As an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations, the federally owned Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its development-policy objectives. It provides viable, forward-looking solutions for political, economic, ecological and social development in a globalised world. GIZ promotes complex reforms and change processes. Its corporate objective is to improve people’s living conditions on a sustainable basis. For more information see: www.giz.de

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, program Kosovo for Green is seeking to fill the position of:

Urban Planning Advisor (local level)

The overall purpose of the post

The Urban Planning Advisor (local level) will provide guidance and technical support to municipalities in Kosovo as part of the Kosovo for Green program. This position focuses on strengthening local capacities for climate-resilient, biodiversity-friendly urban planning, sustainable infrastructure (nature-based solutions), and enhancing urban livability. By developing urban resilience plans and implementing high-impact projects, the Advisor will help municipalities address vulnerabilities, improve public spaces, and build sustainable environments that align with EU best practices.

The advisor will provide guidance and coordinate the work of implementing partners to ensure they contribute to the realisation of their assigned specific outputs of the program.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

The Urban Planning Advisor (local level) will be responsible to:

• Collaborate with local governments to create comprehensive urban resilience plans that assess and address natural hazards and climate risks
• Support the implementation of the urban planning component within the Kosovo for Green program, ensuring alignment with local priorities and policies, monitoring progress, and recommending adjustments as needed to achieve program objectives, under the guidance of the Component manager
• Support detailed evaluations of local infrastructure, utilities, population density, economic sectors, and land use, identifying vulnerabilities and integrating these findings into urban planning efforts.
• Support the development of vulnerability maps and recommend mitigation strategies for high-risk areas, ensuring these factors are embedded in future urban development plans
• Support the development of public space master plans, focusing on green and blue assets, such as parks, street greening, and riverfront areas
• Support audits on the accessibility and quality of public spaces, identifying gaps and proposing low-carbon, area-based interventions to maximize their social and environmental benefits
• Support the design and implementation of tactical urbanism projects that improve urban livability, such as green spaces, upgraded streetscapes, sidewalks, and riverfronts
• Support prioritization of interventions based on identified risks, community needs, and potential impact on quality of life, focusing on areas with high vulnerability to natural disasters and a lack of public amenities
• Collaborate with municipal planning departments to identify and outline a pipeline of urban regeneration projects with high potential for climate-sensitive development
• Guide municipalities in strategic planning for urban core regeneration, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and improved public infrastructure

• Apply a participatory approach by engaging communities, businesses, and organizations, encouraging collaboration with local governments to build support and awareness for sustainable urban initiatives
• Ensure that all projects promote gender equality and accessibility, enhancing inclusivity within public spaces and urban development efforts.

Other duties/additional tasks

• Providing guidance to the Program Manager and Program Component manager on the strategic approach towards local processes and activities
• Support positioning of the program strategically towards partners and stakeholders
• Continuing personal development, ensuring capacity compliance with the needs of the assigned function and the associated tasks and obligations
• Perform other duties as required by the Program Component Manager.

Required qualifications, competencies and experience

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Spatial Planning, or Architecture and Urban Planning, Urban Design, Urban Management, or a closely related field.

Professional experience

• At least five years of professional experience in an advisory position on urban planning or sustainable development, particularly at the municipal level
• Demonstrated ability to manage and execute projects that improve public space, infrastructure, and urban livability
• Experience in local governance, democratization, public services and performance management,
• Experience in institutional development and knowledge management
• National and/or international advisory experience related to local policy development and legal framework
• Profound knowledge and experience of urban planning on central and local levels, development processes of the built environment, and its associated sustainable principles.

Other knowledge, additional competences

• Excellent working knowledge of English; knowledge of German is an added value
• A solid understanding of land-use policies, and EU or similar environmental standards
• A solid understanding of the software used in urban planning
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Understanding of Geographic Information Systems and data analysis tools
• Highly motivated, structured and strategic thinking, well organized and independent working style,
• Knowledge about the value of the environment, ecosystem and biodiversity
• Service-oriented attitude and interpersonal skills, including adapting communication to different recipients and networking in Kosovo and with the international community
• Able to establish a good and considerate working relationship with all staff in the organization, demonstrating respect for their respective roles and responsibilities
• Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures are agreed with management.

Location:                   GIZ Office-Pristina

Expected start date: January/ February 2025

How to apply?

Interested and, suitably qualified and experienced candidates are invited to submit their electronic application in English, in PDF version, to application.kosovo@giz.de

• CV (Europass template is recommended)
• Letter of motivation
• Diploma(s), references/recommendations
• Exclusively to ensure transparency and avoid any potential conflict of interest, please provide the name(s) of any individuals who are related to you or you may know that have either previously worked for or are currently employed by GIZ, to the best of your knowledge (GIZ, in this case, will act in accordance with Article 13 of the Law No. 06/L –082 on Protection of Personal Data)

• Subject of the email: Name & Surname Urban Planning Advisor (local level) K4G

Applications that do not meet these rules will not be considered!

Deadline for the application: 18^th of November 2024

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and invited to the next stage of recruitment.

GIZ encourages female candidates, candidates from ethnic communities, and candidates with a disability to apply.

*Disclaimer Data Privacy

GIZ is committed to ensuring the security and protection of the personal information we process.

Declaration of Consent

You agree that your personal data will be used for the purpose of the recruitment process, only. The information will only be accessed by recruitment staff and panel members. You understand that your data will be held securely and will not be distributed to third parties. You have a right to change or access your information. You understand that your personal data will be deleted after six months when this information is no longer required for this purpose.

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