National Consultant: Market Analysis and Rural Development

Result of ServiceThe Market Analysis and Rural Development Expert will ensure the successful design, approval, and implementation of the Dendera IRP initiative. Work LocationCairo, Egypt Expected duration8 months (full time) Duties and ResponsibilitiesORGANIZATIONAL SETTING UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. BACKGROUND UN-Habitat and the New Urban Agenda (NUA) The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. Mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1978 to address the issues of urban growth, it is a knowledgeable institution on urban development processes and understands the aspirations of cities and their residents. For forty years, UN-Habitat has been working in human settlements throughout the world, focusing on building a brighter future for villages, towns, and cities of all sizes. Because of these four decades of extensive experience, from the highest levels of policy to a range of specific technical issues, UN-Habitat has gained a unique and a universally acknowledged expertise in all things urban. This has placed UN-Habitat in the best position to provide answers and achievable solutions to the current challenges faced by our cities. UN-Habitat is capitalizing on its experience and position to work with partners to formulate the urban vision of tomorrow. It works to ensure that cities become inclusive and affordable drivers of economic growth and social development. In October 2016, at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development – Habitat III – member states signed the New Urban Agenda. This is an action-oriented document which sets global standards of achievement in sustainable urban development, rethinking the way we build, manage, and live-in cities. Through drawing together cooperation with committed partners, relevant stakeholders, and urban actors, including at all levels of government as well as the private sector, UN-Habitat is applying its technical expertise, normative work and capacity development to implement the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11 – to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Urbanization is a key driver of development. Hence, sustainable planning and governance of urbanization is crucial to accommodate the rapid population growth, empower cities to optimize the value of urbanization and ensure even development, inclusion and equality. Rapid urbanization presents a unique opportunity to lift millions out of poverty when managed sustainably. However, inadequate urbanization management, doubled with rapid population growth has adversely affected quality of life leading to lack of adequate housing, and increasing inequality. These conditions contribute to diseconomies (e.g., congestion, pollution, displacement) that overtime negatively affects the overall city prosperity, efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. UN Habitat in Egypt Established in 2005, UN-Habitat Egypt Programme has been providing technical support to national counterparts on a wide range of urban issues. Adopting an integrated approach, UN-Habitat Egypt has supported reforming and improving urban planning and management through three main sub-programmes, namely; urban planning and design; urban policies, legislation and governance; and urban basic services and mobility. Project Title - Modernization of Irrigation Techniques to Improve the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Upper Egypt The Modernization of Irrigation Techniques to Improve the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Upper Egypt project, implemented under the FAO-UN-Habitat GCP/EGY/038/NET Agreement, aims to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder communities in Upper Egypt by introducing efficient water management and modern irrigation systems across 820 feddans. The project integrates topographical surveys, land use consolidation, and the establishment of 225 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to train farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices. Additionally, it promotes sustainable agriculture, public-private-community partnerships (PPCPs), and improved market linkages for farmers and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs). Reporting Line The Consultant will work under the supervision of under the Country Programme Manager. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Market Analysis and Rural Development Expert will be responsible for supporting the Dendera IRP (Integrated Revitalization Plan) initiative, which aims to develop a comprehensive development model that enhances the economic and social potential of the Dendera area in Qena Governorate. The focus will be on strengthening rural development through support to local agricultural value chains, improving market access for farmers and small producers and promoting inclusive local economic development. The expert will also help identify opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and income generation, with the goal of improving living conditions and supporting long-term resilience in the region. a. Develop a Participatory Integrated Revitalization Plan (IRP) Design and deliver an inclusive IRP that addresses the physical, socio-economic, and environmental dimensions of development in the Dendera area. • Organize and conduct at least two stakeholder briefing meetings (Qena Governorate, MoLD, MoALR, MoSS, MoTA) to introduce the IRP initiative and gather initial inputs. • Compile a digital repository of relevant planning documents, demographic data, agricultural statistics, and environmental assessments. • Carry out an urban-rural survey, including mapping of the built environment, infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, agricultural practices, and environmental risks. • Develop and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Strategy that ensures inclusive participation, and conduct a Participatory Needs Assessment targeting rural populations, women, youth, and farmers. • Produce a Situation Analysis Report that includes a SWOT analysis, vision statement, and revitalization goals aligned with local development priorities. • Co-identify and prioritize intervention projects with local stakeholders, focusing on rural infrastructure, market access, and service delivery. • Produce a consolidated IRP document to guide phased development and investment mobilization. b. Strengthen and Sustain Local Assets for Rural Development: Identify and leverage Dendera’s tangible and intangible rural and agricultural assets to support community-led development. • Conduct rapid mapping and document at least 10 local assets or income-generating activities (e.g., crops, crafts, water systems, food processing, and traditional skills). • Identify and prioritize 2–3 community assets or sites for targeted interventions, using a transparent scoring matrix aligned with the IRP vision. • Develop detailed Intervention Plans for selected assets/sites, including technical methods, estimated costs, and implementation timelines. • Organize 3 capacity-building sessions for local youth and volunteers to establish and maintain an inventory of community-based economic activities and support their documentation and promotion. c. Enhance Agricultural Value Chains and Support Local MSMEs: Develop high-impact interventions to improve income-generating activities, strengthen local value chains, and promote rural entrepreneurship. • Map agricultural and non-agricultural value chains in the region and prepare a Competitiveness Plan that identifies at least 5 priority areas for intervention (with gender-responsive and inclusive approaches). • Identify and assess at least 10 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) or cooperatives for targeted support and connect them with technical or service providers for upgrading. • Deliver tailored capacity-building for selected MSMEs, and propose small-scale rapid upgrades to improve productivity, marketing, and sustainability. • Capture and promote MSME success stories, lessons learned, and evidence-based recommendations to inform policy, future programming, and attract further public and private investments. d. Develop a Brand Identity to Promote Agricultural and Rural Development Establish a cohesive brand identity that positions Dendera as a center of rural innovation, sustainable agriculture, and community-driven development. • Co-create a brand identity (including a slogan, logo, and visual guidelines) that reflects the area’s rural character and agricultural potential. • Develop interpretative themes and narratives that showcase the richness of local agricultural knowledge, rural landscapes, and traditional practices. • Produce awareness and marketing materials aimed at farmers, investors, and development partners to support inclusive agricultural development. • Identify and train local champions and facilitators to lead branding and outreach activities at the community level. • Establish formal partnerships with local development actors, agricultural associations, and private sector players to promote investment and value-added production. • Conduct community awareness and outreach campaigns (e.g., events, media materials, farmer field days) to strengthen local engagement and ownership of the revitalization efforts. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in the field in Urban Planning, Rural Development, Sustainable agriculture and heritage, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum 5 years of experience in Urban Planning, Rural communities Development is required. Experience working with local government units is desirable. Experience working with UN agencies is desirable. Proficiency in AutoCAD, GIS is desirable. LanguagesFluency in oral and written Arabic and English is required. 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.