Urban Infrastructure / Drainage Expert at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

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. The main documents outlining the mandate of the organization are the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, Habitat Agenda, Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium, and Resolution 56/206. Its activities contribute to the overall objective of the United Nations to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development within the context and the challenges of a rapidly urbanising world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Urban Infrastructure / Drainage Expert

Location: Aba City, Abia
Employment Type: Full Time
Career Category: Program / Project Management

Job Description
The Aba Urban Infrastructure/Drainage Component will comprise the following:

• Conduct comprehensive assessment on the status of principal urban infrastructure in Aba City and adjoining areas, with a view to establishing infrastructure gaps, limitations, estimating future needs and preparation of an Infrastructure Masterplan that will be adequate to meet projected growth trajectories;
• Conducting an evaluation of the Aba Drainage Profile, based on secondary data from available surveys as well as physical assessment of Aba City topography and erosion sites towards preparation of a General Existing Drainage Layout for Aba City and adjoining areas,

Responsibilities / Deliverables
Within delegated authority and working in close collaboration with other thematic Consultants, the Project Team, especially the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Ministry of Environment and Urban Renewal, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency as well as related Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders, the Urban Infrastructure/Drainage Expert will be an integral member of the Project Team, working under the supervision of UN-Habitat Urban Lab and other specialized units, the Project Lead and International Consultant to deliver the following:

• Assessment and Planning:
  • Evaluate existing drainage systems, identifying vulnerabilities, bottlenecks, and areas prone to flooding.
  • Collaborate with local authorities, stakeholders, and communities to understand drainage needs and priorities.
  • Collaborate with the GIS consultant to undertake spatial analysis on drainage issues.
  • Develop a comprehensive drainage assessment report, highlighting critical areas for intervention.
• Sustainable Drainage Design:
  • Propose innovative and sustainable drainage solutions, considering green infrastructure elements (e.g., permeable pavements, rain gardens, bioswales).
  • Integrate climate resilience, water quality improvement, and recreational amenities into drainage designs.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
  • Prepare, with input from other team members and the Technical Adviser, projected Drainage/Infrastructure proposals to cater for future growth and development for Aba City and adjoining areas;
  • Proffer general recommendations/technical guidance on Drainage Master Plan for Aba City.
• Capacity Building and Training:
  • Conduct capacity-building workshops for municipal staff, engineers, and community members on sustainable drainage practices.
  • Promote awareness of green infrastructure benefits and encourage community participation.

Qualifications

• The consultant will be a specialist in basic urban infrastructure facilities/services and relevant research projects and programmes at national level and at least five (5) years of similar experience on planning and development related projects at national or international level is required. He/she must also have strong conceptual, analytical, technical skills and experience, including:
• Advanced Degree in related fields (e.g. Engineering, Urban Infrastructure Planning / Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Surveying, Landscape Architecture) and also strong background in participatory environmental planning.
• Facility skills and knowledge of Nigeria’s urban sector and stakeholders as well as Nigeria’s economy, especially infrastructure delivery in the State of Abia.

Work Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressive experience in research and policy analysis at the local, national and international levels is required.
• Experience in networking; experience in project and programme management; experience in conducting policy reviews and preparation of policy recommendations for decision-makers; demonstrable analytical, drafting, reporting and presentation experience; experience in analyzing, summarizing and presenting large quantities of statistics on urban issues using relevant computer software; experience in the coordination of multiple contributors to major reports is desirable; and experience in coordinating trainings, technical, fundraising and capacity building workshops.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Demonstrable understanding theories and concepts related to urban infrastructure planning including social and economic development, urban economics, spatial development, local economic development and planning, urban, and regional and territorial planning.
• Experience in preparing structure plans and write technical 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. 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Special Notice:

• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station or environs.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send soft copies of their cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Application Deadline  7th June, 2024.