Result of Service

The consultancy will deliver a comprehensive set of results, including the establishment of a regional network of NbS experts and practitioners in the Arab region, with a detailed methodology, a mapped roster of network members, and a defined structure and engagement plan. This will allow members to strengthen their knowledge on NbS to build urban resilience and ensure sustainable urban futures. The consultancy will also include the successful execution of an online webinar titled “Opportunities and challenges of contextualizing, implementing, and scaling-up NbS in the Arab Region,” to allow a platform for engagement and knowledge exchange on urban NbS in the Arab region and share information on the opportunities related to the engagement at WUF12. It will also provide an extensive research output on Urban NbS in the Arab region, featuring a mapped inventory of data sources, a proposed typology for urban NbS in the Arab region including case studies, a comprehensive mapping of NbS terminologies across the region, and a detailed final research report.

Work Location

Cairo

Expected duration

2 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UN-Habitat is the United Nations Programme working towards a better urban future. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. The adoption of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes the urban goal (SDG 11) make cities and human settlements safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, firmly place urbanization at the forefront of international development policy. UN-Habitat is the lead agency within the UN system for coordinating activities in the field of human settlement development and leading the collaboration with local and regional governments and their networks. In 2011, the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) was established in Cairo under a cooperation agreement with the government of Egypt. UN-Habitat (ROAS) has a mandate to provide technical cooperation and capacity building for 18 countries across the Arab region: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Duties and Responsibilities: Create a regional network of NbS experts and practitioners in the Arab region: – Develop a comprehensive methodology for establishing the regional NbS Network. This may include desk research, interviews, and a combination of in-person and online meetings, or any other effective methods. – Map and identify potential members of the Network of NbS experts and practitioners within the Arab region. – Establish the Network, defining its leadership structure, ownership model, and initial engagement strategy with members of the network. Design and organize an online webinar in the run up to the World Urban Forum 12 (WUF12): – Draft a concept note for the webinar, including a proposed list of speakers. – Organize and host an online webinar titled “Opportunities and Challenges of Contextualizing, Implementing, and Scaling-Up NbS in the Arab Region” in preparation for WUF12. – Document the findings of the webinar. Initiate research on Urban NbS in the Arab region: – Identify and map data sources for compiling Urban NbS case studies within the Arab region. – Propose a localized typology or classification system for Urban NbS in the Arab region based on international standards. – Categorize the compiled urban NbS case studies according to the proposed typologies/classification system, highlighting the under-represented solutions in the region and their potential. – Map and document the various terminologies used to define NbS across different countries in the Arab region, including those from local and indigenous knowledge. – Compile the findings in a final report. Reporting line: The consultant will be working under the direct supervision of, Knowledge Management and Reporting Officer at UN-Habitat Regional Office of Arab States (ROAS), and the overall supervision of the Regional Representative of UN-Habitat ROAS

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree in urban development, development studies, natural resource management, environmental studies, agriculture, climate or related field is required. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in urban development with a focus on climate change, climate change-related projects, nature-based solutions, urban geography, urban ecology design, environmental engineering, urban agriculture, environment or natural resources management or related fields is required. . Research experience in one/or more of these fields as evidenced by publications of international repute is highly desirable. Previous regional experience in the Arab region is also highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written Arabic and English is required for this consultancy.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.