International Urban Resilience and Project Development

The contractor will contribute to the work of the secretariat by:

• Output 1.1: 1 strategic urban resilience and spatial development assessment of Podgorica, including analysis of the city’s spatial structure, urban development trends, resilience challenges and opportunities, identification of priority resilience investment areas, and recommendations to support the preparation of the Podgorica Master Plan.
• Output 2.1: 1 strategic technical inputs and recommendations prepared for the Podgorica Master Plan, including urban resilience analysis, spatial development considerations, investment prioritization criteria, implementation recommendations and guidance on integrating resilience principles into the Master Plan vision, objectives and proposed development scenarios.
• Output 3.1: 2 urban resilience investment projects developed, including project rationale, objectives, expected impacts, implementation arrangements, spatial components, financing options and preliminary financing pre-feasibility assessments, aligned with the requirements of international financial institutions and development partners.
• Output 4.1: Capacity development and training activities delivered to the Podgorica Capital City and relevant stakeholders on urban resilience, sustainable urban development, investment planning and project preparation, including training materials, workshop contributions and recommendations for strengthening institutional capacities.
• Output 5.1: Strategic technical assistance and on-the-job mentoring provided to the Spatial and Urban Development Agency of Georgia (SUDA), including technical advice on strategic and spatial planning, planning methodologies, institutional development, international good practices and support to the preparation and implementation of national and local spatial planning documents.
• Output 5.2: Capacity development and knowledge exchange activities delivered for the Spatial and Urban Development Agency of Georgia (SUDA) and relevant national and local government institutions, including technical workshops, training materials, practical guidance and recommendations to strengthen institutional capacities, support the development and implementation of Georgia's Urban Design Guidelines, and promote the application of international good practices in strategic and spatial planning.

Project Description: The world is facing a series of interconnected crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, natural disasters, and conflicts, which collectively form the "triple planetary crisis." These crises have severe socio-economic impacts on cities, particularly vulnerable communities, and hinder progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Local governments are facing fiscal constraints, making it challenging to build urban resilience and access funds for response and recovery plans. The project aims to address these challenges by strengthening the capacity of selected cities to design and implement inclusive and resilient economic and financial responses to crises.

Project Objectives: Support UNECE and the Capital City of Podgorica in integrating urban economic resilience principles into strategic urban development processes, identifying priority resilience investments, and developing a pipeline of bankable projects capable of attracting financing from international financial institutions, development banks and donors.

Specific tasks include:

• Strategic Urban Resilience Analysis: Review and synthesize existing planning, resilience, climate, infrastructure and development strategies relevant to Podgorica and its functional urban area; identify strategic urban resilience challenges, opportunities and investment priorities; advise UNECE and the Capital City on the integration of resilience principles into the emerging Podgorica Master Plan.
• Resilience Project Identification and Prioritization: Facilitate the identification and prioritization of resilience investments with municipal departments and key stakeholders; develop a resilience investment framework; support the preparation and facilitation of stakeholder consultations, expert meetings and workshops.
• Project Development and Bankability: Lead the conceptualization of at least two priority urban resilience projects; develop project concept notes consistent with international financing institution requirements; define project rationale, expected impacts, implementation arrangements, financing needs and investment readiness requirements.
• Capacity Development: Deliver technical inputs during workshops and expert group meetings; transfer international good practices on urban resilience, project preparation and innovative urban financing; support peer learning and exchange with other pilot cities.
• Strategic Capacity Development Support to SUDA: Provide strategic technical advice and on-the-job mentoring to the Spatial and Urban Development Agency of Georgia (SUDA) on strategic and spatial planning, institutional development and urban development practices; support the preparation and delivery of technical workshops and knowledge exchange initiatives.

Advanced degree in Urban Resilience, Urban Planning, Architecture or related fields. Skills in both project management and design and technical aspects are required for this contract. Additionally, expertise in urban development and urban resilience is considered an advantage. Strong communication skills are also necessary for alignment with client expectations.

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Montenegrin is an asset. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.