Result of ServiceThe objective of this assignment is to provide, under the supervision of the Head of the West Africa Hub based in Dakar, Senegal, as well as UN-Habitat’s National Programme Coordinator in Bissau, technical assistance in regional planning, supporting UN-Habitat in the advancement of sustainable urban and regional development projects in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, whilst promoting precepts set at the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and Agenda 2030 amongst different stakeholders. Work LocationDakar, Senegal Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesUN-Habitat’s Regional Office for Africa (ROAF) is strengthening its presence in West Africa through the establishment of a subregional hub in Dakar, Senegal. This hub will oversee and support activities across 16 countries: Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Liberia, and The Gambia. This initiative aligns with UN-Habitat’s broader mandate to promote socially and environmentally sustainable urban development and adequate shelter for all. West Africa faces a complex set of urbanization challenges that require urgent and coordinated responses. The region is experiencing one of the fastest urbanization rates globally, with cities growing at an unprecedented pace. Unplanned urban sprawl, informal settlements, and inadequate infrastructure strain municipal resources and services. Rising temperatures, desertification, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly for urban populations. Conflict, climate-related displacement, and economic migration lead to massive population movements across borders, challenging urban governance and social integration. The Sahel region is increasingly affected by violent extremism, intercommunal conflicts, and organized crime, further complicating urban development efforts. Additionally, many municipalities lack the capacity, funding, and technical expertise needed to implement sustainable urban policies. Given these challenges, UN-Habitat’s presence in West Africa is expected to grow significantly. Several new projects are being developed, including transboundary initiatives addressing urban resilience, digital learning, and local SDG implementation. One such transboundary project, \"Harnessing Urbanization for Resilient and Inclusive Recovery,\" targets French-speaking Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa. Many of these nations lack the necessary tools, financial resources, and expertise to manage urbanization sustainably. The project focuses on enhancing knowledge-sharing and access to urban tools for governments and stakeholders, implementing blended-learning solutions to address the digital divide and improve knowledge transfer, and providing technical assistance for urban resilience planning in the French speaking countries of the WAEMU region. Additionally, a recently launched project, implemented jointly with UN-Habitat headquarters and funded by the Italian Cooperation, focuses on accelerating SDG achievement in three urban centers: Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, and Pikine. This initiative aligns with Senegal’s Vision 2050 and is structured at three levels: strengthening local governance and service delivery at the municipal level, integrating urban SDG strategies into national planning, and leveraging international partnerships for best practices and resource mobilization. The expansion of UN-Habitat’s activities in West Africa underscores the urgency of addressing rapid urbanization, climate resilience, and social integration. The establishment of the Dakar subregional hub will enhance coordination, provide technical assistance, and mobilize financial resources to support cities in navigating these complex challenges. Through targeted projects, UN-Habitat aims to foster sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development in the region. Activities and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Planning Expert and the overall supervision of the Officer in Charge of the Capacity Development and Training Unit (CDTU), Senior Human Settlement Officer for West Africa (SHSO) and the Programme Associate for West Africa, the consultant will be responsible for providing substantive inputs in the development and implementation of UN-Habitat’s portfolio. He/she will carry out the following duties and responsibilities: Within the Regional Office for Africa: - Collaborate closely with the Senior Regional Planning Expert to support the implementation of the final year of the Harnessing Urbanization for Resilient and Inclusive Recovery project. - Provide support to the National Project Coordinator in Senegal for the execution of national workshops on eco-innovation and eco-construction. - Support the implementation of the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) tool and Matrix of Functions training in the Liptako-Gourma region, ensuring coordination with relevant stakeholders. - Assist in the preparation and organization of the final online seminar for the dissemination and launch of the project's official webpage. - Contribute to the planning and execution of the National Urban Forum in Senegal, supporting its preparation and official launch. - Represent UN-Habitat in regional forums, including participation in the United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) and United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) working groups. Within the Capacity Development and Training Unit: - Review and update, in coordination with national teams, the Training Needs Assessment for Senegal and Burkina Faso. - Develop written, communication, and design content to support the finalization and dissemination of translated materials for the project's toolbox. - Prepare the translation of the course on New Urban Agenda (NUA) Reporting and coordinate preparations for its official launch event. - Establish and implement a communication and partnership strategy in collaboration with the entities involved in the project. - Conceptualize and prepare the course on Financing Affordable Housing in collaboration with the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF) and other key partners. - Provide technical inputs and recommendations for the preparation of concept notes and project documents, ensuring alignment with internal project validation procedures. - Facilitate coordination and communication between the Regional Office for Africa and the Capacity Development and Training Unit regarding ongoing projects in West Africa. Qualifications/special skills• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, global studies, sustainable development or equivalent. Professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the design and management of training, e-learning, capacity building, or other relevant experience; (minimum of 2 years). • Experience with working with digital content such as e-learning is an asset; • Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations is an asset; • Experience working with tight deadlines; LanguagesFluency in written and oral French and English is required. Additional InformationN/A No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.