Urban Resilience Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Established by the UN General Assembly, its mission is to provide adequate shelter for all and to enhance the quality of urban life. UN-HABITAT plays a crucial role in implementing the New Urban Agenda, which was adopted during the Habitat III conference in October 201

• The agency operates in multiple countries across the globe, with a significant presence in Africa through its Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) and various sub-regional offices. The organization collaborates with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address urban challenges and promote sustainable urban development.

Job Overview:
The Urban Resilience Expert will be instrumental in enhancing the institutional and technical capacity of national and local authorities in South Africa to effectively assess, plan for, and respond to urban risks, particularly those related to climate change. This role is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, the New Urban Agenda, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders to reduce urban vulnerabilities, strengthen critical infrastructure, and build adaptive capacity among urban communities, especially marginalized groups such as women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and residents of informal settlements. The position is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and will involve direct supervision from the Head of the Country Office, ensuring that the agency's strategies are effectively implemented at the local level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Resilience Expert will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing technical assistance and policy recommendations to national and local governments on urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation strategies.
• Supporting cities, particularly Intermediate City Municipalities (ICMs), in the development and implementation of urban resilience tools and policies.
• Conducting comprehensive reviews of existing legislation and guidelines related to urban resilience and climate adaptation.
• Coordinating with various ministries and stakeholders to facilitate policy dialogue on urban resilience.
• Developing programs and projects focused on urban resilience and climate adaptation, including creating bankable project proposals for funding.
• Building capacity among national and local governments and civil society actors in participatory resilience planning.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices in urban resilience interventions.
• Supporting the implementation of climate adaptation strategies and monitoring the impact of resilience interventions.
• Contributing to research and policy papers related to climate-resilient urban development. 1
• Ensuring alignment of UN-Habitat's programs with national urban development priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban planning, urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, climate mitigation/adaptation, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, and related areas is required. Experience in implementing development programs/projects, particularly in Africa, is desirable, and familiarity with the United Nations system or international organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as urban planning, urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, or climate adaptation. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of urban resilience and the necessary frameworks for effective implementation.

Experience:
The Urban Resilience Expert should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation. This experience should ideally include working on development programs/projects, particularly within the African context. Familiarity with the workings of the United Nations or international organizations will be advantageous, as it will provide insights into the collaborative nature of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and it is crucial for candidates to understand that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, and training stages. The organization is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices.