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Project Support Consultant (Urban Expansion Planner)
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Consultancy
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Posted 8 hours ago
Job Description
Project Context and Scope

Supporting Urban Integration of Displacement-Affected Communities (SUIDAC) Programme: The SUIDAC Programme (2024–2028) aims to foster the sustainable integration of displaced populations and their host communities in nine secondary cities across five countries in SubSaharan Africa that share significant challenges in hosting displaced populations. It seeks to improve the living conditions of DACs  - which include both forcibly displaced populations (refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and returnees) and host communities - by enhancing public service delivery, creating livelihood opportunities, and strengthening protection services. It also builds the capacity of local authorities in urban governance and planning, while fostering city-to-city learning within the region to sustainably integrate displaced communities. SUIDAC enhances municipalities’ ability to address the needs of DACs amid urban challenges caused by forced displacement. This empowers host cities and local stakeholders to become key leaders of their own development, more resilient, and better prepared for the impacts of human mobility. The EUR 30 million programme is funded by the EU and implemented by Cities Alliance in partnership with six technical implementing partners (TIPs) and nine municipalities through direct implementation and grants. 

The primary objectives of the role are to:

  • Urban Planning and Technical Analysis 

  • Development of Urban Expansion Strategies includes (Lead the design of urban expansion framework aligned with local development priorities and displacement-sensitive approaches.

  •  Integrate considerations related to DACs, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and public service provision. And support municipalities to embed these strategies into local development plans and policy documents. Identify training needs among local technical staff and political leaders (capacityneeds assessment) and draft implementation workplan and timeline for Activities. 

  • Data Collection and Mapping

  • Coordination with Local Authorities and Stakeholders

  • Capacity Building and Technical Support includes ( Deliver training and handson coaching to local staff on: spatial planning tools, urban expansion modelling,  public space design and management,  inclusive and sustainable urban development approaches and Prepare user-friendly manuals, toolkits, and guidelines for municipal teams.

  • Prepare concept plans, expansion strategies, and public space improvement proposals.

  • Participate in sectoral working groups, planning committees, and coordination fora.

  • Conduct one worshop for senesitaization of government and Reaching Consensus with the Government on Optimal Approaches for Plan Development Amid Sudan’s Security Challenges


 
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The Sustainable Urban Integration of Displacement-affected Communities (SUIDAC) in Sub- Saharan African Cities Action in Sudan - Phase II – CS1421 under Transition and Recovery unit 

 

TAsks:  Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment 

 Category B Consultant hired to deliver a report, with a single payment to be issued upon completion of all reports and delivery of one workshop within four months. The deliverables are as follows:

 

  1. Urban planning analysis completed and validated with local authorities.

  2. Displacement sensitive urban expansion strategy developed and aligned with local priorities.

  3. Municipal staff capacities strengthened through targeted training and coaching.

  4. Practical planning tools, manuals, and guidelines produced for local use.

  5. Concept plans, spatial maps, and public space improvement proposals delivered.

  6. Stakeholder coordination improved among municipalities, ministries, CSOs, RLOs, and DAC representatives.

  7. Working groups and planning committees supported and functioning more effectively.

  8. Government sensitized through one workshop, with consensus reached on planning approaches amid security challenges.

  9. Workplan and capacity needs assessment completed to guide implementation.

  10. Final report submitted summarizing activities, results, and recommendations.

 

 
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

 
  1. Urban planning analysis is completed, endorsed by local authorities, and reflects accurate, contextspecific data.

  2. A displacementsensitive urban expansion strategy is developed, aligned with local priorities, and validated by key stakeholders.

  3. Municipal staff demonstrate improved knowledge and skills based on training evaluations and pre/post assessments.

  4. Practical planning tools, manuals, and guidelines are produced, userfriendly, and adopted by local authorities.

  5. Concept plans, spatial maps, and publicspace improvement proposals are delivered, technically sound, and applicable for implementation.

  6. Stakeholder coordination improves, demonstrated by increased participation and effective collaboration among municipalities, ministries, CSOs, RLOs, and DAC representatives.

  7. Working groups and planning committees function effectively, with regular meetings, documented decisions, and followup actions.

  8. Government stakeholders participate in the workshop and demonstrate consensus on planning approaches despite security challenges.

  9. Workplan and capacityneeds assessment are completed, comprehensive, and used to guide subsequent implementation steps.

  10. Final report is submitted on time, clearly summarizes activities, results, challenges, and provides actionable recommendations.

Education
  • Advanced degree in Urban Planning, Urban Development, Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, Migration Studies, or a related field.

  • Additional training in displacement-sensitive planning, GIS, or urban governance is an asset

  • A specialization or formal training in displacementsensitive urban planning, public space design, or urban governance is an asset.

Experience
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in urban planning, city development, or local governance.

  • Proven experience developing urban expansion strategies, spatial plans, or public space designs.

  • Experience conducting capacity needs assessments and designing training programmes for local authorities.

  • Demonstrated ability to deliver capacity building and handson coaching for municipal staff and political leaders.

  • Strong experience in GIS mapping and Remote sensing, spatial analysis, and data collection.

  • Background in working with displacementaffected communities (DACs) or fragile/complex urban environments.

  • Experience facilitating multistakeholder workshops, policy dialogues, and government consultations.

Skills
  • Strong analytical and technical writing skills for producing strategies, manuals, and concept plans

  • Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.

  • Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including ministries, municipalities, CSOs, RLOs, and community groups.

  • Proficiency in GIS and Remote Sensing software and planning tools is highly desirable.

  • Ability to work with diverse stakeholders (government, CSOs, RLOs, DAC representatives) in sensitive and politically complex environments.

  • Strong communication skills, including verbal and written

Languages
  • Fluency in English and Arabic is required
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
 
Travel required
  • Frequent travel to Atbara in River Nile State and Port Sudan will be required to conduct the workshops.

Required Competencies
 
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
 
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
  1. The call is open to national and international candidates.
  2. It is a home based consultancy with frequent travel.
  3. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  5. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
  6. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
  7. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
  8. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
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