Consultant for Tourism and Cultural Assets Assessment

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 early recovery efforts, particularly in providing support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) through shelter and reconstruction initiatives. The organization is dedicated to enhancing urban planning and development, with a current portfolio that includes both developmental and humanitarian programs aimed at improving living conditions and promoting urban recovery in conflict-affected areas. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including government entities 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 the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive Tourism and Cultural Assets Assessment and developing a Capacity-Building Framework that supports heritage-led urban regeneration in the Erbil Citadel buffer zone. This role involves providing evidence-based recommendations, identifying priority interventions, and guiding stakeholders in enhancing the cultural economy, tourism development, and local livelihoods in accordance with the Erbil 2050 Master Plan. The consultant will work remotely but will also undertake missions to Erbil, Iraq, to engage with local stakeholders and gather necessary data. The expected duration of the consultancy is 40 working days within a 6-month period, during which the consultant will conduct assessments, develop reports, and facilitate stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable tourism and cultural development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a baseline review of existing studies and tourism strategies, performing a rapid skills-gap assessment among cultural economy workers, and assessing current cultural and creative assets in the region. The consultant will develop a Tourism and Cultural Assets Assessment Report that maps tourism-oriented lands and cultural assets around the Erbil Citadel, and will engage stakeholders to identify collaboration opportunities. Additionally, the consultant will document findings and submit a Capacity Building Framework Plan that outlines training priorities and potential partnerships. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering a concise report that includes visual spatial concepts and feasibility options for enhancing cultural spaces and supporting heritage-led tourism initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Cultural Heritage, Urban Planning, Development Economics, Tourism Planning, Architecture, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in cultural heritage planning and urban or economic regeneration is required, along with desired experience in strategic planning or analytical consultancy, and familiarity with development projects in fragile contexts. Strong facilitation, curriculum development, and adult-learning skills are essential, as well as knowledge of sustainable tourism standards and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Cultural Heritage, Urban Planning, Development Economics, Tourism Planning, or Architecture is required. A first-level university degree may be acceptable if combined with sufficient relevant experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of urban planning, cultural heritage management, and sustainable development practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in cultural heritage planning and urban or economic regeneration. Candidates should have a proven track record in strategic planning or analytical consultancy, with experience working in historic cities or heritage sites being highly desirable. Familiarity with development projects in fragile or resource-constrained contexts is also preferred, along with experience collaborating with international organizations and government counterparts.

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 role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with missions to Erbil, Iraq, and is expected to last for 40 working days within a 6-month timeframe. The position does not specify a seniority level, but it is implied that the consultant should possess significant expertise in the relevant fields. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide financial information or pay for application processing.