Category B Consultant for Urban Planning and Technical Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, aiming to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's mission is to support governments and communities in managing migration effectively, addressing the needs of migrants, and fostering social cohesion.

Job Overview:
The position of Category B Consultant is integral to the Sustainable Urban Integration of Displacement-Affected Communities (SUIDAC) Programme, which runs from 2024 to 202

• This programme aims to enhance the living conditions of displaced populations and their host communities in nine secondary cities across five Sub-Saharan African countries. The consultant will lead urban planning and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis, focusing on developing urban expansion strategies that are sensitive to the needs of displaced communities. The role involves coordinating with local authorities, conducting capacity-building activities, and producing practical planning tools and guidelines. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering training to local staff and facilitating workshops to reach consensus on urban planning approaches amid security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges in Sudan. This position requires a strong commitment to improving urban governance and fostering resilience in communities affected by displacement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including leading the design of urban expansion frameworks that align with local development priorities and displacement-sensitive approaches. They will integrate considerations related to displaced populations, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and public service provision into urban planning. The consultant will conduct capacity-needs assessments to identify training needs among local technical staff and political leaders, drafting implementation work plans and timelines for activities. They will coordinate data collection and mapping efforts, deliver training and hands-on coaching on spatial planning tools and inclusive urban development, and prepare user-friendly manuals and guidelines for municipal teams. Additionally, the consultant will participate in sectoral working groups and planning committees, conduct workshops for government sensitization, and ensure stakeholder coordination among municipalities, ministries, civil society organizations, and representatives of displaced communities. The consultant will also be responsible for submitting a final report summarizing activities, results, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Urban Planning, Urban Development, Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, Migration Studies, or a related field. Additional training in displacement-sensitive planning, GIS, or urban governance is considered an asset. A specialization or formal training in displacement-sensitive urban planning, public space design, or urban governance is also advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and technical writing skills, excellent facilitation and communication abilities, and proficiency in GIS and remote sensing software. The ability to work with diverse stakeholders in sensitive and politically complex environments is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Urban Planning, Urban Development, Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, or Migration Studies. Additional qualifications in displacement-sensitive planning or urban governance are beneficial, as is formal training in public space design. Candidates should have a solid understanding of urban development principles and practices, particularly in contexts affected by displacement.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional experience in urban planning, city development, or local governance is required. Candidates should have proven experience in developing urban expansion strategies, spatial plans, or public space designs. Experience in conducting capacity needs assessments and designing training programs for local authorities is essential. The consultant should demonstrate the ability to deliver capacity building and hands-on coaching for municipal staff and political leaders, as well as strong experience in GIS mapping, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and data collection. Background in working with displacement-affected communities or in fragile urban environments is highly desirable, along with experience facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops and policy dialogues.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position. IOM's official languages also include French and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be considered an asset. Language skills will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates can effectively communicate in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is open to both national and international candidates and is primarily home-based with frequent travel required to locations such as Atbara in River Nile State and Port Sudan for workshops. The contract duration is four months, with a single payment issued upon completion of all reports and delivery of one workshop. Candidates should be aware that any offer made is subject to funding confirmation and that appointment will require certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under its Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment, and does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.