Result of Service

The consultant will be supporting ESCWA efforts to increase policy coherence amongst member States and promote improved capacities of institutions and other agents of change in the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. Specific focus will be given to: (1) building the capacity of national and local level decision makers to develop cross-sectoral and integrated urban action plans; (2) establishing mechanisms for information sharing and successful practices and (3) facilitating an inclusive process of regional monitoring and reporting on sustainable and urbanization frameworks while ensuring local-national reporting dialogue.

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission (ESCWA) is currently implementing, under its urban development portfolio, several projects and activities to strengthen the capacity of the national and local governments to design, implement and monitor sustainable, resilient and inclusive urban development initiatives. Special focus is given to supporting Arab cities in their recovery from COVID-19 and building their urban resilience and to fostering the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and follow-up and review. Fostering the implementation of smart digital solutions for urban development is also a focus area of the urban portfolio.

In this context UN-ESCWA seeks to recruit a consultant, with work experience in urban development to contribute to the ESCWA efforts in advancing the urban development agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be supporting ESCWA efforts in urban development including:

• Undertake research and develop background papers, policy briefs and training material on various urban development priorities in the Arab region.
• Contribute to strengthening the capacity of local governments in the Arab region on issues relating to local development.
• Organize regional, national, and local meetings and capacity development workshops on various dimensions of urban development.
• Support member States’ efforts in developing national action plans to implement the new urban agenda and help them in localizing the sustainable development goals.
• Coordinate with local, national, regional, and international partners on initiatives related to urban development.
• Contribute to the development of the Arab States guidelines for the development of local reviews.
• Contribute to the development of the Arab mayor’s academy; and
• Undertake other duties as needed.

Qualifications/special skills

A bachelors’ degree in development or economics or a related field is required. A background in digital technologies for development is desirable.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
A minimum of three years of professional work experience in development is required. Experience in local development is desirable.
Experience in research, drafting, and statistical analysis is required.
Experience in sustainable urban development is required.
Experience in research and statistical analysis is also required.
Experience in capacity development is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

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.