Senior Urban Planning Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is dedicated to promoting sustainable urban development and improving human settlements globally. Established as a UN program, its mission focuses on fostering socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements and ensuring adequate shelter for all. Since 2015, UN-Habitat has been actively engaged in Syria, collaborating with local cities and communities to enhance urban resilience and recovery. The organization operates in multiple cities across Syria, including Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo, with plans to expand to Deir Azzor. UN-Habitat's initiatives are aimed at addressing urban recovery needs through data collection, project implementation, and community engagement, thereby supporting local authorities in their recovery efforts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Urban Planning Expert will play a pivotal role in guiding urban recovery efforts in Syria, focusing on strategic urban policy and leadership in areas such as housing, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and urban economy. This position requires the formulation and assessment of urban development strategies, contributing to national urban visions, and integrating spatial scenarios for post-crisis recovery. The expert will also enhance monitoring and evaluation tools in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda, fostering partnerships and developing standardized processes to facilitate urban recovery. The role involves providing technical advice for project implementation, supporting capacity building for local municipalities, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Urban Planning Expert will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing strategic urban policy guidance on housing, informal settlements, and urban infrastructure.
• Contributing to the development of a national urban vision and integrating spatial scenarios for recovery.
• Supporting the enhancement of UN-Habitat's monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Creating frameworks for cooperation with local partners.
• Developing standardized tools for urban recovery and financing mechanisms.
• Contributing to thematic papers on urban recovery priorities.
• Supporting project implementation with technical advice.
• Developing training packages for municipalities to enhance urban planning capacities.
• Engaging in workshops and training sessions. 1
• Analyzing and documenting lessons learned from urban recovery initiatives. 1
• Developing Municipal Recovery Plans and identifying key projects for urban modernization. 1
• Participating in coordination meetings with government agencies and partners. 1
• Preparing proposals and documentation for strategic planning and resource mobilization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in architecture or urban planning. A first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may be considered. The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in urban planning and policy projects, particularly within the Syrian context. Candidates should have experience in providing strategic urban policy advice and designing capacity-building programs for government and international organizations. Knowledge of the Syrian institutional planning structure is highly desirable, along with a proven track record in urban recovery initiatives.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in architecture or urban planning is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to urban planning and recovery efforts in Syria.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in urban planning and urban policy projects, specifically within Syria. Candidates should have a strong background in providing strategic urban policy advice and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, as well as experience in developing capacity-building initiatives at the national level related to urban issues. Familiarity with the Syrian institutional planning framework, including housing and administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration, is also desired, as is experience in engaging with various stakeholders in the urban planning process.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA), specifically at the Local ICA Specialist level 1

• The initial contract duration is set for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on budget availability and performance satisfaction. It is important to note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. Candidates requiring assistance during the assessment process are encouraged to inform the human resources team. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their work.