CONSULTANCY JOB OPENING Revised 12 May 2017

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1 United Nations Human Settlements Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific - Fukuoka Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka JAPAN Tel: , Fax: habitat.fukuoka@unhabitat.org; CONSULTANCY JOB OPENING Revised 12 May 2017 ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: DUTY STATION: FUNCTIONAL TITLE: DURATION: GRADE: UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) Kabul, AFGHANISTAN; travel to other provinces may be required for programme familiarisation Chief of Party, City For All Programme (Re-advertisement) 32 months max. upon initial appointment Contract will be issued every year Start as soon as possible UNOPS IICA (P-5 Equivalent) SUPERVISOR Country Programme Manager (CPM), UN-Habitat/Afghanistan; Senior Human Settlements Officer (SHSO), Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) CLOSING DATE: Extended to 20 May 2017 BACKGROUND UN-Habitat is supporting the Government of Afghanistan to implement the four year City For All starting from 31 March The Programme is underpinned by the fact that harnessing Afghanistan s cities for state building and peace-building requires three fundamental components: (i) effective land management and clear land rights and responsibilities; (ii) strategic urban planning to guide investments and establish a common vision for an inclusive and prosperous urban future; and (iii) improved municipal governance, citizen engagement and representation. Together, these create the fundamental conditions for improved state-society relations, stimulating the economy, promoting investment, increasing the legitimacy of the state in the eyes of the citizens and strengthening municipal institutions. This four year programme will be implemented in Kabul city (funded by USAID) and other major urban centres in Afghanistan (funded by European Union). The action will support Kabul and other municipalities to survey and register all properties within its municipal boundaries [residential and nonresidential properties (e.g. commercial, institutional, etc.) plus several hectares of vacant land]. This will improve land management (e.g. increase tenure security and reduce land grabbing) as well as significantly expand the potential tax base. Aligned with the land survey will be street addressing, house numbering/street lighting which are essential for improved urban management and increasing citizen s socio-economic inclusion. Based on the property survey and registration, a safayi certificate ( municipal note-book ) can be issued by the municipality, once the property occupant pays the annual safayi tax. While not a land tenure document per-se, it does give some degree of tenure security and recognition by authorities. This programme will also support the issuance of land occupancy certificates to improve tenure security for households and land occupants. An urgent need in Afghan cities is strategic urban planning to develop a common vision at city level of how to promote Local Economic Development (LED), to stimulate investment and expand inclusive service delivery. The land/property survey provides the ideal baseline from which to plan. The process will be driven by local stakeholders and focus on linking urban planning with

2 Page 2 of 6 finance (public and private investments) to ensure plans are realistic and actually implemented (not as wish-lists ). As Afghanistan is rapidly urbanizing, strategic planning (rather than traditional master planning) is an essential tool for managing urban growth and expanding access to services in already crowded and largely informal cities. Planning needs to be followed up with finance for sub-projects so the plan can be implemented and citizens see results from their engagement. The programme will provide performance-based block grants for infrastructure at Gozar/Nahia level to: (i) act as a catalyst toward implementation of the strategic plans; (ii) build the capacity of municipal finance, engineering and service departments in sub-project planning, design, implementation and monitoring; (iii) as an incentive to motivate the collection of safayi tax (grants will be released once certain tax collection targets are achieved); and (iv) strengthen the legitimacy of the National Unity Government. To achieve these results at local level, significant central-government capacity development and reforms are required. The programme will therefore improve the enabling environment by providing technical support to central government-level authorities, including the Afghan Land Authority (ARAZI), Ministry of Urban Development Affairs (MUDA), Deputy Ministry of Municipalities (DMM)/IDLG and Kabul Municipality (KM) to improve relevant national policies, legislation, regulations and guidelines. This is essential to enable up-scaling, replication and sustainability. Overall, through targeting both duty bearers and duty holders, the programme will increase a sense of civic responsibility and collective action, and enhance the social contract between citizens and the state. Citizens will pay safayi tax and invest in their properties and contribute to economies of agglomeration if they see tangible improvements and feel they have a stake in the city. In postconflict countries and fragile states this enhanced social contract is essential to state building and security goals, especially in urban areas which offer a density advantage in which taxes and endogenous revenue generation has greater potential. The programme objectives and approach reflects the stated vision of H.E. President Ashraf Ghani and the National Unity Government, as outlined in the Realizing Self Reliance Framework (RSR) 1 : cities as drivers of economic development; making better use of existing resources; increasing local government revenues for service delivery; stimulating local economic development and investment in cities; and fostering a sense of civic responsibility to strengthen the legitimacy of government and state institutions. The Overall Objective (OO) is to improve stability and stimulate local economic development in Kabul city through enhancing municipal governance and strengthening the social contract between citizens and the state. The Specific Objective (SO) is to increase tenure security and land management and administration for inclusive urban economic growth and service delivery in Kabul city. The three expected Results (R) are: R1: Strengthened municipal capacities and systems for urban planning, land management and municipal revenue/finance; R2: Improved municipal service delivery and strengthened social contract between citizens and municipal authorities; Page 2 of 6

3 Page 3 of 6 R3: Improved enabling environment for urban land management and administration, municipal governance, local economic development and service delivery. Spearhead this Programme, UN-Habitat is looking for a highly qualified urban development expert be considered as Chief of Party for City for All Programme. Under the overall supervision of Senior Human Settlements Officer, UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and direct supervision of the Country Programme Manager and in close cooperation with UN-Habitat HQ thematic branch, Urban Legislation, Land and Governance (ULLG/HQs), Chief of Party (CoP), CFA. will undertake the following tasks and activities: RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Strategic programme management Over all lead on technical and strategic management of project design, work planning, budgeting, procurement, and impact monitoring of project activities in the field; Lead effective and efficient execution of project activities by working in close collaboration with the relevant institutions and project teams, at the national and local levels; Coordinate results-based monitoring, evaluations and outcome-based reporting, including ensuring proper baselines, mid-term monitoring, and final evaluations; Spearhead on-the-job capacity development and knowledge transfer mechanisms for relevant government partners and national programme staff; Act as Chief advisory services to national and local institutions, including support to policy processes, technical advice and support through seminars, training and on-the-job capacity development in urban land planning, housing and basic services; Undertake in-country missions to field sites to monitor programme implementation and strengthen partnerships with local authorities and partners; Coordinate and monitor project progress by defining performance criteria, ensuring periodic reporting from the field through assessment of results achieved and external reviews; ensure proper documentation of positive and negative programme experiences and provide them as an input to policy dialogues; and Ensure the systematic mainstreaming of cross cutting issues of gender, youth, climate change and human rights in programme activities. 2) Project Management (Both US and EU funded components of CFA) a) Programme implementation support Lead the effective and efficient execution of programme activities by working in close collaboration with the relevant international and national project teams, institutions and at the national level; Ensure coordination of different programme components (Land, Planning and Municipal Governance and Finance) during the implementation of the sub-projects and related activities; Support the National Programme Manage in the development of annual implementation programme work plans and coordinate the timely completion of contracted targets. b) Lead to UN-Habitat's support to GoIRA and partners Lead the co-ordination and consultation with concerned Ministries, Departments, and Local Authorities on national and provincial level to ensure programme alignment with government needs and priorities; Advise the project team in coordinating provincial capacity development activities on programme components and technical guidelines; Page 3 of 6

4 Page 4 of 6 Contribute to the consolidation and development of new ideas, concepts, innovations and new programmes and approaches. c) Oversee urban land management and administration activities in Kabul and other major urban centres of Afghanistan Guide international land experts support to ARAZI in developing better urban land and administration processes and systems to improve citizen engagement and transparency; Strengthen the enabling environment by providing technical support to central government authorities, especially the Afghan Land Authority (ARAZI), The Ministry of Urban Development Affairs (MUDA) and Kabul Municipality (KM); Integrate gender equality and youth empowerment strategies in land management and administration activities. 3) Contribute to UN-Habitat's support to the GoIRA Spearhead cross-fertilisation across all UN-Habitat programming, including supporting thematic linkages, enhancing delivery cost-efficenies, and streamlining progamme technical assistance and capacity development to government partners to maximise its effectiveness/impact and reduce duplication; Support the implementation of the Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD) , in particular through (i) strengthening UN-Habitat as a knowledge partner for the GoIRA; and (ii) fostering a shift away from direct implementation to technical assistance and capacity development of government; Support the GoIRA with resource mobilization by identifying new programmatic opportunities, developing concept notes and project documents, and building partnerships with donors and partners; Supporting the strategic planning and management of UN-Habitat Afghanistan through the Senior Staff Team to promote alignment and maximize support for the GoIRA; and 4) Perform other duties and responsibilities which are within the expertise and experience as may be required by UN-Habitat in support of the activities of the agency and programme. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: National counterparts, UN agencies, multilateral funding agencies, staff of the regional office, partner agencies, local government partners, senior project staff, Project Management Officer Human Settlements, Country Programme Manager/Country Representative, Senior Human Settlements Officer and Programme Management Officer. Results Expected: City for All programme in Afghanistan is properly executed, managed, supervised, coordinated and implemented with clear impact. COMPETENCIES Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to a particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues/problems then analyses and participates in their resolution. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given; plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Show pride in work and in achievements; demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter; be conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments; observe deadlines and achieve results; be motivated by Page 4 of 6

5 Page 5 of 6 professional rather than personal concerns; show persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remain calm in stressful situations. Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensure the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speak and write clearly and effectively; listen to others, correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately. Teamwork: Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicit input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; be willing to learn from others; place team agenda before personal agenda; support and act in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning & Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time efficiently. Leading project and programme management, Excellent knowledge of programme monitoring and evaluation The capacity to provide quick and practical feedback and guidance to field staff is essential, as is the ability to adapt existing methodologies to the Afghan context Maintaining appropriate balance between operational needs of the project and contributing to developing a longer-term vision of the programme Good coordination skills, with ability to handle multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure and to tight deadlines Positive approach to work with consistent energy and a positive, constructive attitude Ability to participate effectively in teams of various expertise as well as organizations Good leadership, diplomatic qualities and negotiating skills EDUCATION Advanced university degree (Master s or equivalent) in municipal governance, public policy, land management/administration/surveying, urban planning/design, urban studies, political science, management, or related discipline is required. WORK EXPERIENCE A minimum of 10 years working experience is required in: managing complex development projects; municipal and urban governance and development, land administration/management, land dispute resolution, familiarity with database management (SQL) and GIS; providing policy and technical assistance to the government; local governance programming focused on empowering women, youth and the urban vulnerable; and familiarity with the UN system. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Proficient in database management, Word, Excel, , internet and preferably project management applications. PERSONAL QUALITIES A strong commitment to gender sensitive, social inclusive and pro-poor development work Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team Consultative and empowering working style and willingness to learn from others Page 5 of 6

6 Page 6 of 6 Willingness to travel as required LANGUAGE SKILLS English and French are the working languages of the UN secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language will be an advantage. International Travel (Home-Kabul): For all international travel that are expected of the Chief of Party, a returned air ticket on least-cost economy to Afghanistan, and visa fee will be paid only after completion of the mission and upon submission of Travel Claim form, copy of E-ticket, used boarding passes, visa receipt and other relevant travel documents. Three quotations from the reputable travel agents shall be submitted for UN-Habitat s clearance prior to purchase of tickets. Local Transportation: For local travels that are expected of the Chief of Party, such as vehicle and flight arrangements to provinces will be covered by UN-Habitat. Travel Advice/ Requirements: The Chief of Party must abide by all UN security instructions. Upon arrival he/she must attend a security briefing provided by UNDSS. He/she should undertake Basic and Advanced Security Training as prescribed by UNDSS. Regular missions will be undertaken for which UNDSS authorisation must be sought. Reporting Arrangements: The Chief of Party shall report to the Country Programme Manager (CPM), based in Kabul and Senior Human Settlements Officer, (SHSO) based in ROAP. The application should comprise: Completed UN Personal History Form (P11). Please download the form (MS-Word) from UN- Habitat/ROAP-vacancy website: Cover memo or motivation letter for the position (maximum 1 page). Full resume, indicating the following information: 1. Educational Background (incl. dates) 2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months) All applications should be submitted to: UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific ACROS Fukuoka, 8th Floor, Tenjin Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Japan habitat.fukuoka@unhabitat.org Please indicate the Post Title: 14. AFG-CoP-CFA in your subject. Please note that applications received after the closing date stated below, will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview. The fee will be determined according to the qualifications, skills and relevant experience of the selected candidate. In line with UN-Habitat policy on gender equity, applications from female candidates will be particularly welcome. Deadline for applications: Extended to 20 May 2017 People who have already submitted applications do NOT need re-submission. Page 6 of 6