UNDP is the leading United Nations organization, fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

The Agenda 2030, based on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is underpinned by a strong commitment to leave no one behind and to reach the furthest behind first. It recognizes the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and inequality and provides a framework that comprehensively addresses all dimensions of well-being. Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to endorse the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Sustainable Development Summit held on 25 September 2015. In 2016, Pakistan Parliament unanimously approved the SDGs as the national development agenda. Since then, Pakistan has demonstrated an impressive policy, institutional, and financial commitment to achieving SDGs, embracing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and leaving no one behind by adopting the UNDP-supported Goals frameworks as part of its national development planning. Since adopting the Sustainable Development Goals as the National Development Agenda, the Punjab Government took the lead in establishing the SDGs Support Unit at the Planning & Development Board in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme.

As a second-generation intervention of the long-standing National Initiative for SDGs (2016-2023), the Punjab SDGs Plus Project, as a joint initiative of UNDP Pakistan and the Government of Punjab, is launched to strengthen a policy integration approach, evidence-based decision-making, resilient institutional capacities, diversified partnerships, mobilization of innovative financing, and integrating climate resilience, innovation, social protection and inclusion to provide a comprehensive ‘SDG Push’ in priority policy areas to help Punjab embark on a stable, sustainable, and accelerated trajectory of achieving the SDGs. The project is anchored by an integrated framework comprising three key areas based on the provincial priorities, including:

• Objective 1: Internalizing SDGs: Improved governance for SDGs aligned equitable and inclusive development planning, budgeting, expenditure tracking, monitoring, and reporting, with a special focus on underdeveloped/marginalized districts to achieve regional equalization.
• Objective 2: Financing for Development and Climate Resilience: Public and private financing for development, identifying and channelling resources to reduce the development financing gap, focusing on SDG investments and climate financing.
• Objective 3: Inclusive Development, Social Protection, and Innovation: Gender equality, inclusion, innovation, and digital transformation mainstreamed in SDGs to achieve Leave No One Behind.

The Urban Resilience Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and guidance from the Assistant Resident Representative, Development Policy Unit UNDP and  collaborates closely with the UNDP Pakistan DPU colleagues and Punjab Planning & Development Board and the relevant stakeholders at the provincial and district levels.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, Punjab SDGs Plus Project, the Urban Resilience Specialist’s prime responsibility is to ensure the following deliverables:

Strategic Planning, Research, and Policy Advisory Services for Resilient and Inclusive Development:

• Conduct in-depth socio-economic analysis to inform policy development and provide technical assistance and strategic visioning in line with the Project Document and close coordination with the Punjab Planning and Development (P&D) Board for capacity development and knowledge building and management in support of provincial priorities and the plans.
• Support the Project team in preparation of baseline surveys, reviewing results frameworks and adding sources of verification, and strengthening indicators, and inputs to progress reports.
• Report on the present status, gaps, and needs associated with the urban governance functions falling under the Disaster Management Cycle (Pre-Disaster, Response, Post-disaster).
• Report on recommendations for strengthening existing urban governance tools and functions to better manage climate risks and to be risk sensitive.
• Undertake primary and/or secondary research in new areas of developmental concern based on the review of existing literature.
• Prepare policy briefs and status papers on developmental challenges/issues and opportunities based on the secondary review of existing literature for evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue.
• Perform socio-economic analysis and develop institutional and regulatory frameworks to facilitate climate change and adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
• Make recommendations on urban recovery and development strategies for the target areas of development.
• Evaluate existing policies, frameworks, and project activities to ensure gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches aligned with SDGs.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations for technical and strategic alignment of the project’s expected outcomes and implementation plans.

Capacity Building and Data Management on Urban Resilience:

• Prepare training modules and provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to both public and private sectors at the provincial and district levels to adapt global good practices in DRM, urban resilience, resilient infrastructure, risk assessment, and green infrastructure.
• Provide support in the development and maintenance of different data management systems and platforms.
• Ensure formulation of community capacity development policy, review of existing projects and initiatives, identification of barriers and solutions for policy implementation, and risk identification and mitigation plans.

Strategic Partnerships, Knowledge Management, and Dissemination

• Establish dynamic and diversified partnership platforms, engaging with government, non-government stakeholders, and international partners to conceive demand-driven urban resilience initiatives, for innovation and cutting-edge work.
• Ensure compliance with regional and global best practices and guidelines for resilient, smart, and sustainable urban development initiatives and investments, ensuring integration of environmental, social, economic, and gender considerations, and making necessary adjustments to the project interventions.
• Develop presentations and conduct policy dialogues on findings, achievements success stories, best practices, challenges, and opportunities for evidence-based decision making.
• Support the dialogue with and coordination among government counterparts and development partners in the urban/DRM/l sector.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.