Project Support Consultant (Urban Expansion Planner)

Project Context and Scope
Supporting Urban Integration of Displacement-Affected Communities (SUIDAC) Programme: The SUIDAC Programme (2024–2028) aims to foster the sustainable integration of displaced populations and their host communities in nine secondary cities across five countries in SubSaharan Africa that share significant challenges in hosting displaced populations. It seeks to improve the living conditions of DACs  - which include both forcibly displaced populations (refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and returnees) and host communities - by enhancing public service delivery, creating livelihood opportunities, and strengthening protection services. It also builds the capacity of local authorities in urban governance and planning, while fostering city-to-city learning within the region to sustainably integrate displaced communities. SUIDAC enhances municipalities’ ability to address the needs of DACs amid urban challenges caused by forced displacement. This empowers host cities and local stakeholders to become key leaders of their own development, more resilient, and better prepared for the impacts of human mobility. The EUR 30 million programme is funded by the EU and implemented by Cities Alliance in partnership with six technical implementing partners (TIPs) and nine municipalities through direct implementation and grants. 

The primary objectives of the role are to:

Urban Planning and Technical Analysis 

Development of Urban Expansion Strategies includes (Lead the design of urban expansion framework aligned with local development priorities and displacement-sensitive approaches.

 Integrate considerations related to DACs, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and public service provision. And support municipalities to embed these strategies into local development plans and policy documents. Identify training needs among local technical staff and political leaders (capacity‑needs assessment) and draft implementation workplan and timeline for Activities. 

Data Collection and Mapping

Coordination with Local Authorities and Stakeholders

Capacity Building and Technical Support includes ( Deliver training and hands‑on coaching to local staff on: spatial planning tools, urban expansion modelling,  public space design and management,  inclusive and sustainable urban development approaches and Prepare user-friendly manuals, toolkits, and guidelines for municipal teams.

Prepare concept plans, expansion strategies, and public space improvement proposals.

Participate in sectoral working groups, planning committees, and coordination fora.

Conduct one worshop for senesitaization of government and Reaching Consensus with the Government on Optimal Approaches for Plan Development Amid Sudan’s Security Challenges
 Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The Sustainable Urban Integration of Displacement-affected Communities (SUIDAC) in Sub- Saharan African Cities Action in Sudan - Phase II – CS1421 under Transition and Recovery unit 

TAsks:  Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment 

 Category B Consultant hired to deliver a report, with a single payment to be issued upon completion of all reports and delivery of one workshop within four months. The deliverables are as follows:

Urban planning analysis completed and validated with local authorities.

Displacement sensitive urban expansion strategy developed and aligned with local priorities.

Municipal staff capacities strengthened through targeted training and coaching.

Practical planning tools, manuals, and guidelines produced for local use.

Concept plans, spatial maps, and public space improvement proposals delivered.

Stakeholder coordination improved among municipalities, ministries, CSOs, RLOs, and DAC representatives.

Working groups and planning committees supported and functioning more effectively.

Government sensitized through one workshop, with consensus reached on planning approaches amid security challenges.

Workplan and capacity needs assessment completed to guide implementation.

Final report submitted summarizing activities, results, and recommendations.

Urban planning analysis is completed, endorsed by local authorities, and reflects accurate, context‑specific data.

A displacement‑sensitive urban expansion strategy is developed, aligned with local priorities, and validated by key stakeholders.

Municipal staff demonstrate improved knowledge and skills based on training evaluations and pre/post assessments.

Practical planning tools, manuals, and guidelines are produced, user‑friendly, and adopted by local authorities.

Concept plans, spatial maps, and public‑space improvement proposals are delivered, technically sound, and applicable for implementation.

Stakeholder coordination improves, demonstrated by increased participation and effective collaboration among municipalities, ministries, CSOs, RLOs, and DAC representatives.

Working groups and planning committees function effectively, with regular meetings, documented decisions, and follow‑up actions.

Government stakeholders participate in the workshop and demonstrate consensus on planning approaches despite security challenges.

Workplan and capacity‑needs assessment are completed, comprehensive, and used to guide subsequent implementation steps.

Final report is submitted on time, clearly summarizes activities, results, challenges, and provides actionable recommendations. Education

Advanced degree in Urban Planning, Urban Development, Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, Migration Studies, or a related field.

Additional training in displacement-sensitive planning, GIS, or urban governance is an asset

A specialization or formal training in displacement‑sensitive urban planning, public space design, or urban governance is an asset.Experience

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in urban planning, city development, or local governance.

Proven experience developing urban expansion strategies, spatial plans, or public space designs.

Experience conducting capacity needs assessments and designing training programmes for local authorities.

Demonstrated ability to deliver capacity building and hands‑on coaching for municipal staff and political leaders.

Strong experience in GIS mapping and Remote sensing, spatial analysis, and data collection.

Background in working with displacement‑affected communities (DACs) or fragile/complex urban environments.

Experience facilitating multi‑stakeholder workshops, policy dialogues, and government consultations.Skills