Vacancies

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CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Issued on: 13 October 2015

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) has provided technical access, guidance and on-site assistance to know-how for supporting sustainable urbanization practices with a focus on risk reduction and resilience building to city governments, NGOs, the UN, Private Sector, Local and National authorities, and Communities in Southern Africa. The Programme is currently implementing a range of projects focusing on urban resilience in Mozambique, Madagascar and Malawi, most noticeably the development of the City Resilience Action Planning Tool (CityRAP), the operationalisation of the Sub-Regional Technical Centre for Disaster Risk Management, Sustainability, and Urban Resilience (DiMSUR) and the implementation of the project “Achieving Sustainable Reduction of Risk through Consolidation of Multi-Hazards Architectural DRR Solutions and Physical Planning”(DIPECHO IV).

An International Programme Assistant for Urban Resilience who is familiar with urban resilience concepts and fully operational in the three working languages in Southern Africa (English, French and Portuguese) is required to support the Sub-Regional Focal Point for Urban Resilience and assist the Mozambique Technical Team in the implementation of all urban resilience related projects, including the delivery of the pilot exercises of the CityRAP Tool in Mozambique, Madagascar and Malawi through the DIPECHO IV and DiMSUR projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programme Assistant for Urban Resilience will support the Sub-Regional Focal Point for Urban Resilience and the Mozambique Technical Team with the implementation of the urban resilience projects in Mozambique, Madagascar and Malawi, most noticeably DIPECHO IV and DiMSUR projects. During the consultancy period, the Programme Assistant will be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the CityRAP Tool Pilot Exercises in at least three cities in the Southern Africa, with a particular focus in the pilots in Madagascar and Mozambique. The consultant is expected to support in all stages of the pilot exercise: logistic and substantive preparation, delivery of trainings/presentations, conducting participatory mapping exercises and reporting.
2. Assist in the consolidation of the CityRAP Tool methodology in three different languages (English, Portuguese and French). This will include collecting and analyzing the results and feedback from the first round of pilot exercises and integrating into the updated version of the CityRAP Booklet and accessory materials.
3. Support the dissemination of the results of the CityRAP Tool through the elaboration of communication material to be shared virtually and in relevant expert meetings and workshops, most noticeably through the DiMSUR.
4. Assist the team at national and sub-regional level by supporting the organization of seminars and workshops and the elaboration of key documents such as ToRs, MoUs, facilitating the harmonization and translation of the documentation from the DIMSUR countries, when required.
5. Support the team and the Executive Director of the DiMSUR in liaising with key partners in the four countries (Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and the Union of Comoros), as well as with additional administrative matters as needed for the delivery of the DiMSUR Biannual Action Plan.
6. Assist the DiMSUR Executive Director and the UN-Habitat team in identifying and pursuing fundraising opportunities, including drafting of concept notes and proposals, liaising with donors and participating in related events.
7. Provide overall support for managing the DiMSUR, DIPECHO IV and other related projects, assisting with reporting, monitoring and communication at regional level (liaising with Teams in Madagascar and Malawi).

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Knowledge or understanding of countries in transition (especially Mozambique) and adaptation related challenges and priorities. Ability to conduct data collection and technical assessment using various methods, including field missions and interviews. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently

Technological awareness: for using AutoCad; Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; ArchGIS and other relevant software. Keep abreast of the innovations; deliver technical advise to other members of the team

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree, (Master's degree or equivalent) in Geography, Physical Planning, Development Studies or similar.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 1 year working experience in the area of urban development and resilience, if possible in developing countries
• Familiarity with the concepts and current practices related to urban risk reduction and resilience
• Familiarity with urban design drawings and design of maps and plans
• Previous working experience in Southern Africa in an asset

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Fluent in Portuguese, English and French is required.

OTHER SKILLS

• Capacity to work with different softwares such as excel, adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and autoCAD.
• Capacity to analyse and synthesize information.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of responsibility, in a flexible manner and often under pressure.
• Capacity to assist technical teams
• Good communication skills

REMUNERATION

Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.

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