Senior Consultant - Informal Settlements & Urban Planning

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and ensuring adequate shelter for all. Established in 1978, UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries and employs thousands of professionals committed to improving urban living conditions. The organization has been active in Syria since 2015, focusing on urban resilience and recovery in collaboration with local authorities and communities. UN-Habitat Syria has offices in major cities including Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, and Deir Ezzor, and is involved in various projects aimed at enhancing living conditions in both formal and informal settlements, particularly in areas affected by conflict.

Job Overview:
The Senior Consultant will play a crucial role in establishing a comprehensive understanding of the informal areas of Karm Al-Da'daa and Al-Sukkari in Aleppo, Syria. This position involves conducting detailed urban, housing, infrastructure, and socio-economic analyses to identify key legal, planning, and development constraints affecting these areas. The consultant will develop feasible upgrading models based on thorough urban and legal analyses, ultimately providing evidence-based recommendations to guide future interventions and investments in urban development. The role is expected to culminate in a housing profile and an actionable framework that supports sustainable improvement in the targeted informal settlements, contributing to the overall goal of enhancing urban resilience and recovery in conflict-affected areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive urban analysis of the Aleppo Master Plan and the informal settlements of Karm Al-Da'daa and Al-Sukkari. This includes assessing land use, infrastructure, housing conditions, and service provision. The consultant will identify urban challenges and opportunities, proposing priority interventions to support recovery and sustainable reconstruction. A legal and regulatory review will also be undertaken, focusing on land tenure and planning regulations. The consultant will develop and assess urban upgrading models, evaluate their feasibility, and prepare technical reports summarizing findings and proposed interventions. Additionally, the consultant will provide technical advice to stakeholders and project teams to inform decision-making and guide future urban development initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in architecture, civil engineering, or urban planning. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in a similar field combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 5 years of experience in urban planning, development, or control is required for those holding a master's degree. Proven experience in drafting or reviewing urban research, policy papers, or planning documents in Syria is essential, along with experience in urban governance systems at local or national levels. Experience working with international organizations is also desired.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as architecture, civil engineering, or urban planning. Candidates with a first-level university degree in a similar field may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban planning and development in the context of informal settlements.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in urban planning, development, or control, particularly in the context of Syria. This experience should include a proven track record of drafting or reviewing urban research and policy documents, as well as familiarity with urban governance systems. Experience working with international organizations is also highly desirable, as it indicates the ability to navigate complex project environments and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic is desired, which will facilitate communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders. Familiarity with French is also beneficial but not mandatory. The UN Language Framework outlines the minimum required proficiency levels for each language, ensuring that candidates can effectively perform their duties in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 5 months, and the position is based in Syria. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Head of UN-Habitat Syria Programme and collaborate daily with the Head of Urban Advisory Unit and Aleppo Hub. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.