Expert in Urban Transport in Fiji

Result of ServicePerformance indicators for evaluation of outputs. • Reliable and comprehensive data on existing state of urban transport, particularly on its level of social inclusion and accessibility, urban transport policies, regulations and practices • Timely submission of a quality national assessment report for Fiji on inclusive accessibility that includes the analysis of results collected from a transport accessibility survey that will be conducted as part of the project • Efficient conducting of stakeholder meetings and consolidated feedback, as well as support to ESCAP for the organization of consultation meetings and national workshops and for dissemination of the outcome of study Expected duration1 June - 30 Nov 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe ESCAP secretariat (Transport Division) is implementing a United Nations Development Account (UNDA) project on Moving towards efficient, resilient, low carbon and accessible port cities in Asia-Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to achieve better transport connectivity and accessibility for all (hereinafter UNDA Project). The project aims to directly contribute to the implementation of the main activities under Thematic Area 2 “Maritime and interregional transport connectivity” and Thematic Area 7 “Inclusive transport and mobility” of the Regional Action Program for Sustainable Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (2022-2026). This includes promoting sustainable and resilient transport development and strengthening the connectivity and accessibility requests from small island developing States (SIDS), including Fiji. Transport connectivity and accessibility have direct implications for inclusive accessibility for all social groups and need to be implemented in SIDS in order to enhance economic development and balance the social benefits of transport. For example, travel time is often longer for low-income transport users due to limited travel options compared to middle and upper-income groups, which could also limit employment opportunities. As a result, transport has been identified as one of the most significant employment barriers for low-income households in both rural and urban areas, while limiting their access to education, health facilities, social networks, and other services. Aging is also associated with a loss of mobility, as older persons tend to travel less frequently and for shorter distances, putting them at a higher risk of social exclusion, especially when they experience disadvantages in transport. In addition, it has been widely acknowledged that women travel in different ways from men, in terms of travel distance, number of trips, time of travel, and transport modes. Safety remains a key priority for women when making transport decisions and will also need to be reflected in more inclusive transport policies. Persons with disabilities is another transport user group that would need to be considered when designing transport infrastructure and implementing transport policies. Persons with disabilities are more likely to have a lower intention to travel and make fewer trips on average compared with people without disabilities. Existing transport infrastructure, services and systems in Fiji are currently not designed for all social groups, where affordable, gender neutral, universal accessible, and barrier-free design are still not well-developed. Different transport user groups, including low-income households, rural residents, older persons, women, and persons with disabilities all have various travel needs and preferences, which can only be met by the development of more inclusive transport accessibility policies. As a result, this project will provide Fiji with the tools required to develop and implement inclusive accessibility policies that will further enhance the use of transport systems for all social groups and increase access to employment, education, health care, and other services to enhance economic growth, social well-being and social equity. The project will develop and apply sustainable and inclusive urban transport assessment framework in the form of an extended set of indicators on inclusive transport that will complement the existing ESCAP Sustainable Urban Transport Index (SUTI) as SUTI Plus (+), which will also build upon previous ESCAP work on the enhancement of social inclusion and innovations in transport systems and the ESCAP EPIC framework. Over the course of the implementation of the UNDA project, the national consultant is expected to collaborate, communicate and consult effectively with ESCAP and relevant ministries, departments and city authorities in the project country and other collaborating organizations. Under the guidance of the ESCAP team, the national consultant will undertake the following tasks: a) Collect and compile data and information on the existing level of social inclusion of urban transport and accessibility at the national and local level b) Develop one questionnaire and conduct a survey on transport accessibility in Fiji taking into account social inclusion factors c) Identify existing policies, plans, regulations, and practices on inclusive transport and accessibility at the national and local level, including universal accessibility, gender dimensions of public transport, and transport pricing subsidies for low-income households and older persons d) Draft a national assessment report based on tasks a) – c) e) Contribute to the development of inclusive accessibility indicators based on the ESCAP Guidelines on Enhancing Social Inclusion and Innovations in Urban Transport Systems in Asia-Pacific Cities and the ESCAP EPIC indicators framework f) Conduct relevant stakeholder meetings and consolidate feedback g) Contribute to the organization of consultation meetings with key stakeholders as necessary and one national workshop h) Lead the dissemination of project findings Qualifications/special skillsUniversity degree in transport, civil engineering, urban planning, or related field. Experience in research and analysis in the transport sector. Highly skilled in conducting research, analyzing data and drafting in English with good knowledge and previous professional experience notably in performing research studies on the transport sector, including urban and passenger transport, sustainable or inclusive transport. LanguagesProficiency in English is required for this position. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.