Urban Development Specialist

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is a global partnership promoting the...

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is a global partnership promoting the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Managed by a Secretariat based in Brussels, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership which has come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader with a strong track record in grant-making, which supports strategic city planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Through UNOPS, the Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund supported by an efficient, flexible grant-making mechanism with global reach.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment Cities Alliance is seeking a highly motiva...

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

Cities Alliance is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Urban Development Specialist to support its operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Global Programmes, the incumbent is responsible for the management of the Innovation Programme, located in the global window, and which includes among other, projects aimed at capacity strengthening of society and grassroots organizations working in informal settlements. She/He leads the conceptualization, implementation and day-to-day operations of the various projects under the Innovation Programme which rely significantly on grant-making. The urban specialist will also provide substantive inputs and advice, project management services and cross-support to other Cities Alliance Programmes and projects within its global window, particularly on informality in cities, adaptation to climate change, and gender equality in accordance with the priorities of the Strategic Plan 2022-25. S/he will be required to represent Cities Alliance internationally, contribute to effective and efficient teamwork, delivering results on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Ensures regular reporting to the Board and donors, as well as overall compliance with UNOPS policies and rules and the Cities Alliance Standard Operating Procedures, Manuals and Guidelines.

Promotes the Programme and initiatives under her/his responsibilities internally and externally, and reinforce its positioning as key instruments of Cities Alliance as well as advice the management team on how to further develop, re-think and expand the Programme.

Provides a knowledge management and learning plan for the programme, drawing key substantive and process lessons from the projects under her/his responsibility and, where appropriate, wider dissemination. This includes, using the results and learnings to refine programmatic design and improve efficiency, generating knowledge products to be shared externally and facilitating links and collaboration with other internal and external teams.

Provides technical and managerial support for Cities Alliance advocacy and programmatic work on informality and other key themes of the Strategic Plan and co-leads initiatives on Climate Adaptation in informal settlements, with a focus on People-Public Partnerships.

Conducts research and analysis in sustainable urban development and poverty reduction to support advocacy and business development efforts.

Contributes to current and future growth plans for the Cities Alliance, ensuring alignment with the Strategic Plan 2022-2025.

Supervises the work of consultants and technical specialists.

Education: Masterâs degree in urban studies, development s...
Education:

 Masterâs degree in urban studies, development studies, social and political science or related fields is required.

A bachelor's degree in any of the above disciplines, combined with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Masters degree.

 Experience:
Minimum of 5 (five) years of working experience in the design, implementation and monitoring of urban development projects and Programmes is required. Experience working in developing countries (Global South) is required. Proven experience working in urban informal settlement contexts, strengthening civil society/grassroot movements and fostering dialogue with local and national authorities is an asset. Proven experience in drafting project and Programme proposals and acquiring funding is an asset. Demonstrated partnership skills, specifically with multilateral and bilateral development partners is an asset. Experience with UNOPS grant making modalities and procedures is a strong asset. Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (Written and oral) is required.

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract...
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: IICA 2 / ICS-10