Result of ServiceThe consultant will submit the following deliverables - For payment (4 deliverables), VLR Workplan and Launch of the VLR Process: a. Develop and submit a comprehensive workplan outlining the key phases, milestones, and stakeholder engagement activities for the VLR process. b. Organize and coordinate the launch of the VLR process, including an initial stakeholder forum to raise awareness and establish a collaborative roadmap for Amman’s Voluntary Local Review. 2. Consolidation of SDG Indicators to be Reviewed in the VLR: a. Conduct a thorough review of local data and identify priority SDG indicators for inclusion in the VLR. b. Develop a consolidated framework of indicators tailored to Amman’s urban context, ensuring alignment with national strategies including the smart city strategy, the global SDG framework and urban resilience. 3. Submission of SDG Chapters Drafts: a. Draft individual chapters for each prioritized SDG, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analysis with urban resilience as an overall theme and smart and digital solutions mainstreamed across the review. b. Highlight Amman’s progress, challenges, and opportunities for each indicator, integrating inputs from stakeholder engagements and best practices. c. Develop the profile of the city of Amman as smart and sustainable to benchmark the smart city strategy and integrate it within the overall framework of the VLR. d. Identify action oriented policy recommendations with recommended related bankable projects in collaboration with the lead of the VLR. 4. Submission of the Final VLR Draft: a. Prepare and submit the complete draft of Amman’s Voluntary Local Review, integrating feedback from stakeholders and incorporating strategic recommendations. b. Ensure the final draft aligns with international/regional VLR guidelines and serves as a comprehensive resource for local and national policymakers. c. Prepare a presentation capturing the main findings of the VLR Present the ToR at the launch of the VLR Work LocationRemote Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The consultant will support ESCWA’s efforts in fostering sustainable urban development and localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in Amman leading to the development of its 2nd Voluntary Local Review. The consultant will also support through this process in advancing the city’s resilience and operationalizing the city strategy to become smart and sustainable. The work will emphasize capacity building, stakeholder engagement, data-driven urban planning, and policy formulation tailored to Amman’s unique urban context. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Localization of SDGs a. Draft Amman’s VLR, integrating the city’s Smart and Sustainable Profile into the VLR framework. b. Develop localized indicators and performance monitoring tools to track progress on the SDGs. c. Align local urban policies with SDG targets and indicators. 2. Capacity Building a. Design and facilitate training sessions to mainstream SDGs, promote evidence-based decision-making, and foster stakeholder collaboration. b. Build capacity for resilience-building and assess Amman’s progress as a smart and sustainable city. 3. Stakeholder Engagement a. Organize and lead stakeholder forums, bilateral meetings, and site visits involving public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. b. Establish mechanisms for stakeholder dialogue and validate policy recommendations. 4. Multilevel Governance a. Develop frameworks to ensure alignment with national and international actors. b. Liaise with local, regional, and international partners to ensure coherence in urban development initiatives. c. Represent ESCWA’s Urban Development Team on the topic in relevant meetings. 5. Resilience and Smart Solutions a. Develop Amman’s profile as a smart and sustainable city. b. Integrate smart technologies and digital solutions into urban development projects. c. Provide recommendations for resilience-building initiatives, including climate adaptation and infrastructure enhancement. Qualifications/special skillsA bachelor’s degree in urban planning, sustainable development, public policy, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is desirable; a PhD is also desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Minimum of seven years of professional experience in urban development, planning, or sustainable development is required. Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and data-driven urban planning is required. Experience in drafting policy recommendations, statistical analysis, and monitoring frameworks is required. Strong understanding of the 2030 Agenda, SDG localization, and the New Urban Agenda. Familiarity with smart technologies and resilience-building in urban settings. Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups is required Experience in developing Voluntary Local Reviews is desirable. LanguagesLanguages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationNot available. 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.