Project Coordinator & Manager, Sustainable Urbanization, Islamabad - United Nations Pakistan

Note: The deadline of this post has been extended and the previous applicants do not need to reapply

Background:

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the focal point for all urbanization & human settlement matters within the United Nations system. At present, it is leading preparations for the 2016 United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, more popularly known as Habitat III Conference, that aims to reinvigorate the global commitment to sustainable urbanization, to focus on the implementation of a New Urban Agenda, building on the Habitat Agenda of Istanbul in 1996. The Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, includes Goal 11 that focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

In Pakistan, UN-Habitat is actively engaged in various humanitarian and development work and provision of technical assistance and operational support to the Government at federal, provincial and local levels, stakeholders and partners. The Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) is UN-Habitats key Government counterpart in Pakistan.

By 2030, Pakistans population is expected to reach 260 million people and more than half of the population will live in urban areas. Therefore, UN-Habitat is focused on supporting the Government at all levels in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, primarily Goal 11 towards making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and in supporting the Governments commitments at United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, more popularly known as Habitat III. UN-Habitat further aims to advance the New Urban Agenda and promote a new model of urban development that is able to integrate all facets of sustainable urban growth to promote equity, welfare and shared prosperity in close collaboration with the National and Provincial Governments, local authorities, other UN agencies, donors and development partners.

UN-Habitat signed an agreement with the Government of Australia in May 2016 to support the Government of Pakistan with the Project on State of Pakistans Cities Report (SPCR). SPCR is a knowledge product which presents a well-informed and action-oriented analysis of the state of urbanization across Pakistan with quantitative and qualitative city-based data. It takes a broader view that incorporates the economic alongside social, demographic, political and cultural aspects. It will focus on a citys capacity and competitiveness on human development, private investment, decent work and employment opportunities and the improvement of Pakistans ranking in the human development index. Specific outcomes of the SPCR are:

a) Urban information and data on first level major cities of Pakistan updated, along with appropriate key urban indicators and baselines established, development trends and challenges analyzed and potentials for investment/growth etc., presented;

b) Capacity built for evidence-based decision making and monitoring in urban sector through the SPCR preparation process; and

c) Wider policy impact created at city, provincial and national levels particularly in relation to urban service delivery, land and housing and the development of National Urban Framework/Guidelines and provincial level urban policies and investment plans.

UN-Habitat therefore requires a National Project Coordinator to support the process and delivery of the cited Report, with special emphasis to work on technical assistance in urban policy and programme development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Country Programme Manager (CPM) and in close coordination with Government counterparts and the Project Team, the National Project Coordinator and Manager, Sustainable Urbanization will have the following duties and responsibilities:

A). Support activities of the development of the State of Pakistans Cities Report (SPCR).

a. Develop a detailed work plan and implementation strategy in conjunction with, and agreed by all lead partners;

b. Assist in coordinating the day-to-day technical assistance to MoCC and relevant government counterparts at all levels ensuring achievement of objectives and outputs as per the projects work plan and budget;

c. Build relationships with other government ministries and line departments, provincial and local government authorities, academic institutions, NGOs, CSOs and other partners for SPCR development;

d. Conduct extensive outreach with key government counterparts and stakeholders to solicit feedback on the draft SPCR, and refine and update SPCR draft document as needed; ensure stakeholder consensus building is integral to the process;

e. Coordinate and support the work of lead chapter authors/writers, GIS and support team;

f. Assist and guide the GIS analysis of cities covered, ensuring data is accurate and relevant to SPCR work;

g. Lead SPCR monitoring, reporting, and documenting of best practices and lessons learned;

h. Laise with UN-Habitat Regional Office (ROAP) and Thematic Branches of HQ on preparing of SPCR under the guidance of Country Programme Manager.

B). Support capacity development, outreach and advocacy.

a. Support consultation meetings and workshops at national and provincial levels in line with the project document and agreed work plan and budget;

b. Support the development and dissemination of a series of Discussion Papers on SPCR thematic areas/topics in consultation with ROAP and thematic branches of HQ;

c. Strengthen partnerships with the UN and international community, donors, and development partners to facilitate expansion of scope of SPCR with additional funding;

d. Build consensus on the importance of cities and strategies to harness them as drivers of development;

e. Document the proceedings of consultations, key contributions and other important outcomes during the process of preparing SPCR.

C). Support UN-Habitat Pakistan office in providing quality and timely technical assistance to the Government.

a. Assist the Country Programme Manager on day-to-day programme management and technical support to the Government, through the Ministries and Line Departments, including partners engagement;

b. Draft project proposals/concept notes related to sustainable urbanization for resource mobilization, including follow-up on already developed proposals for further discussion with donors and partners;

c. Facilitate the establishment of Sustainable Urbanization portfolio in the country office with adequate resources and long-term funding;

d. Collaborate closely with the other Technical Managers, including Operations Team, for harmonized and coordinated work at country level.

Required Qualifications and Experience

– At least Masters Degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, Architecture, Engineering.

– Minimum 7 years relevant experience with full knowledge in urban economic analysis, urban advocacy and communications, and/or knowledge development on sustainable urbanization.

– Capability to engage in team-based management, strong experience of drafting similar reports, coordinating related activities, formulating and managing work plans, and leading consultations and workshops.

– Ability to oversee timely project implementation and to provide the necessary troubleshooting to keep project implementation on schedule.

– Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an ability to take responsibility and make rapid decisions when required.

– Excellent resource mobilization skills, proposal formulation, project management, reporting, time and resource management, interpersonal, and negotiation.

– Operating skills in the development and use of database management systems including MS-Office.

– Strong network with the Government at various levels, international organizations, civil society and urban groups is an advantage.

– Experience in data analysis, urban studies and knowledge management is an advantage

– Knowledge of UN rules and regulations is an advantage.

Required Competencies

– Ability to think clearly and analytically.

– Ability to plan own work, set priorities and complete it under pressure or when faced with competing demands.

– A strong commitment to gender-and environment sensitive, inclusive and prop-poor development work.

– Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team.

– Consultative and empowering working style and willingness to learn from others.

– Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN values and ethical standards.

– Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.

– Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback.

– Builds strong relationship with clients and external actors.

Required Languages

– Proficiency in English and Urdu is essential. Knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Contract Duration

– Ten(10) months, renewable subject to post requirements and funding.