Urban Development Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a global initiative established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development. Its mission is to ensure adequate shelter for all and to foster sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on improving urban living conditions and addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement projects that enhance urban planning and management. In Egypt, UN-Habitat is actively involved in initiatives aimed at sustainable urban development, particularly in the Greater Cairo Region, which is a focal point for urban growth and development in the country.

Job Overview:
The position of Urban Development Expert is designed to lead the development of a practical and context-responsive manual for the localization of Healthy City Indicators and Standards within the Egyptian context, specifically using the Greater Cairo Region as a pilot model. The expert will work under the guidance of the Urban Development Programme Manager and the Country Programme Manager, collaborating closely with project teams, government counterparts, and partners. The role involves addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization in Egypt, where a significant portion of the population and economic activity is concentrated in urban areas. The expert will be responsible for creating a framework that promotes sustainable, resilient, and healthy urban areas, contributing to the overall goal of improving the quality of life for residents and enhancing the competitiveness of the region. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of urban planning, public health, and sustainable development, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Development Expert will undertake a series of detailed tasks, including:

• Project Inception and Kick-off: Develop a project work plan and outputs in collaboration with the project team, conduct a kick-off meeting to present the methodology and timeline, and prepare a list of relevant documents and guidelines.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct primary and secondary research to gather data on healthy cities in Egypt, review existing reports and guidelines, analyze how Egypt responds to healthy city indicators, and identify stakeholders and development partners.
• Prepare the Draft Manual: Develop an integrated framework for sustainable urban health areas, conduct consultative meetings with stakeholders, formulate a national vision for healthy urban areas, and prepare an integrated sectoral approach to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
• Develop the Final Manual: Review and update the draft manual based on stakeholder input, conduct workshops to finalize pilot areas, and prepare an executive summary of the manual.
• Capacity Building: Conduct training sessions for specialized authorities on the manual and its application for the second phase of the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban planning, urban health, urban development, public health, environmental planning, sustainable urbanism, or a related field. A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, sustainable urban development, healthy cities, or related fields is required. Experience in developing urban standards, indicators, and guidelines related to healthy and sustainable cities is essential. Familiarity with integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change considerations into urban planning processes is desirable, as is experience working with international organizations and governmental counterparts in Egypt.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as urban planning, urban health, urban development, public health, environmental planning, or sustainable urbanism. Candidates with a first-level degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and health standards in the context of Egyptian cities.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in urban planning, sustainable urban development, or related fields. This experience should include work on healthy cities, urban policy, and the development of urban standards and guidelines. Previous involvement in projects that integrate Sustainable Development Goals and climate change adaptation into urban planning is highly desirable. Experience collaborating with international organizations, UN agencies, and governmental bodies in Egypt will be an advantage.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in both English and Arabic is required. Candidates must demonstrate advanced oral and written skills in English (UN Level III) and expert-level proficiency in Arabic (UN Level IV). This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the development of the manual and related documentation.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and expected to last for 6 months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.