Functional title: Urban Planning Expert
Duty station of assignment: Kyiv, Ukraine
Contract modality: International ICA
Grade: IICA-3 equivalent
Duration of assignment: Four months
Closing date for applications: 4 May 2026
Background
UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable and resilient towns and cities. It is the focal point agency for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat envisions well- planned, well-governed and efficient cities and towns, with adequate housing, infrastructure and universal access to employment and basic services such as water, energy, and sanitation. Responding to crisis and post-crisis context is part of UN-Habitat’s mandate and strategic plan.
In Ukraine, UN-Habitat’s support builds upon four main inter-linked components; 1) support to the national government and ministries for the improvement of regulatory frameworks and instruments for a sustainable urban recovery; 2) support to urban and territorial recovery towards more inclusive, green and healthy urban recovery in selected regions and municipalities; 3) strengthened urban planning capacity among urban stakeholders, and specifically within public institutions; and 4) digital solutions in support of urban recovery.
Rationale and context of the assignment
UN-Habitat, in collaboration with sister UN agencies is advancing joint proposals to strengthen recovery and reconstruction in frontline hromadas. These efforts focus on integrated urban and area-based recovery planning, durable housing solutions, incl. for IDPs, community engagement and critical infrastructure restoration. Together, these actions aim to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban recovery processes that not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term stability and growth. In addition, UN-Habitat is advancing a proposal to develop a Spatial Recovery and Development Framework for Ukraine, grounded in proven methodologies and designed as a country-wide spatial analysis. This framework will provide a transparent, evidence-based baseline to guide recovery and development, while creating a shared platform for the Government, local authorities, and partners to align investments, policies, and city pathways toward a cohesive and competitive national future. The Government and IFIs echoed significant interest in this tool.
The incumbent will be supporting UN-Habitat with the development of its portfolio of projects and activities in Ukraine, enhancement of partnerships with relevant stakeholders to increase opportunities for joint programming, and fundraising. She/ he must have an urban planning background with specialist expertise within areas such as urban resilience, environment/climate, shelter/ housing, land and properties, or other related areas and experience in crisis settings. Relevant background materials, ongoing initiatives and previous analytical work will be made available to the selected candidate.
Duties and main responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia or his/her designated mandated representative(s), and in coordination with the Emergency Director or his/her designated mandated representative, the Urban Planning Expert will:
- Lead in the conceptualization of new projects and programmes for UN-Habitat in Ukraine in consultation and close coordination with the Regional Office, relevant branches at headquarters and counterparts in Ukraine; and turn actual concept notes into project proposals, incl. implementation mechanisms;
- Draft concept papers, project documents and other written materials in support of project development and fundraising;
- Ensure enhancement of partnerships with relevant counterparts in the Government, in the UN, in specialized agencies, NGOs etc. in Ukraine, aiming at the identification of new interventions and potential funding opportunities;
- Review and update UN-Habitat Country Programme Framework for Ukraine;
- Support the planning of the activities under the Ukraine Urban Support Hub of Kosice in close coordination with the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic (MIRDI);
- Develop new partnerships and engage with potential implementing partners that could support activities in frontlines areas;
- Support identification of potential donors and mobilization of funding in close coordination with the Regional Office;
- Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, to formal communications to Member States, etc.
- Undertake any other duties and responsibilities which are within the incumbent’s expertise and experience.
Results Expected
The ultimate result of this assignmentis to provide strategic and technical support for UN-Habitat’s engagement in urban recovery, territorial planning and the shelter/ housing sector.
Reporting requirements
The Urban Planning Expert will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia or his/her designated mandated representative(s). The expert will collaborate closely with UN-Habitat’s country office representation in Ukraine as well as branches of UN-Habitat’s headquarters.
Outputs and Expected Deliverables
The incumbent is required to provide various project outputs as above and submit a monthly report that details the project activities undertaken and achievements, progress against expected outputs, stakeholder engagement, and planned next steps, subject to review by UN-Habitat. Payments are made on a monthly basis and are subject to satisfactory performance and progress, as reviewed and approved by UN-Habitat.
Working location and travel
The assignment requires the expert to perform the work from Kyiv, Ukraine, due to the nature of the assignment and the need for in-person coordination with sister agencies, national and local counterparts. Travel within Ukraine for site visits, technical missions and stakeholder engagement may be required and will be covered by UN-Habitat in accordance with applicable rules.
Competencies
Professional: Demonstrates conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct research and analysis using various resources; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; observes deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, respecting deadlines and achieving results. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; Excellent drafting ability and communications skills, both oral and written; proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; Ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. Team work: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Planning and Organizing: Ability to prioritize activities and assignments and to easily switch between different projects.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Urban Development, Urban Planning and Design, or a related field.
- A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
- A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in the field of urban development, environmental resilience and shelter provision (and/or related fields) with direct proven experience of programme/project management is required;
- Strong knowledge of the United Nations system, international financial institutions, donors, and international NGOs engaged in development and humanitarian response; and proven experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders;
- Urban recovery planning in Ukraine or from other urban crisis/post-crisis contexts is required;
- Strong technical knowledge of shelter and settlements, including durable housing solutions, is required;
- Sound record of methodological tools development in support of urban recovery;
- Proven experience in capacity strengthening of local partners and authorities;
- Working knowledge and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (and their monitoring/evaluation) and of the New Urban Agenda is an asset;
- Working experience with international development agencies and in particular the United Nations is an asset.
Language
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Special Considerations:
The candidate should be familiar with, and committed to the goals of UN-Habitat, and have:
- Clear knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches to urban development, planning and design, housing provision particularly in an international development context including crisis and/or post-crisis contexts;
- Strong urban planning skills in relation to principles for sustainable urban development;
- Strong communications skills, including writing, presenting and facilitating workshops;
- Ability to develop methodological tools, knowledge products and concept notes;
- Ability to develop strong graphic materials as well as substantive reports;
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in multi-national/ cultural environment and flexibility in understanding and accepting different assignments;
- Ability to lead and provide technical guidance to an international team;
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet deadlines; work well under time constraints while retaining attention to detail, and;
- Ability to manage data, documents, correspondence and reports information and workflow.
How to apply
Interested candidates must submit an email quoting in the email subject the post title and the duty station to the UN-Habitat Ukraine Programme, email address: recruitmentunhabitatua@un.org
with the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
1. Cover letter addressing precisely how the applicant meets the qualifications and requirements.
2. Completion of a CV in P11 Form which can be downloaded at**:** https://t.ly/pdZjU
The CV shall include information on the past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.
3. Financial Proposal. The offeror’s letter including form for the financial proposal can be downloaded at: t.ly/kDvQo
4. Diplomas and copy of Passport or ID Card \
Deadline for applications: 4 May 2026
Please note that applications received after the closing date stated below, will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview.