Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation of the World Cities Report, the Regional and National Reports of the State of Cities and Human Settlements.
• Assists in the analysis of urban development issues at the global, regional and national levels; undertakes empirical research and analysis of trends, developments, and related policy issues relevant to the unit /departmental mandate, including urbanization, urban economics, spatial development, local economic development and regional planning.
• Researches, analyzes and presents urban and human settlements information gathered from diverse sources.
• Reviews, revises, summarizes and edits country reports on internationally agreed goals and targets relevant to sustainable urbanization. • Work with key partners, governments, local authorities, including global research networks on topics relating to sustainable urbanization.
• Assists planning, organizing and servicing of expert group and technical meetings, policy dialogues, development seminars.
•  Participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrable understanding theories and concepts related to urbanization including social and economic development, urban economics, spatial development, local economic development and planning, urban, and regional and territorial planning. Strong research and writing skills. Ability to carry out research on the social, economic, political, spatial and planning dimensions of cities and human settlements at local, national and international levels. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques and draw conclusions and assess impacts at different levels.
• Experience in preparing large/flagship reports. Ability to review, edit and summarize the work of others. Strong analytical capacity and the ability to identify, analyze and articulate difficult issues/problems.
• The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• COMMUNICATION : 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.
• TEAMWORK : Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Urban Development, Urban Geography, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Urban Governance, Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or any other related field is required.
• A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressive experience in urban development, research and policy analysis at the local, national and international levels is required.
• Experience in conducting policy reviews and preparation of policy recommendations for decision makers is required.
• Experience in analyzing, drafting, reporting, summarizing and presenting large quantities of statistics on urban issues using relevant computer software is desirable.