We are now hiring expert practitioners for the following assignment:

Functional title: Urban Development Associate (2 Positions)
Duty station of assignment: Prishtina/Pristina Office with travel to partner municipalities.
Contract type: Consultancy Assignment (IC)
Duration of assignment: 6 working months
Closing date for applications: 23^rd October 2019

Background

UN-Habitat has been actively assisting Kosovo institutions in the field of governance, spatial planning and municipal administration since 1999. Building on the results and tools generated by the Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme (implemented from 2005 to 2016), UN-Habitat is now implementing in northern Kosovo the Inclusive Development Programme (2016-21), which aims to provide a strategic, comprehensive package of support to build municipal planning and management capacities, strengthen the social contract and social cohesion, and enhance coordination within a framework of inter-municipal cooperation and multi-level governance, with a view to foster inclusive development and good governance. UN-Habitat is also providing technical assistance to other Kosovo municipalities on selected spatial planning products and processes.

Further information on UN-Habitat in Kosovo and the Inclusive Development Programme can be found at:
Main UN-Habitat Kosovo Page, and our Facebook Page

Purpose 

The Urban Development Associate will assist the respective Spatial/Urban Planners for the delivery of selected spatial planning products and processes as well as capital investment projects identification and development.

Skill Sets Required

Selected skills will be required, among which: spatial and urban planning; transport and mobility planning; urban design; environmental planning and management; climate change; cultural heritage; infrastructure planning; principles of sustainable development; local governance stakeholder and civil society participation; ability to collect, record and interpret data; knowledge of relevant planning legislation in Kosovo.

Main tasks

Under the general guidance and direct supervision of the concerned Spatial/Urban Planner/s of UN-Habitat Office, the Urban Development Associate will be responsible for providing support to selected projects, as follows:

• Support capital investment project identification processes in partner municipalities in close cooperation with the relevant Spatial/Urban Planner and municipal departments, incl. engagement with the various stakeholder groups;
• Support municipal counterparts to draft and present related project concepts and ensuing project plans and proposals; this includes narrative, technical/ drawing and financial parts;
• Contribute to shape and implement specific spatial planning and urban design processes in various partner municipalities, i.e. urban design competition, community planning, local visioning, etc.;
• Provide technical support and advice in the formulation and drafting of Spatial and Urban Plans as applicable, and assist in strengthening the skills and experience of counterparts in doing so;
• Contribute to knowledge-management, communication and outreach activities of the programme;
• Assist with translation and interpretation, both verbal and written, when required. Provide language quality checks of written materials;
• Provide monthly progress reports and inputs to progress reports for the Prishtina/ Pristina office;
• Provide logistical and administrative support and perform any other functions and tasks which may be required by the nature of the projects’ activities.

Duty Station

The work shall be performed from the Prishtina/ Pristina Office with travel to partner municipalities. Transport to and from work will be the Urban Development Associate responsibility. Travel to other partner municipalities will be covered by the programme.

Deliverables and timeline

Payment will be done in installments on a monthly basis upon completion and acceptance of monthly progress report to be submitted at the end of each working month, detailing the outputs, key observations, and work plan for the following months. Work plans will be agreed with the relevant UN-Habitat Spatial Planner/s, approved by the Chief Technical Advisor in advance on a monthly basis subject to the main tasks of the assignment (above) and in consideration of the workload priorities at that time. A time sheet must be submitted by the individual contractor, duly approved by the Chief Technical Advisor, which shall serve as the basis for the payment of fees. Final payment amount will be based on actual man-days worked for that month.

Competencies

Professionalism: – Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; – Ability to conduct data collection using various methods; – Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, among which electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; – Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. 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. Planning & 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; -Uses time efficiently. Communication: Excellent and effective written and oral skills; ability to persuade people with varying points of view and to present information in a concise and accurate manner, ability to clearly communicate links between the organizations.

Qualifications and requirements

Education and experience

• Advanced University degree (masters Level) in spatial planning, environmental planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, or equivalent academic degree;
• At least 2 years practical experience and technical expertise in related field;

Language

• English is the working language of UN-Habitat Kosovo Office; very good command of English is required – reading, writing and speaking;
• Fluency (reading, writing and speaking) of local languages (Albanian native speaker or Serbian native speaker) is required.

Others

• Good analytical, solution defining, creative and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge and understanding of innovative participatory planning and urban design approaches;
• Knowledge of online communication, networking and collaboration tools;
• Capable of working in a team and undertaking initiative to ensure smooth relations and open communication within the team and with partners, incl. local level, youth groups, business community, etc.;
• Computer skill is a requirement (incl. for mapping and diagrams – Microsoft Office, computer-aided design (CAD) i.e. AutoCAD or ArchiCAD, Geographic Information System (GIS Software);
• Valid driving license and the ability to obtain a UN driver’s license.

Special considerations

The candidate should be:

• Familiar with, and committed to the goals of UN-Habitat
• Willing to take responsibility, act professionally at all times, and make sure tasks are fully completed
• Be willing to work across the entire partner municipalities geographical area, including temporary placements at other field offices
• Sensitive to gender issues and issues of concern to vulnerable groups
• Flexible and prepared to pursue goals through teamwork
• Able to meet deadlines for reporting and all project work
• Express enthusiasm and willingness to continue learning new skills and share experiences with other members of the team
• Able to adapt to a multiethnic environment

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates must submit an email quoting the post title and the duty station to the email address: recruitment@unhabitat-kosovo.org

with the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
1. Cover letter explaining why they are the most suitable for the work
2. Completion of a CV in P11 Form which can be downloaded at:

http://unhabitat-kosovo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/p11_form.doc

The CV shall include information on the past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.
3. Financial Proposal. The offeror’s letter including form for the financial proposal can be downloaded at:

http://unhabitat-kosovo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Financial_proposal_IC.docx

Deadline for applications: 23 October 2019

UN-Habitat does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org