urban Lab outcome of the project “Support to The Spatial Planning Reform and Visual Appeal Program in Saudi Arabia. Enabling Systemic Municipal & Planning Reforms and Providing Implementation & Capacity Building Support for the Sustainable Urbanization of Saudi Cities” in cooperation with UNDP/MOMRAH. In addition, the consultant will support the process of building the National Urban Policy (NUP) for KSA, coordinating and aligning it with inputs to the Spatial Planning Act and the Municipal Restructuring initiatives. The incumbent will be responsible for collaborating with the team but more specifically taking a technical lead role to coordinate its multidisciplinary components (governance, economic, and spatial), She/he shall work closely with the technical leads for other major project outcomes, to ensure synergy and complementarity in the project overall delivery. She/He will also coordinate with UNDP technical team members.

Functional Responsibilities

General

• Familiarise him/herself with the overall development context in KSA, particularly with the existing urban-related challenges.
• Report on progress vis-à-vis a clear outline of duties and expected results on an annual basis as well as work plans to relevant staff.
• Preparation of various communication initiatives, including a monthly progress report and inputs to the project leader.
• Prepare content for communication briefs as necessary.
• Support the provision of advisory services on Urban Policy for MOMRAH and other national regional and local stakeholders.
• Implement capacity building, study tours, peer-to-peer learning, and other mechanisms that support MOMRAH staff in achieving their roles, especially those related to the urban Lab and the NUP.

Urban Lab-related Responsibilities:

• Oversee and coordinate the development of a detailed structure, organigram & hiring protocols for the Urban Lab and oversee and coordinate the Urban Lab recruitment processes.
• Develop detailed work plans for the delivery of activities in cooperation with other senior experts to ensure overall project success.
• Support capacity-building initiatives targeting local, regional, and national governments concerning urban planning and design functions, in coordination and cooperation with other experts in the project.

• In cooperation with the rest of the team:

• Ensure pilots effectively link to national and local plans, as well as to any other relevant tool, policy, and/or design guideline (e.g. National Public Realm Design Manual)

• Map, identify, and prioritise potential stakeholders to be involved in each pilot, and support the establishment of the communication and engagement strategy together with the other experts involved in the project.
• Lead the identification, and preparation of Analysis & Concept Proposals for suitable Pilot Projects
• Prepare Draft Proposal & Pre-feasibility Study for Pilot Projects.
• Define project planning, expertise and staffing for each Pilot Project.
• Prepare Full Proposal, Detailed Feasibility Study & Implementation Plan for Pilots
• Prepare Prioritised portfolio of Catalytic Projects & Implementation Guidelines
• Finalise and validate MoMRAH Urban Lab Handbook.

Other Responsibilities:

• Collect previous relevant case studies (either from the NSS that was updated in 2021 or other relevant good practices) and tools from the region and globally.
• Ensure an effective and efficient execution of the NUP programme by preparing the methodological approach to the NUP development, coordinating the overall provision of appropriate technical support to the NUP programme in Saudi Arabia, including gathering data, and arranging workshops and meetings as necessary.
• Ensure alignment and coordination across NUP, SPA, the Municipal Restructuring, and the Urban Lab initiatives.
• Provide inputs and technical support to the other teams/initiatives part of the programme.
• Coordinate and prepare the production of policy briefs and presentations to partners concerning the NUP, SPA as well as all relevant working papers covering different themes and needs of the project.
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of the National Urban Policy Programme.
• Coordinate technical backstopping by HQ (relevant branches/departments/units) as necessary.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Competencies

• Professionalism – Ability to apply judgement in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to work independently in support of overall programme objectives and take responsibility in incorporating youth and gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Knowledge of Saudi Arabia socio-economic situation as pertaining to youth and women, urbanisation issues and challenges
• Planning and Organizing - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amounts 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 .
• Accountability - Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments
• Communication - Speak and write clearly and effectively, promote two-way communication, demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in urban planning, urban design, architecture, or other relevant fields. PhD is an asset.

  Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in urban development and project development, as well as project management.

• Experience in formulating National level policies, guidelines, and regulations is required.
• Experience with different levels of urban planning policy and practice (NUP, City Planning as well as Local and Neighbourhood Planning) is required.

• Record of successful conceptualization and elaboration of urban planning and design projects is required.

  Additional Skills:

• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams towards the delivery of complex tasks is desired.

• Experience in preparing high-level presentations and communicating effectively to technical and non-technical audiences is desired.
• Familiarity with the UN-Habitat Urban Lab and its Three-Pronged Approach, …. Urban Planning tools of UN-Habitat are desired.
• Experience in mentoring and capacitating younger staff is desired..
• Previous experience in the Middle East is required.

• Previous experience in Saudi Arabia is an asset.

  Language:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required for this assignment. Working knowledge of another UN language would be considered as an advantage.

Certification:

• Good Use of Design and Graphic Software such as InDesign is desired.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and programs is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: International ICA level 3 Contract duration: 10 March – 31st of December with possible extension

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.