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 environments. It serves as the focal point for urbanization and human settlement issues within the UN system. The organization aims to create well-planned, well-governed cities and towns that provide adequate housing, infrastructure, and universal access to essential services such as water, energy, and sanitation. UN-Habitat's Urban Lab focuses on developing urban planning methods and systems to tackle contemporary urbanization challenges, collaborating with various regional offices to implement its initiatives effectively.

Job Overview:
The Urban Planning Expert will be responsible for providing technical support to UN-Habitat's initiatives in Eswatini, specifically focusing on the planning and design outputs related to the Eco City Masterplan. This role involves working closely with the Urban Lab team and requires a strong background in urban planning and design. The expert will be expected to prepare materials that enhance the drafting process of the masterplan, ensuring that the outputs align with UN-Habitat's mission of promoting sustainable urban development. The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility while still requiring close collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will report to the Project Manager from the Urban Lab and will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Preparing and organizing materials that support the drafting of the Eco City Masterplan in Eswatini.
• Utilizing computer-assisted design tools to create graphical representations of urban plans.
• Managing and processing data using GIS software to inform planning decisions.
• Conducting analyses and providing design recommendations for citywide planning initiatives.
• Collaborating with the Urban Lab team and other stakeholders to ensure that the planning outputs meet the required standards and objectives.
• Engaging in regular communication with the Programme Management Officer and the Head of Sub Regional Hub, Southern Africa, to report on progress and address any challenges that arise during the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, or a related field pertinent to sustainable urban development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least 2 years of proven experience in preparing plan graphical materials using computer-assisted design tools, with a strong emphasis on data management and processing using GIS software. Good hand drawing and sketching skills for macro-scale plans are also desirable, along with strong analytical and design capabilities in citywide planning and design.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as Architecture, Urban Planning, or Design. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have substantial relevant experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban planning and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, specifically in drawing and preparing graphical materials. Candidates should have experience with computer-assisted design tools and GIS software, which are essential for effective data management and urban planning processes. Experience in citywide planning and design is also highly valued, as it contributes to the overall effectiveness of the planning outputs.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 3 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and fair for all candidates.