Technical lead - Urban Planning Framework and Classification of Municipalities - Senior Urban Planner and Designer

Senior

Overview

Lead urban planning framework and municipality classification efforts

You have:

• Master’s degree in urban planning, urban design, architecture, or other relevant fields. PhD is an asset.
• 7 years progressive experience working internationally with urban planning related issues at local, regional and/or national levels; Previous experience in the Middle East is required. Experience in KSA or related knowledge and experience is an Asset
• Fluency in written and oral English is required for this assignment. Working knowledge of another UN language would be considered as an advantage.
• Experience working on issues related to urban planning, land use planning, compact urban form, municipal service provision, laws and regulations, municipal systems and its relation to land and urban planning, etc is required.
• Good Use of Design and Graphic Software such as InDesign is desired. Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and programs is required.

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.

She/He will be responsible to lead and manage the team for the project delivery on the initiative “Urban planning framework and jointly with Classification and Re-Configuration of the Municipal System”in coordination and collaboration with other project technical leads and in alignment with the NUP. She/He will be in charge of meeting scheduled deliverables, manage stakeholders engagement, manage partners’ expectations, and flexibly adjust the course of action to ensure the project is on track. In addition, She/he will also be responsible for all matters related to urban planning, including specialised knowledge related to sustainable urban development (such as sprawl reduction, densification, and urban infill) as well as planning for infrastructure and basic service provision within this outcome. 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 oneself with the urban development context in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including the history of the municipal sector and the planning system
• Prepare and manage the overall project work plan including determining key deliverables, milestones and timelines
• In cooperation with the Stakeholder Engagement Specialist ensure regular coordination and consultation with relevant stakeholders
• In cooperation with the technical experts ensure that all deliverables follow a rigorous and evidence-based approach to ensure quality and methodological soundness
• Regularly report progress of the initiative to Senior Leadership and other relevant committees (both within the project management as well as to MOMRAH)
• Prepare capacity building tools and activities to equip local, regional and national stakeholders with the knowledge they need to implement the reformed municipal and planning systems
• Ensure alignment between the progress of this initiative and the other initiatives involved in the Spatial Planning Reform and Visual Appeal Program in Saudi Arabia

Classification of Municipalities/Urban Planning Framework (Spatial Planning Act)

• Work in collaboration with different disciplines (economist, legal, municipal and governance, social and housing/urban) and in strict cooperation and coordination with other projects leads on the restructuring of the planning framework, the NUP and the restructuring of the municipal system.
• Support the drafting of the Planning Act.
• Contribute to written outputs (background papers, reports, studies, etc.) to support the classification and re-configuration of municipalities, the planning framework, and other related reports requiring a planning perspective.

• Until the recruitment of additional specialized experts, provide overall leadership and guidance in the preparation and implementation of a methodology for classifying and re-configuring the municipal system in Saudi Arabia

  Other Urban Planning Tasks

• Provide urban planning inputs and introduce international planning principles and practices including best practices in compact urban form and sustainable urban development.

• Provide Technical advisory role to MoMRAH and the wider team.

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, urbanization 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 honors commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational 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:

• 7 years progressive experience working internationally with urban planning related issues at local, regional and/or national levels (experience with multilevel governance is an asset); Previous experience in the Middle East is required. Experience in KSA or related knowledge and experience is an Asset
• Progressive experience in working in a project management role, including a proven track record of delivering high-quality results on time working with different disciplines and tasks in a dynamic and challenging environment is required.
• Experience working on issues related to urban planning, land use planning, compact urban form, municipal service provision, laws and regulations, municipal systems and its relation to land and urban planning, etc is required.
• Familiarity with UN-Habitat's work and approach, and knowledge of SDGs and NUA are an asset.

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 legal and governance tools as well as other international relevant tools is 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: 1st of April – 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org