UNDP Jobs - 105578- IC/015/22 - International Consultant on spatial pl

IC/015/22 - International Consultant on spatial planning regulations, incorporation of sustainability, resilience measures and climate considerations

Location :

Home based desk work, online meetings and one mission (depends on COVID 19 quarantine measures)

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

20-Apr-2022

Application Deadline :

05-Apr-22 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

40 w/d

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

April – July 31, 2022

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

The UNDP/GEF and Government of Uzbekistan project on “Market Transformation for Sustainable Rural

Housing in Uzbekistan” seeks to transform the rapidly growing rural housing sector in Uzbekistan towards a more sustainable and low-carbon development pathway by designing, piloting and scaling-up a green mortgage market mechanism, which will boost the demand for low-carbon housing among the Uzbek rural population thus reducing GHG emission. The project objective is to provide Uzbekistan’s rural population with improved, affordable and environmentally friendly living conditions.

The project consists of four inter-linked outcomes. The first and principal outcome is the establishment of the green mortgage scheme to incentivize and eventually scale-up the demand for low-carbon housing. This outcome will be supported and enabled by three complementary outcomes related to strengthening domestic supply chain and capacities for construction of low-carbon housing (Outcome 2), introducing policies and regulations for low-carbon housing and settlements (Outcome 3) and raising public awareness about benefits and advantages of low-carbon housing (Outcome 4).

As of today, there are 1,200 cities and 1,844 rural settlements in Uzbekistan. Most of these settlements are not provided with spatial planning documents (general plans, detailed planning projects). In particular, of the 1,200 towns, only 230 have general plans. Of the 11,844 rural localities only 1,569 have master plans in force. 4131 of the total lists require revision, and 6144 have no urban planning documents. In Uzbekistan, the government plans to increase investment in rural housing, and it has defined the following targets to be achieved through state investment programs by 2022 development of 29 new rural settlements “Yangi O’zbekiston”, construction of 619 new multi apartment buildings (21,312 apartment units), 57 new social amenities (schools/hospitals).

In the Uzbekistan context, the Building Codes (SHNKs), include building and construction regulations, as well as urban and spatial planning norms and standards. An overview of all building codes and their content can be found here: (https://mc.uz/gradostroitelnye-normy/).

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, and the direct supervision of the Task Manager on

Building Designs, Codes and Standards, and in consultations with the project Chief Technical Advisor, the International Consultant will be responsible for development of recommendations and guidelines on energy efficiency requirements, content related improvements of the two existing spatial planning building codes, and proposals on harmonious environmental, economic, social, and cultural development of cities and human settlements to the responsible government authorities/institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Activity 1 (remotely): Preliminary analysis and planning

Specify issues, set milestones, and establish a timetable for the work, as well as conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing national laws, regulations and empirical experience through cooperation with a National Consultant (using inputs will be provided by the National Consultant);
Prepare a work plan of activities, finalize and approve by the Project Manager the assignment’s work schedule and tasks’ sequence through cooperation with Task Manager on Building Designs, Codes and Standards and Project Chief Technical Adviser;
Familiarize with landscape, climate conditions, architecture, spatial planning specifics (mahallas, districts, etc.), land use by functions, historical and natural conditions in various regions that have led to the development of different kinds of settlements, spatial planning, regulatory documentation, etc. in Uzbekistan;
Identify, based on the relevant international research and studies, what are the main planning-related factors contributing to energy use in residential settlements, and how can these factors be influenced, and how does this translate to the situation in Uzbekistan? This will be used for deciding on which kind of measures likely have the largest impact and should thus be prioritized;
Analyze spatial planning concepts and principles that promote energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions, while considering the Uzbekistan context (e.g. compact urbanization, alignment between development of settlements and infrastructure investments, transit oriented developments, ‘healthy’ and walkable cities/villages);
Conduct comprehensive analysis of the international/ European norms/ standards, scientific studies/ articles on green infrastructure for urban/ rural settlements over the last 5-10 years, as well as approaches/ solutions on climate change considerations and energy efficiency to promote sustainable local development (SLD);
Conduct comprehensive analysis of:

Principles/ guidelines applied for design/ development of connections (roads, cycling/ walk paths) to improve accessibility, ensure safety, reduce commute duration, thus a GHG impact of human settlements;
Urban/ rural planning standards based on the orientation, geometry, and spacing of buildings (Smart Codes);
Principles/ guidelines for design/ development/ improvement of water/ energy supply/ distribution systems, sewage, communication systems and all related infrastructure;
International requirements for the protection of landscapes and green spaces for urban/ rural settlements;

Analyze building codes ShNK 1.03.02-04 “Instruction on the composition, development, coordination and approval of urban planning documentation on development planning and development of territories” and ShNK 2.07.01-03 "Planning for the development and building of territories of urban and rural settlements" for:

Content;
Coherence;
Convenience in navigation;
Limitations

and formulate suggestion for improvements of the building codes analyzed through amendments and additions;

Participate in online meetings with the Project team and contracted National Consultant, collect/ exchange all required information and familiarize with architecture, spatial planning specifics (mahallas, districts, etc.), land use by functions, climate conditions, spatial planning and regulatory documentation, etc. in Uzbekistan. Identify issues and determine key indicators for the development of resource-efficient, climate-resilient, low-carbon, socially oriented and balanced living environment in rural settlements, discuss results and findings

Activity 2 (remotely): Development of amendments, additions and recommendations

Based on the preliminary analysis results, develop recommendations on the improvement of energy efficiency requirements of ShNK 1.03.02-04 “Instruction on the composition, development, coordination and approval of urban planning documentation on development planning and development of territories” and ShNK 2.07.01-03 "Planning for the development and building of territories of urban and rural settlements", and formulate suggestions for improvements on their content, coherence, convenience in navigation and to eliminate limitations (if any);
Provide estimates on the potential GHG emission reductions’ impact that can result from the recommended amendments and additions to the reviewed building codes (ShNKs);
Based on the roundtable outputs and the feedback received from the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Energy to presented preliminary recommendations on the building codes (ShNKs) improvement, review/ improve recommendations and develop proposals on the following:

Establishing or strengthening, if it already exists, a legal, enforcement, monitoring and evaluation framework for ensuring comprehensive implementation of adopted master plans of cities and settlements in line with the corresponding spatial planning practices applied through efficient coordination and close collaboration of the responsible government agencies/authorities (regional/municipal/central, including the State Committee for Cadaster, etc.) with the specialists/developers of master plans;
Establishing or strengthening, if it already exists, a legal, enforcement, monitoring and evaluation framework, which promotes and obliges investors, developers, architects, and designers to implement an innovative, energy-efficient urban/rural development;
Design/development of connections (roads, cycling/ walk paths, etc.) to improve accessibility, ensure safety, reduce commute duration, and reduce the associated carbon footprint of human settlements;
Design/development/improvement of water/energy supply and distribution systems, sewage systems and all related infrastructure;
Protection and conservation of urban/rural public green spaces (sports, playgrounds, recreation and park areas, canals, water reservoirs)

Activity 3. Preparations to mission to Uzbekistan and round table

Contribute to preparations for conducting a roundtable (will be arranged by the Project team) focused on preliminary analysis results and draft recommendations, including definition of topics to be discussed, development of the roundtable agenda, ppt presentation, and identification of the roundtable participants;
Prepare a report (up to 30 pages without annexes) on the preliminary analysis results and draft recommendations on energy efficiency requirements and content improvements of the building codes (ShNKs) under consideration that are proposed for discussion with the practicing architects/designers/engineers within the roundtable, and submit the report for consideration by the project team and Environment and Climate Action (ECA) Cluster, UNDP Country Office;

Activity 4: Mission to Uzbekistan (if COVID situation allows):

Conduct a 5-day mission to Uzbekistan, if COVID situation allows;
Participate (in person, if mission is possible, or online on ZOOM platform) and discuss the preliminary analysis results and draft recommendations at a round table (in person, if mission is possible, or online on ZOOM platform) with practicing architects/designers/engineers, collect and analyze the feedback received from them, and provide corresponding proposals on the required amendments and additions to improve the building codes analyzed;
Present (in person, if mission is possible, or online on ZOOM platform), with assistance of a National Consultant and project team, the preliminary recommendations on the building codes (ShNKs) improvements based on roundtable feedback analysis results and with an estimate of the potential GHG impact of recommended amendments and additions to reviewed building codes (ShNKs) to the representatives of the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Energy within a meeting will be organized by the project team to discussion and collect their feedback

Activity 4 (remotely): Development of the policy paper:

Develop a policy paper with addressing in the extent appropriate the feedback received and submit to the project team and Environment and Climate Action (ECA) Cluster, UNDP Country Office

Competencies

Strong analytical skills, result-orientation;
Ability to perform under tight deadlines and timely delivery of good quality products;
Ability to work in a multinational environment and establish good personal contacts;
Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource;
Knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems;
Understanding of local conditions and ability to work with local professionals

Required Skills and Experience

I. Academic Qualifications:

University degree (at minimum, a Master’s degree or equivalent, PhD is desired) in civil engineering, spatial planning, urban planning, energy engineering, energy efficiency, or related fields

II. Years of experience:

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible working experience in development of building codes and/ or urban planning standards;
Professional knowledge, good understanding of urban/rural planning, energy efficiency in cities and settlements, green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, population mobility;
Sound knowledge of international best practices for the development of sustainable, energy-efficient cities/ settlements;
Proven experience in conducting high-level consultations and reporting skills;
Proven working experience in the relevant field in Eurasian Economic union (EAEU) and Central Asia countries;
Proven working experience with international development organizations in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable "green" city development practices is an asset

III. Language requirements:

Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Sound knowledge of Russian is an asset.

Application Process:

Interested candidates need to apply online at www.jobs.undp.org and upload requested documents in Part 4 of Procurement Notice no later than end of April 5, 2022 (New York time). Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document. Your on-line applications submission will be acknowledged to your email address provided in application. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.

Link to application at the UNDP Job Site – https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=105578

(cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work).

Your on-line applications submission will be acknowledged to your email address provided in application. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.

You can review detailed Procurement Notice, Terms of Reference and download templates from the UNDP Procurement Notices Site following the link http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=89390. (cut and paste into browser address bar if the link does not work).

Application submitted via email, incomplete applications or received after the closing date (April 05, 2022) may not be given consideration.

For more detailed information about UNDP Uzbekistan please visit our website at www.uz.undp.org UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP Balance in Manage Policy promotes achievement of gender balance among its staff at all levels.

Requests for clarification must be sent in writing to pu.uz@undp.org, ensuring that the reference number above is included in the subject line. UNDP shall endeavor to provide such responses to clarifications in an expeditious manner, but any delay in such response shall not cause an obligation on the part of UNDP to extend the submission date of the Proposals, unless UNDP deems that such an extension is justified and necessary.