The ultimate result of service is to strengthen the presence of UN-Habitat in The Gambia and support in elaboration and implementation of programmatic work in the field of sustainable urbanization.

Banjul, The Gambia

6 months

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. The Gambia has one of the fastest urbanization rates in sub-Saharan Africa with the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) already accounting for 68% of the total population of the country. This rapid increase in urban population has brought with it several environmental and socio-economic problems including deforestation, soil erosion, pollution and waste generation, and stress on health, education, and employment services. It has also led to increasing demand for urban infrastructure and municipal services. The government, however, lacks the financial resources and capacity to improve and expand the existing urban infrastructure and needs urgent support in order to meet the demands of its growing urban population. Both the public and the private sectors are equally constrained in their investments due to the lack of capacity, planning and project preparation. Therefore, the need to strengthen upstream sector work has become paramount and innovative solutions to provide integrated planning solutions has become more critical than ever before. Plus, the National Development Plan (NDP) of the Government was developed to outline strategic and planning priorities for the country and subsequently a directive was issued to review all existing Local Government (LGA) strategic plans to ensure alignment with the NDP. This has allowed a unique opportunity for city councils to lead in the decentralization of development priorities. UN-Habitat has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Gambia through its Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs (MoLRG&RA) regarding the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes with focus on urban development, housing and spatial planning. Running a spatial analysis through the Matrix of Functions (MoF) would provide a first diagnostic for such a purpose. As part of UN-Habitat’s efforts in supporting the elaboration and implementation of UN-Habitat’s activities in the Gambia, as well as developing a spatial analysis through the implementation of the Matrix of Functions (MoF), the programme is looking to strengthening its presence with a National Technical Advisor. The objective of this assignment is to provide, under the supervision of the Head of the Sub-Regional West Africa Hub based in Dakar, Senegal, and in collaboration with other UN-Habitat colleagues, including a Senior Advisor to be hired in the Gambia, overall technical and substantive assistance to implement UN-Habitat programmatic work in the Gambia in the field of sustainable urbanization, including liaising and mobilising key national stakeholders and relevant partners, and support to resource mobilization. The duties and responsibilities of the consultant are as outlined below. • With the support of the UN-Habitat technical team specialised in regional planning, contribute to the development of a strategic spatial analysis for the Gambia by: - Supporting literature review and data collection; - Drafting the diagnostic; - Supporting the organisation of workshops/trainings for the implementation of the Matrix of Functions (MoF) methodology; - Undertaking field missions, as required; - Data analysis and formulation of key recommendations. • With the support of the Senior Advisor in the Gambia, provide technical assistance to the Government and local authorities on issues related to urban development, regional/urban planning, land and housing, amongst other issues. • Liaise and coordinate with national and local institutional partners, the United Nations System, and key multi/bilateral partners in the Gambia to understand pressing needs, policy and funding dynamics, and how to best position UN-Habitat in the country. • Contribute to project development and resource mobilization efforts. • Support the implementation of other UN-Habitat’s activities in the Gambia, as requested.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Geography, Development Studies, and/or other disciplines relevant to human settlements is required. Technical expertise in urban/regional planning, urban policy, land management, housing, urban governance and/or associated fields (minimum of 5 years). The candidate must have a demonstrable understanding of urban development processes, urban planning, urban social issues and urban policy. Experience in coordinating and working with high-level government officials and/or UN bodies is highly desirable. Experience delivering training and capacity development activities is an asset. Ability to work independently with a high degree of responsibility, in a flexible manner and often under pressure. Excellent communication and writing skills are desirable.

Proficiency in oral and written English is required.

Not available.

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