Urban Planning Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible, except the assignments in Headquarters duty stations.

Description of task

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of UN-Habitat Iraq or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Urban Planning Expert will be responsible for the following duties:

Technical Advice and Project Implementation

• Define in coordination with the local authorities and UNESCO staff the official boundaries of ‘Mosul Heritage Area’ and its Buffer Zone
• Attend and contribute to Joint Steering Committees and support UNESCO in establishing an Old City Commission.
• Support the drafting of 3 Building Guidelines for non-monumental typologies; develop public outreach material illustrating the new Building Guidelines and clarifying steps for citizens to apply for Building Permits; monitor the applicability and operationalization of the Building Guidelines and amend accordingly.
• Guide the undertaking of damage assessments and technical support to homeowners.
• Oversee the analysis of property conditions/damage and recent changes within Old City boundaries and the updating of the information in UNESCO’s geo-referenced database.
• Support the identification and classification of heritage value ranges/damage levels of urban clusters/sites and indicative socio-economic data that will help to determine the most suitable or desirable options for future projects, investments, and initiatives.
• Conduct at least 4 “Citizens Consultation Forums” in Mosul aimed at identifying priority needs and interventions within its Old City (e.g infrastructure, services, housing, economy, environment, social, etc)
• Facilitate 4 workshops for technical review of SGI’s Urban Renewal Plan
• Conduct 3 thematic workshops for the drafting of Participatory Recovery and Reconstruction Strategic Plan to be submitted to MoMCH and support the local authorities in drafting 6 Sectoral Spatial Plans focusing on land uses, zoning, water, basic services and infrastructure, public facilities, public spaces, Special Protection Areas and Heritage Trails. Define a process/methodology to be replicated in other areas of the Old City.

Supervision, Coordination, and Monitoring

• Support the drafting of a dynamic 3Ws dashboard to be updated every 6 months in consultation with the Municipality, directorates, UN agencies, NGOs
• Coordinate closely with HLP specialists undertaking verification of property boundaries and claims.

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Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required degree level:

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Education - Additional Comments:

2 years or more of relevant professional experience in the area of expertise is required.

Required experience:

24 Months

Experience remark:

• Proven experience in spatial and participatory planning is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in the Arab Region, preferably in post-conflict country/ies, is required.
• Familiarity with the project focus (conflict-affected urban heritage) is an asset.
• Experience in coordinating with government institutions at national and local level is an advantage.
• Strong graphic skills, proficiency in using illustration software and familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis are required.
• 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.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; and
• Minimum age criteria established at 25 years of age.

Language skills:

• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• Arabic(Optional), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise:

Architecture and urban planning, Civil engineering and construction supervision, Water, sanitation and environmental engineering

Area of expertise details:

Confident computer user, particularly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email functions;

Driving license:

No

Competencies values:

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams

Application procedure:

Application procedure * Not yet registered in the UNV Talent Pool? First register your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup. Important: After creating your account, complete all sections of your profile and submit it. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink. Lastly, select the special call to which you would like to apply. * Already registered in the UNV Talent Pool? First update your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/profile. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink to select the special call to which you would like to apply. Application deadline: 15 January 2021