Regional Planning Specialist

Result of ServiceThe objective of this assignment is to provide, under the supervision of the Head of the West Africa Hub based in Dakar, Senegal, as well as UN-Habitat’s National Programme Coordinator in Bissau, technical assistance in regional planning, supporting UN-Habitat in the advancement of sustainable urban and regional development projects in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, whilst promoting precepts set at the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and Agenda 2030 amongst different stakeholders. Work LocationHome-based with missions to target countries Expected duration6 months Duties and Responsibilities1. Background and Justification The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote, monitor, and report on progress in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, with the twin objectives of housing for all and sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat works and cooperates with governments, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other agencies in promoting sustainable urbanization and the reduction of urban poverty. Its work involves norm-setting, operational activities, capacity-building, monitoring, advocacy, and partnership building at global, regional, national, and local levels. UN-Habitat performs both normative and operational works. On the normative side, the programme collaborates with governments at the national, regional and local level in the development of spatial and strategic plans, national and local urban and housing policies, amongst others. On the operational side, UN-Habitat promotes initiatives concerning the improvement of public infrastructure (e.g., sanitation, etc.). Both lines of work are built upon a strong element of capacity building of governmental and non-governmental entities working in urban development matters across the board. UN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Africa (ROAF) is strengthening its presence in West Africa through the establishment of a sub-regional hub in Dakar, Senegal. UN-Habitat’s mandate is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable urban development and adequate shelter for all. West Africa faces a complex set of urbanization challenges that require urgent and coordinated responses. The region is experiencing one of the fastest urbanization rates globally, with cities growing at an unprecedented pace. Unplanned urban sprawl, informal settlements, and inadequate infrastructure strain municipal resources and services. Rising temperatures, desertification, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly for urban populations. Conflict, climate-related displacement, and economic migration lead to massive population movements across borders, challenging urban governance and social integration. The Sahel region is increasingly affected by violent extremism, intercommunal conflicts, and organized crime, further complicating urban development efforts. Additionally, many municipalities lack the capacity, funding, and technical expertise needed to implement sustainable urban policies. Given these challenges, UN-Habitat’s presence in West Africa is growing significantly. Several new projects are being developed, including transboundary initiatives addressing urban resilience, digital learning, and local SDG implementation. The Development Account funded project, \"Harnessing Urbanization for a more Resilient, Inclusive and Green Recovery\" targets French-speaking Least Developed Countries (LDCs), specifically in the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Countries within this sub-region lack the necessary tools, financial resources, and expertise to manage urbanization sustainably. The project focuses on enhancing knowledge-sharing and access to urban tools for governments and stakeholders, implementing blended-learning solutions to address the digital divide and improve knowledge transfer, and providing technical assistance for urban resilience planning. The project represents a continuation of the efforts UN-Habitat made since 2020 in establishing a Centre of Excellence on Housing in the WAEMU sub-region. Additionally, UN-Habitat has recently launched a project to accelerate the SDG localization in Senegal and Tunisia, funded by the Government of Italy. In Senegal the project will focus on three urban centres: Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, and Pikine. This initiative aligns with Senegal’s Vision 2050 and is structured at three levels: strengthening local governance and service delivery at the municipal level, integrating urban SDG strategies into national planning, and leveraging international partnerships for best practices and resource mobilization. The expansion of UN-Habitat’s activities in West Africa underscores the urgency of addressing rapid urbanization, climate resilience, and social integration. The establishment of the Dakar sub-regional hub will enhance coordination, provide technical assistance, and mobilize financial resources to support cities in navigating these complex challenges. Through targeted projects, UN-Habitat aims to foster sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development in the region. Activities and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Head of the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub and of the Head of the Capacity Development and Training Unit (CDTU), and the direct supervision of the Programme Associate for West Africa, the Consultant will be responsible for providing substantive inputs in the development and implementation of UN-Habitat’s portfolio in West Africa. He/she will carry out the following duties and responsibilities: As part of the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub: - Collaborate closely with the Programme Associate for West Africa to support the implementation of the final year of the Harnessing Urbanization for a more Resilient, Inclusive and Green Recovery in French-speaking LDCs project. - Contribute to the implementation of the activities of the SDG localization project in Senegal. - Provide support to the National Project Coordinator in Senegal for the execution of national workshops on eco-innovation and eco-construction. - Support the implementation of the Matrix of Functions training in the Liptako-Gourma region, ensuring coordination with relevant stakeholders and with the UN-Habitat Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Team. - Assist in the preparation and organization of the final online seminar for the dissemination and launch of the French-speaking LDC project's official webpage. - Contribute to the planning and execution of the National Urban Forum in Senegal, supporting its preparation and official launch. In support of the Capacity Development and Training Unit activities in West Africa: - Develop written, communication, and design content to support the finalization and dissemination of translated materials for the French-speaking LDC’s Project's toolbox. - Establish and implement a communication and partnership strategy in collaboration with the entities involved in the project. - Support the conceptualization and preparation of the course on Financing Affordable Housing in collaboration with the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF), other key academic partners and UN-Habitat colleagues. - Prepare drafts and provide inputs to concept notes and project documents in support to training and capacity building in West Africa, ensuring alignment with internal project validation procedures. - Facilitate coordination and communication between the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub and the Capacity Development and Training Unit regarding ongoing projects in West Africa - Support the development of training content such as e-learning products and in-person trainings. Qualifications/special skills• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, global studies, sustainable development or equivalent. Professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the design and management of training, e-learning, capacity building, or other relevant experience; (minimum of 2 years). • Experience with working with digital content such as e-learning is an asset; • Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations is an asset; • Experience working with tight deadlines; LanguagesFluency in written and oral French 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.