UNDP Jobs - 50105- Urban Development Specialist, SC (Community Based

Urban Development Specialist, SC (Community Based Approach to Local Development Phase-III)

Location :

Kyiv, UKRAINE

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

08-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

CBA Project is financed by European Union and co-financed and implemented by UNDP. Its overall objective is to promote sustainable socio-economic development at local level by strengthening participatory governance and encouraging community-based initiatives throughout Ukraine. It is achieved by local community organisations (COs) and local governments by undertaking joint planning and joint implementation of community initiatives. First phase of the Project started in 2008 and was succeeded by its second phase in 2011. The Project has been operational in 25 regions, 264 rayons, 1108 village/city councils and 1109 local communities of Ukraine. More than 20 universities across the country have partnered with CBA Project to utilise CBA experience into their curriculum. The project period is until May 2015. Details on the CBA Project can be found at http://cba.org.ua or http://www.undp.org.ua/

The third phase of the CBA Project (CBA III) has begun with 42 months duration. It carries expanded vision over previous two phases and will be implemented throughout Ukraine. Expanded vision includes project interventions in rural areas, in urban areas and in the areas of knowledge management. Vision of the urban component is to promote a) community based approach to strengthen municipal governance; b) community based approach to improve energy efficiency in urban housing through normal and optimal technical solutions; and (c) innovative governance practices and technologies in Ukrainian cities. To this end, the project envisions development of community organisations (COs) and housing associations (HAs). Urban component of the Project is comprised of technical and non-technical staff led by the Urban Development Specialist. Detail about CBA-III can be found at www.cba.org.ua/three.

In this context, United Nations Development Programme is recruiting a professional with relevant experience and track record for the position of Urban Development Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of International Project Manager, the incumbent will:

Monitor and analyze key economic, social and political developments in the country which affect housing sector and social infrastructures; through this process, identify development needs and potential solutions relevant to project activities;
Analyze Ukrainian policy in the area of housing reform, social infrastructures and energy efficiency. Identify challenges and recommend policy changes that will facilitate introduction of PPP scheme between state, municipalities, financial institutions and homeowners associations;
Contribute to policy dialogue on the issues of housing reform, social infrastructures and introduction of EE measures in housing sector with the Government, donors, civil society, private sector;
Implement social mobilization to support involvement of COs/HAs in the implementation of EE measures in multi-apartment buildings in line with the framework of the Project;
Create systems for effective financial, administrative and logistical processes to facilitate national and municipal level work;
Manage the development of the comprehensive methodology of project implementation, including criteria and procedures for the selection of partner municipalities and COs/HAs;
Provide guidance and coaching opportunities to ensure high efficiency of project support by CBA III staff;
Ensure that CBA III objectives and activities are well coordinated with plans and activities of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing Economy and local partners;
Prepare input to official project implementation reports to the Ministry;
Prepare and oversee the development of Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors;
Participate in communication (PR) and media activities. Coordinate distribution of the project related information. Ensure visibility of the Donor and Implementing Partner in all project outputs;
Prepare knowledge products, document the applied methodology;
Facilitate learning and experience sharing for government officials, local partners and experts;
Perform other duties as required.

Measurable outputs of the work assignment:

Number of support structures developed and nurtured;
Contribution to policy dialogues on housing reform provided;
Delivery of project resources against annual target.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:

Effectiveness of the support structures in promoting participatory governance measured through percentage of the decisions (made by these structures) that resulted into action;
Quality of process in implementing project interventions.

Competencies

Strong organizational and time management skills;
Mature judgment combined with a proactive, energetic approach to problem solving;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
Ability to work with a wide cross-section of partners: Government, NGO’s, communities, media and international donors.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s degree in Urban Development or Planning, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, Finance or equivalent disciplines;
5 years of relevant experience in urban development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting;
Sound knowledge of the concept of social mobilisation, decentralisation and sustainable development;
Knowledge of Ukrainian construction and energy efficiency standards and norms and related legislation;
Fluency in Ukrainian and/or Russian and English languages;
Knowledge of relevant computer applications.

Application Instructions:

Click on the "Apply now" button.
Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in or paste your Resume into the last box.
Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11). When completing the Form and, even though not currently requested, please include email addresses for your Supervisors.
Without the completed and signed P11 your application will not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at English version. Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and please ensure that copies of your educational qualifications are available when contacted.

This is a locally recruited position and no expatriation benefits will apply.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 08/10/2014

UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.