Consultant for Integrated Mobility and Access Concept Brief

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global organization established by the United Nations General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat has been operational in Iraq since 1996, initially under the Oil for Food Programme, and has since evolved to focus on various developmental and humanitarian efforts. The organization aims to provide adequate shelter for all, and its current portfolio in Iraq includes technical support for urban planning, building code upgrades, and humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs). UN-Habitat collaborates with local authorities and international partners to implement projects that align with national development goals, such as the Erbil 2050 Master Plan, which outlines a long-term vision for sustainable urban growth in Erbil.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for producing a validated Integrated Mobility and Access Concept Brief that will guide the development of inclusive, low-emission, and people-centered connectivity between the Erbil Citadel, the city center, and other key destinations. This role is crucial in supporting heritage revitalization and sustainable tourism initiatives in line with the Erbil 2050 Master Plan. The consultant will work remotely but will also conduct field missions to gather data and engage with stakeholders. The expected duration of the assignment is 40 working days within a 6-month period, during which the consultant will analyze existing urban mobility conditions, conduct site assessments, and develop proposals for mobility interventions that enhance accessibility and promote sustainable transport solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include conducting a baseline review and analysis of the Erbil 2050 Master Plan and related documents, assessing existing traffic and pedestrian circulation, and mapping key movement corridors using GIS data. The consultant will perform field assessments to evaluate accessibility and safety conditions, identify constraints and opportunities for improvements, and develop an Integrated Mobility and Access Concept Brief that proposes low-emission mobility interventions. Additionally, the consultant will engage with stakeholders, facilitate consultations, present draft proposals for validation, and document findings in a concise mobility and access brief that includes maps and recommendations. The consultant will work closely with the Head of UN-Habitat Kurdistan Region Office and coordinate with various local authorities and stakeholders throughout the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in transport planning, civil engineering, urban planning or design, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in urban mobility and access planning, particularly in heritage or historic urban contexts, is required. Familiarity with GIS-based spatial analysis and visualization tools, as well as proficiency in urban planning and design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or InDesign, is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate analytical thinking, technical drafting skills, stakeholder engagement capabilities, and cultural sensitivity, along with experience working with local governments and international development projects.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as transport planning, civil engineering, urban planning or design. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of urban mobility and access planning in the context of heritage and historic urban environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in urban mobility and access planning. Candidates should have a strong background in working within heritage or historic urban contexts, demonstrating their ability to navigate the unique challenges associated with these environments. Experience in designing pedestrian and low-emission transport systems, conducting mobility studies, and developing access plans for heritage or tourism areas is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience collaborating with local governments and participating in international development projects, particularly those involving organizations such as the United Nations or the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic or Kurdish is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the field. Proficiency in multiple languages can be beneficial in engaging with diverse communities and understanding local contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with field missions required, and the expected duration of the assignment is 40 working days within a 6-month timeframe. The consultant will receive support and facilities from UN-Habitat, including access to existing assessments and reports related to the project, as well as assistance in communication with local authorities and stakeholders. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.