Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Result of Service

The ultimate result of the service is to strengthen the legal and institutional framework and capacity that can facilitate sustainable urban development to reduce the negative effects of rapid urbanization through technical assistance in reform processes.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

6.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background and Organizational Setting

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat is also the lead agency within the United Nations system for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

UN-Habitat's Policy, Legislation and Governance Section (PLGS) provides policy and operational support to governments and cities to identify reforms and adopt laws and legal frameworks that effectively regulate urbanization challenges. The section serves as a focal point and center of excellence for UN-Habitat's global solutions in urban policy, legislation, and governance for cities. These thematic areas are the main themes of work through which the PLGS section develops and implements its projects, normative tools and knowledge products.

The urban legal framework of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is made up of a set of laws and regulations that have failed to promote effective urban planning. As a result, new institutions are being set up and new laws are being produced to improve the way Congolese cities function and to facilitate access for the population to a decent living environment. Given the inadequacy of the laws governing urban planning, the Congolese authorities, through the Ministry of State, Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing, have initiated a draft law on the urban planning and construction code. Therefore, the government of the DRC, through the Ministry of Urban Planning and Habitat, has requested technical support from UN-Habitat, whose objective is to strengthen the capacities of the national government with a view to developing/finalizing the implementation of an effective legal framework for urban development.

The results expected from the project by UN-Habitat are:

(1) Improving the government's ability to design and draft effective legal texts to implement urban planning policies.

(2) Improving the quality of stakeholder participation in the process of drafting legal documents, and

(3) Improvement/elaboration of the draft law on the Urban Planning and Construction Code in the DRC.

Duties and Responsibilities

In the light of the context described, UN-Habitat is seeking an urban law and governance consultant to support the country project in DRC focusing on strengthening urban legal and governance frameworks. The consultant will be responsible for producing normative outputs and technical assistance in this area.

Under the direct supervision of the Legal Specialist, Policy, Legislation and Governance Section and overall supervision of the Chief of the Policy, Legislation and Governance Section, the Consultant will have the following responsibilities:

1. Conduct legal and governance review and analyses on UN-Habitat thematic issues such as related to urban planning law, governance, public participation, and land as well as environment and climate action. Legal and governance frameworks will be reviewed to assess their effectiveness in supporting urban processes specifically in the areas of resilient and low carbon urban development and good governance.

2. Draft synthesis and comparative analysis reports on planning laws in developing country contexts contributing to: (i) reduced spatial inequality and poverty in communities across the urban–rural continuum; (ii) increased access to adequate housing and security of tenure, (iii) strengthened climate action and improved urban environment; and (iv) effective urban crisis prevention and response.

3. Undertake reviews of projects and documents to strengthen legislation and governance dimensions.

4. Undertake legal case studies and develop methodologies to assist to identify international legal best practices on urban development and management.

The approval for payments to the consultancy shall be based solely on satisfactory delivery of the outputs specified in the ultimate result of service.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) years' experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• 5 years of professional experience in the field of urban law issues including planning laws, land laws, housing laws, slum upgrading law, human rights-based approaches to development, basic services, building and construction and urban governance, etc. is required.

• Previous experience working in Francophone cities on urban planning, slum upgrading and development control activity.

• Previous experience working with the United Nations will be an added advantage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written French is required.

Additional Information

Skills and Competencies

Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to land-use planning, slum upgrading, development control, urban governance and pro-poor and gender responsive approaches in the urban field. Ability to develop sound substantive reports; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professionalism rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with challenges; remain calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Excellent written and oral presentation skills in English and French. Listen to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; ask questions to clarify and exhibit interest in having two-way communication; tailor's language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Teamwork: Works collaboratively to achieve organisational goals; solicit impact by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; places team agenda above personal agenda; shows credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team's shortcoming.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Skills:

• Knowledge of the application of the regulatory systems and sources of law and urban planning practices in francophone Africa.

• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents.

• Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyse information on a wide range of legal issues.

• Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely.

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.

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