Consultant for Spatial Analysis of Slum and Informal Settlements

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global environmental think tank founded in 198

• WRI's mission is to put ideas into action by working with governments, companies, and civil society to address urgent environmental challenges. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse team of experts dedicated to sustainability and development. WRI's transformative ideas aim to protect the earth while promoting development, as sustainability is essential for meeting human needs and aspirations in the future.

Job Overview:
The consultant will engage in a three-month study focusing on the spatial analysis of slum and informal settlements in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This role involves synthesizing technical findings, leading policy analysis, and integrating these elements into a cohesive evidence base. The consultant will collaborate closely with WRI's geospatial team, which will provide processed time series of settlement maps and statistics. The consultant's responsibilities include translating imagery-based analysis into actionable policy insights, reviewing relevant legislation and programs, and preparing internal reports in collaboration with WRI and city-level specialists. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder validation events to ensure the findings are relevant and actionable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Refine research questions and review data provided by WRI, submitting an inception report within two weeks of contract start.
• Conduct a systematic review of national and municipal laws, regulations, plans, and investment programs from 1994 to 2025 that have influenced slum and informal settlement dynamics.
• Analyze and correlate policy milestones with spatial trends to identify causal relationships.
• Formulate strategic recommendations for curbing future slum growth and upgrading existing areas.
• Produce a concise policy brief and a rigorously referenced draft report ready for publication.
• Design and moderate consultation workshops with stakeholders, including city bureaus and community representatives.
• Compile the full analytical narrative, incorporating maps, tables, and references, and facilitate a validation workshop for feedback.
• Revise and deliver the final report and policy brief, ensuring all sections are comprehensive and well-structured.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess at least a master’s degree in urban economics, planning, or public policy. A minimum of ten years of applied research experience is required, with demonstrated expertise in urban development, legislation, or housing finance sectors. Proficiency in GIS is essential for translating geospatial outputs into policy analysis and recommendations. The consultant should have a proven track record in multi-stakeholder facilitation and report writing in English, showcasing the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a master’s degree in a relevant field such as urban economics, planning, or public policy. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and the legislative frameworks that govern it.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of applied research experience, particularly in the fields of urban development, legislation, or housing finance. Experience working in Ethiopia is highly desirable, as it provides context and understanding of local challenges and opportunities in urban planning and policy.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to write reports and facilitate discussions in English. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for three months from the date of contract signature, with an anticipated start date in July 202

• The consultant will be compensated for their services, and WRI will cover workshop costs. Payments will be made via bank transfer upon validation of each milestone as outlined in the deliverables.