Urban Planning Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is an agency established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable and resilient urban development. It focuses on urbanization and human settlement issues globally, aiming for well-planned cities with adequate housing and services. UN-Habitat operates in various countries, providing support for urban recovery and resilience, particularly in crisis contexts. In Ukraine, it aids national and local governments in recovery efforts, enhancing urban planning capacities and linking short-term needs with long-term solutions. The Urban Lab in Kyiv serves as a hub for innovative urban planning and recovery strategies, engaging multidisciplinary teams to address urban challenges effectively.

Job Overview:
The Urban Planning Expert will play a crucial role in developing the Rapid Recovery Planning Methodology, which aims to facilitate urban recovery in Ukraine, particularly in regions affected by conflict. This position requires a strong background in urban planning, with a focus on resilience, environmental sustainability, and housing solutions. The expert will work closely with national and local governments, stakeholders, and humanitarian actors to create actionable strategies for urban recovery. The role involves mapping stakeholders, assessing local capacities, and designing participatory events to share knowledge and best practices. The ultimate goal is to support the Ukrainian government's ambition to 'build back better' by ensuring that urban recovery planning is inclusive, green, and resilient.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of the Rapid Recovery Planning Methodology, focusing on cross-cutting themes such as climate adaptation and environmental safeguards.
• Map stakeholders in targeted regions, analyzing current activities and coordination mechanisms.
• Develop partnerships with potential implementing partners to support the methodology.
• Assess technical and coordination capacities at the oblast level and strategize engagement with local governments.
• Design and facilitate participatory knowledge-sharing events to disseminate lessons learned.
• Develop project proposals for housing solutions for affected households in partner municipalities.
• Provide strategic and technical support to UN-Habitat's engagement in the shelter and housing sector.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Architecture, Urban Development, Urban Planning and Design, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in urban development, environmental resilience, and shelter provision.
• Strong knowledge of the UN system, international financial institutions, and NGOs involved in development and humanitarian response.
• Proven experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders and urban recovery planning in crisis contexts.
• Strong technical knowledge of shelter and settlements, including durable housing solutions.
• Experience in capacity strengthening of local partners and authorities is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Architecture, Urban Development, or Urban Planning. A first-level degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in urban planning principles and practices, particularly in relation to sustainable development and crisis recovery contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in urban development and environmental resilience, with a focus on shelter provision and program management. Candidates should have a proven track record in urban recovery planning, particularly in crisis or post-crisis settings, and experience working with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs. Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages may be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is fixed at two months, starting on 2nd February 2026, with no extensions or additional remuneration beyond the agreed outputs. The expert will work from Kyiv, Ukraine, and may require travel within the country for site visits and stakeholder engagement. All travel expenses will be covered by UN-Habitat according to applicable rules. The position is full-time and involves collaboration with national and local counterparts.