Urban Planning Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has a mission to deliver effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. The organization is guided by ambition, innovation, credible science, and alignment to global climate goals and the needs of individual countries. UNEP operates in multiple countries and has a significant number of employees dedicated to various environmental initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Urban Planning Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Mitigation Branch and UNEP India Office in implementing the India Cooling Programme. This involves strengthening the integration of urban heat resilience and sustainable cooling approaches into urban planning and development processes across partner states and Indian cities. The consultant will work closely with national, state, and city-level governments, urban local bodies, planning and development authorities, technical institutions, academia, and other stakeholders to translate evidence on urban heat, urban morphology, passive cooling, nature-based solutions, and sustainable cooling into practical planning and urban design recommendations. The consultant's work will include integrating heat resilience and cooling considerations into various planning documents such as master plans, local area plans, urban design frameworks, and infrastructure planning. The role also encompasses providing technical and analytical support, facilitating coordination with technical partners, engaging stakeholders, and building capacity to ensure effective implementation of sustainable cooling measures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the integration of heat resilience and sustainable cooling into urban planning processes; providing technical guidance on urban cooling actions and urban heat mapping; assisting cities in incorporating heat resilience into their planning frameworks; driving building-level interventions to mitigate urban heat; mainstreaming sustainable cooling measures such as nature-based solutions and passive cooling into urban development; engaging with various stakeholders including government ministries, urban development agencies, and technical institutions; and documenting and disseminating best practices in heat-resilient urban planning. The consultant will also be expected to liaise with UNEP offices in Asia-Pacific, Paris, and Copenhagen to ensure alignment and support for the initiatives undertaken.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess post-graduate qualifications in sustainable urban planning, architecture, landscape planning, civil engineering, building science, environmental studies, or equivalent expertise. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, particularly in sustainable urban planning, urban heat mapping, GIS, passive cooling, and green buildings. Expertise in technology, financing, policy, and regulatory frameworks related to urban cooling is considered an advantage. Experience in engaging multiple stakeholders in project development and partnership building is essential, as is experience working with various levels of government and international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a post-graduate degree in fields such as sustainable urban planning, architecture, landscape planning, civil engineering, building science, or environmental studies. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational qualifications should be recognized by the United Nations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience in a relevant field, with a focus on sustainable urban planning, urban heat mapping, GIS, passive cooling, and green buildings. Experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders, including government ministries, public sector undertakings, and international organizations, is essential. The qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be based in New Delhi and has a duration of 12 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Applicants should be aware that the United Nations does not request information regarding bank accounts.