Junior Urban Planner Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development. It aims to achieve adequate shelter for all and serves as the focal point for urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat envisions cities and towns that are well-planned, well-governed, and efficient, providing adequate housing, infrastructure, and universal access to essential services such as water, energy, and sanitation. The organization operates globally, engaging in technical cooperation projects and developing normative guidance through its Urban Practices Branch (UPB). UN-Habitat is involved in over 60 countries and 80 cities across various regions, including Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, and is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda.

Job Overview:
The Junior Urban Planner Consultant will provide technical expertise on urban planning and design, focusing on water, climate, and urban resilience, as well as stakeholder engagement. This role is integral to the Urban Lab, which serves as a collaborative facility within UN-Habitat, translating innovative processes and partnerships into actionable solutions for complex urban challenges. The Consultant will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, contributing to the development of projects that address urbanization issues and promote sustainable practices. The position requires a proactive approach to systemic and strategic planning, aiming to deliver transformative change in urban environments. The Consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, ensuring that the projects align with local needs and global standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including conducting reviews, desk research, and data gathering related to urban planning, water, climate resilience, and stakeholder engagement. They will document findings in briefing reports and provide technical support for the coordination of Urban Lab projects. Specific duties include:

• Providing technical expertise on water, climate, and urban resilience for Urban Lab projects.
• Assisting in stakeholder engagement efforts for project development.
• Supporting the normative production of the Urban Lab.
• Developing presentations, training materials, and capacity-building activities, and delivering workshops related to project methodologies.
• Organizing participatory, multi-stakeholder processes tailored to specific project contexts.
• Contributing to Urban Lab documents and publications.
• Supporting the technical development of country proposals and frameworks.
• Contributing to the Urban Lab project portfolio development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in Architecture, Urban Development and Planning, or a related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent in the same fields is considered an asset. The role requires at least two years of relevant work experience in sustainable urban development or urban planning, particularly with a focus on integrating water, climate resilience, and urban systems. Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops, training sessions, or stakeholder meetings, including the preparation of supporting materials, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in Architecture, Urban Development and Planning, or a related field. A Master’s degree or equivalent in these areas is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in sustainable urban development, urban planning, or related fields. Candidates should have a focus on integrating water, climate resilience, and urban systems, demonstrating their ability to work effectively in these areas. Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops and stakeholder meetings is also essential, showcasing the candidate's capability to engage with diverse groups and manage collaborative processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language of the UN. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and contribute to the organization's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to maintaining the integrity of its recruitment processes and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.