The Saudi Vision 2030 emphasized the role of urban planning and management as fundamental for city prosperity. In fact, Saudi cities have grown significantly in recent decades to accommodate about 82% of the total population. Although this urban growth has been accompanied by the steady development of advanced infrastructure, it poses daunting challenges to service provision across the vast areas in 13 regions. Along with this, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)can provide a robust framework for local development policy. In this respect, local and regional governments can support the achievement of the SDGs.

A key result sought by the Project is strengthened institutional capacity and coordination of MOMRA Deputyship of town planning with relevant institutions working on urban planning mandates. That will depend primarily on communication and establishment of systems but also on fostering partnerships. The partnership with the different central, regional and local stakeholders will be one of the key outcomes of the Project, which will concomitantly enable MOMRA TO play its regulator role and phase out from provision. The Project will build on lessons learned and develop tools to scale up. The Project will also draw on UNDP and UN-HABITAT extensive networks to foster partnerships between countries and institutions.

This project has been designed to boost the capacity of the Government to achieve the objectives of the

National Spatial Strategy (NSS)along with their alignment with the Vision 2030. The project which will be

implemented by UNDP jointly with UN-Habitat envisages the support to the NSS implementation Office established inside the deputyship of town planning with specific focus on the following outcomes:

• Improved capacity for the Implementation of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) 2030.
• Improved access to urban data between line ministries in NSS2030 platform Improved localizing sustainable urban development at national, regional and local authorities.

In addition to these outputs, the project is designed to provide advisory services in novel areas of interest to the urban planning and management sector. The project, based on available budget, will provide technical assistance to various activities operated within the deputyship of Town Planning including the emerging urban planning issues within the deputyship mandate.

SAUDIS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES: Objective within the Framework of the UNDP Project

For this UNDP program, a Senior Urban Planner is needed in order to:

• Manage the activities of the project including the review of reports and studies mentioned in the PD and manage tasks to potential local advisors.
• Liaise with Government Institutions (70 government agencies) to assure the integration of National Urban Spatial Strategy into their ongoing plans.
• Follow-up with Government Institutions to assure the integration of National Urban Spatial Strategy into their annual operational plans.
• Prepare a strategic plan for capacity building in the area of regional planning for agencies working at the central and local levels.
• Integrate sustainable development issues and concerns in the implementation of the Saudi National Urban Spatial Strategy 2030.  
• Assist in performing relevant studies for the development corridors and growth centers which have been recommended by the Saudi National Urban Strategy. 
• Participate in inter and intra country policy-oriented research and dialogue and development of regional based sectoral strategies.
• Identifies and evaluates issues, prepares work programmes, terms of references, proposals for sector policies, and other papers as deemed necessary in working towards the overall project objectives and for implementing the National Urban Spatial Strategy.

EXPECTED KEY DELIVERABLES

• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, etc.
• Assists the National Project Manager on project reporting and budget (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports.
• Prepare and develop regional /sectoral KPI’s to measure the progress of Urban Spatial Strategy objectives and policies based on computerized system.
• To provide on-the-job training to the national staff of the regional planning department on all aspects of regional planning.

• The candidate shall have at least 15 years of progressive professional experience relevant to regional development planning and strategies. 
• Professional knowledge and experience in National Spatial Strategies, operation as well as in regional policy formulation and conducting policy dialogue in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
• Experience in the work environment of a national spatial strategies' administration in an intergovernmental organization.
• Working experience in National and multi-sectoral agency such as planning agencies. Minimum 10 years’ relevant work experience in the Gulf Region.

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required

Behavior:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats people fairly without favoritism
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

Education:  

• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. degree or equivalent) in Regional Development Planning or relevant discipline.

Experience:

• The candidate shall have at least 15 years of progressive professional experience relevant to regional development planning and strategies. 
• Professional knowledge and experience in National Spatial Strategies, operation as well as in regional policy formulation and conducting policy dialogue in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
• Experience in the work environment of a national spatial strategies' administration in an intergovernmental organization.
• Working experience in National and multi-sectoral agency such as planning agencies. 
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant work experience in the Gulf Region.