Regional Planning Expert for Urban Planning

• Familiarize him/herself with the overall development context in KSA, particularly with the existing urban-related challenges. 

• Develop detailed work plans in cooperation with project technical leads and other senior experts to ensure overall project outcomes are delivered on time. 

• Support the teams’ work on reforming the planning system and developing the National Urbanization Policy (NUP) for KSA, with a particular focus on the regional dimension. 

• Contribute to the restructuring of the municipal system, advising and inputting on the methodology for re-classification and re-configuration of municipalities and the associated service delivery framework in respect of regional considerations.  

• In cooperation with the senior economic expert, gather and analyse data from market research, censuses, and economic and environmental studies necessary to inform a thorough understanding of the situation of Saudi regions. 

• Ensure effective links across national, regional, and local development plans, and build on local capacities in planning and implementing responses. 

• Provide technical assistance to MoMRAH regarding matters related to overall regional planning, regional growth, and development. 

• Map, identify, and prioritize potential stakeholders involved and help in setting the strategy of communication together with stakeholders’ engagement expert and other local experts in the project. 

• Build capacity of local, regional and national government with regard to municipal and planning systems reforms in cooperation with other planning experts of the project.  

• In addition to regular reporting to the project leader, regularly liaise with partners, to share lessons and resolve common challenges. 

• Report on progress vis-à-vis a clear outline of duties and expected results on an annual basis as well as work plans to relevant staff. 

• Preparation of various communication initiatives, including a monthly progress report, and input to project leader. 

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Urban & Regional Planning, Geography, Social and/or Political Sciences, or other relevant disciplines is required. A PhD is preferred. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in urban and regional planning, urban development, and management in challenging environments. 

• Experience in regional planning, governance, and socio-economic development in different political contexts is required.  

• Experience in Policy analysis and formulation at local, regional, and national levels is required. 

• Familiarity with spatial planning and associated governance systems is required. 

• Knowledge of Planning and Municipal systems in GCC countries is desirable 

Additional required skills: 

• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy, with attention to detail, and in alignment with UN-Habitat mandate, approach, and existing tools is required.  

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure;  

• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments in a complex, high-volume work environment.  

Language:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required for this assignment. Working knowledge of another UN language would be considered as an advantage.