CONSULTANCY JOB OPENING
Issued on: 19th June 2017
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: Urban Economy and Finance Branch, UN-HABITAT
DUTY STATION: Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Consultant – Municipal and Sustainable Finance
DURATION: 4 months
CLOSING DATE: 26th June 2017
BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the UN 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. The Urban Economy and Finance Branch of UN-Habitat has the mandate to promote local capabilities of local governments to develop financial instruments to keep pace with the demands of rapid urbanization. The Urban Economy and Finance Branch has the mandate to promote plans and provide support for more efficient, socially inclusive, better integrated and connected cities that foster sustainable urban development.
Urbanization is strongly correlated with economic growth and development. Urbanization underpins one of the key drivers of national economic transformations. This however does not happen spontaneously. Cities and urban centers should be well planned and managed so that they become economic power houses that drive national economic development and offer growing opportunities to all citizens, especially young people and women. Economic growth should be steered in a manner that is inclusive and sustainable. Further, innovative revenue sources and financing mechanisms should be developed and applied to support investment in infrastructure and improvement in service delivery.
In many cases, local governments in the rapidly urbanizing world lack the technical capacity to respond to the economic development and financing challenges they face. They lack access to tools, information and knowledge network that would allow them to better understand complex urban systems, innovate and exploit opportunities that urbanization offers them. As the result, in many situation, opportunities of agglomeration economies are missed, local assets are underutilized, enclave economies are created, pushing the e majority to informality, potential revenue sources, such as land value sharing remain untapped.
UN-Habitat through its Urban Economy and Finance Branch seeks to support the effort of local and national governments and their partners in tackling the complex challenges and opportunities of urban economy and municipal finance through a range of ways including advisory services, research and tools development, training and capacity building. These activities constitute Subprogram 3 of UN-habitat’s six-year strategic plan 2014-2019, and the Urban Economy and Finance Branch is responsible to deliver them. The aim is to strengthen the capacities of cities to realize their full potential as drivers of economic development and wealth and employment creation, with an emphasis on promoting increased participation of both women and men, and enhancing municipal finance and capacity to support sustainable urban development. The branch is seeking the services of an expert (Kenyan national) on urban economy and finance to support its initial phase of tools and project development work. **
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Branch Coordinator, Urban Economy and Finance Branch, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks and outputs:
- Support the Zapopan Territorial Strategy 2030 and a Study comparing urban development scenarios, examining the costs of urban consolidation against urban sprawl for Zapopan, in Mexico.
- Provide inputs and analysis on the Urban Economy and Finance Branch related issues such as municipal finance, local economic development and local infrastructure financing. This would apply mainly for the Zapopan Territorial Strategy 2030, however the same inputs and analysis may be required for the Kalobeyei refugee settlement project, or other projects run by the UEFB.
- Collect and analyze data related with municipal finance, urban economy, infrastructure costs, and municipal service provision.
- Prepare financial models
- Prepare project-related documents for internal and external audiences
- Establish long term relationships with different institutions and stakeholders for it to result on a stronger position from UN-Habitat as an advisory institution for urban agendas.
- Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor. **
COMPETENCIES
- Professionalism:** Proficiency in spreadsheet modeling, with good knowledge of financial analysis and financial modeling. Ability to conduct research on the web, through interviews, or alternative sources of information on a wide variety of topics, focusing particularly on municipal finance and urban economy. Have a strong analytical and problem solving skills and sound business judgment to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions.
- Communication: Excellent communication skills in Spanish and English, both written and oral. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.** Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning:** Quick learner with high level of initiative, drive and attention to details. Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
- Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
EDUCATION
A relevant advanced degree (Master’s degree) in Economics, Finance, Business, Public Management, or related fields. Additional studies in finance will be an added advantage.
WORK EXPERIENCE
The consultant should have at least one year experience preferably in international development institutions, investment banking, or consulting.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required.
REMUNERATION
Payments will be based on deliverables over the consultancy period. There are set remuneration rates for consultancies. The rate is determined by functions performed and experience of the consultant. The fees will be paid as per agreement.
How to apply:
Applications should include:
- Cover memo or motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- Summary CV (maximum 2 pages), indicating the following information:
- Educational Background (incl. dates)
- Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
- Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
- Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
- Expectations regarding remuneration
- UN Personal History Form (please use the United Nations standard personal history form available upon request or via: http://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp?typeid=24&catid=435&id=3867)
- Proof of relevant work (at least two)
Please be advised that since April 15th 2010, applicants for consultancies must be part of the
UN-HABITAT e-Roster in order for their application to be considered. You can reach the e-Roster
through the following link: http://e-roster.unhabitat.org
All applications should be submitted to:
Ms. Joyce David
UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Deadline for applications: 26th June 2017
UN-Habitat does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: [email protected]
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