Junior Urban Planner / GIS Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency established by the United Nations General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Its primary goal is to provide adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat collaborates with governments, local authorities, development partners, and communities to support sustainable urbanization, inclusive governance, climate resilience, and the development of sustainable human settlements. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on enhancing urban living conditions and addressing challenges related to urbanization.

Job Overview:
The Junior Urban Planner / GIS Expert position is integral to the UN-Habitat Ethiopia Country Programme, specifically under the Regional Office for Africa. This role is part of the European Union-funded Regional Programme 'Operational Support to the IGAD Platform', which aims to strengthen institutional capacities for managing forced displacement and returns. The position involves developing integrated climate-smart suitability and hazard mapping products to inform settlement planning and service delivery investments in displacement-affected areas. The successful candidate will engage in GIS database consolidation, field validation missions, suitability analysis, hazard mapping, and contribute to the Regional GIS Planning Atlas. The role also includes supporting City Leaders Training, settlement planning, tenure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security assessments, and climate-resilient development planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Junior Urban Planner / GIS Expert include: A. GIS Database Development and Management: Compile and organize spatial and non-spatial datasets from various sources, develop and maintain a comprehensive geospatial database, prepare metadata, and ensure data management procedures are followed. B. Spatial Data Collection and Validation: Conduct field verification and GPS surveys, verify settlement boundaries and environmental features, support community consultations, and document field observations. C. Climate-Smart Suitability Mapping: Develop settlement suitability assessment criteria, analyze infrastructure accessibility and environmental constraints, prepare suitability maps, and contribute to the Regional GIS Planning Atlas. D. Hazard and Climate Risk Mapping: Prepare environmental hazard maps, analyze settlement exposure to hazards, and contribute to climate-resilient planning recommendations. E. Settlement Planning Support: Assist with settlement profiling and urban planning assessments, provide geospatial inputs for infrastructure planning, and support durable solutions planning approaches. F. Capacity Development and Training Support: Support GIS capacity development for local authorities, prepare training materials, and assist with peer-learning activities. G. Coordination, Reporting and Knowledge Management: Liaise with regional bureaus and municipalities, participate in technical meetings, prepare reports and presentations, and maintain geospatial repositories.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training in urban planning, regional planning, human settlements, or related fields being desirable. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in GIS, spatial planning, geomatics, or remote sensing is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience in developing and managing spatial databases, field-based geospatial data collection, suitability analysis, and hazard mapping is essential. Experience in supporting development, humanitarian, or local government programs is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training in urban planning, regional planning, human settlements, territorial planning, urban development, architecture, or a related field is preferred. A first-level university degree in a relevant field can substitute for some years of required experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in GIS, spatial planning, geomatics, remote sensing, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Relevant experience in developing and managing spatial databases, conducting field-based geospatial data collection, and performing suitability analysis and hazard mapping is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Amharic is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages. The organization also does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.