The assignment will result in an actionable Tourism and Cultural Assets Assessment and Capacity-Building Framework that supports heritage-led urban regeneration in the Erbil Citadel buffer zone. It will provide evidence-based recommendations, identify priority interventions and pilot opportunities, and guide stakeholders in strengthening the cultural economy, tourism development, and local livelihoods in alignment with the Erbil 2050 Master Plan.

Home-based (with missions to Erbil, Iraq)

40 working days within 6 months.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. Background: UN-Habitat has been active in Iraq since 1996 under the Oil for Food Programme. After 2003, UN-Habitat was largely engaged in early recovery efforts, particularly on support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) through shelter provision and reconstruction efforts. The current portfolio of UN-Habitat Iraq includes developmental programmes, such as providing technical support to upgrade building codes and developing capacities of government officials for better urban planning. Additionally, UN-Habitat Iraq implements humanitarian programmes such as providing shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene support to IDPs and promoting urban recovery of areas affected by conflict. The Erbil 2050 Master Plan, developed by the General Directorate of Urban Planning (GDUP) of the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism (MoMT) with technical support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), outlines a long-term spatial vision for Erbil’s sustainable growth. Building on this, UN-Habitat and JICA are implementing a Basic Survey focusing on: • Affordable Housing, and • Citadel Revitalization (for tourism and cultural development). Specifically, the consultancy will focus on Outcome 1 of the Basic Survey: • Revitalization for the Buffer Zone of Erbil Citadel & Urban Heritage Enhancement: Strengthen tourism, mobility, and the cultural economy around the Erbil Citadel through integrated land-use, access, and creative-industry planning that enhances connectivity, visitor experience, and local livelihoods. Confidentiality and Ownership All data, maps, and outputs produced under this assignment shall remain the property of UN-Habitat and the Government counterparts. The consultant shall not use or distribute project materials without prior authorization Reporting Line: Under direct supervision of the Head of UN-Habitat Kurdistan Region Office or his/her designate and in coordination with GDUP, MoMT, Erbil Municipality, and the High Commission for Erbil Citadel Revitalization (HCECR), the consultant will: A. Baseline Review Review existing studies, tourism strategies, Citadel revitalization documents, and previous capacity building reports. B. Rapid Skills-Gap Assessment • Design a rapid skills-gap assessment that identifies workforce gaps among cultural economy workers such as guides, artisans, tourism workers, vendors, and visitor-service providers. • Participate in select consultations (remote or in person) with tourism authorities, training institutes, and heritage organisations to identify priority areas for professional development and skills enhancement. • Identify training priorities areas, such as: o cultural storytelling & interpretation o multilingual communication o customer service & hospitality etiquette o sustainability (waste, energy, eco-friendly practices, inclusive tourism) o digital marketing & tourist-experience design • Develop a Cultural Hospitality Capacity-Building Framework outlining a high-level curriculum structure, proposed training module topics, and potential partnerships. C. Assessment of Current Cultural & Creative Assets • Conduct comprehensive desk reviews, GIS analyses, and field assessments to identify tourism-oriented and cultural zones supporting sustainable local and international tourism development. • Assess existing cultural and creative assets, such as artisans, markets, and performance spaces to understand local potential and needs. • Analize existing data sets and research for cultural and tourism-related activities including festivals, markets, and night-time events. D. Development of Tourism and Cultural Assets Assessment Report • Develop a Tourism and Cultural Assets Assessment Report mapping tourism-oriented lands and cultural assets around the Erbil Citadel, including marker insights, spatial concepts for public spaces, and identified opportunities for cultural activation and sustainable tourism in coordination with HCECR and Japanese private sector entities to revitalise the Citadel’s surrounding economy and enhance its role as a regional cultural destination. E. Stakeholder Engagement and Validation • Engage stakeholders including HCECR, local cultural groups, and Japanese private-sector partners to identify opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, pilot projects and sustainable cultural exchange. F. Documentation and Reporting • Deliver a concise Tourism and Cultural Assets Assessment Report which includes visual spatial concepts and feasibility options for pedestrian-friendly and multi-use cultural spaces, integrating green public areas and community-driven initiatives. The plan should also propose potential pilot projects that would support heritage led tourism. • Submission of Capacity Building Framework Plan- outlining a high-level curriculum structure, proposed training module topics, and potential partnerships. Support and facilities to be provided by UN-HABITAT • The consultant shall be provided with existing assessments, reports, and other available data of the project. • UN-Habitat will provide urban planning support and facilitate communication (in Kurdish) with local authorities, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Cultural Heritage, Urban Planning, Development Economics, Tourism Planning, Architecture, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. o A Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in Cultural heritage planning and Urban or economic regeneration is required. o Strategic planning or analytical consultancy is desired. o Experience working in historic cities or heritage sites is desired. o Familiarity with development projects in fragile or resource-constrained contexts is desired. o Experience working with or alongside international organizations and government counterparts is desired. • Strong facilitation, curriculum development, and adult-learning skills. • Knowledge of sustainable tourism standards (GSTC, UNESCO guidelines, etc.). • Ability to work with multiple stakeholders (government, CSOs, artisan groups). • Cultural sensitivity and gender-inclusive approach. • Experience with field-based / experiential learning.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nation Secretariat, for this position, fluency in English required. Knowledge of Arabic or Kurdish an advantage.

Not available.

THE 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.