Municipal Planning Specialist

Title:Municipal Planning Specialist (MPS)
Reports to:Director of Municipal Service Improvements
Location:Tetra Tech Communities Thrive Ramallah Office


BACKGROUND
The USAID/WBG Communities Thrive project will focus on 55 municipalities located in the West Bank and will aim to improve municipal revenue streams and fiscal management of local government units (LGUs), increase the accountability and transparency of local governments, enhance delivery and management of the municipal services and the effectiveness of local governments’ operations, and improve the regulatory and policy framework for municipal governance.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Municipal Planning Specialist (MPS) will have primary responsibility for leading and directing the project’s master planning, GIS and spatial planning support to partner LGUs. The position will work with other colleagues from different components to ensure the provision of timely and quality planning support to partner LGUs in the West Bank.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
Technical Support:
Responsible for coordinating the project’s physical planning support to partner LGUs including Master planning, GIS and spatial planning as well as land use planning as means to improve service quality available to residents of the targeted LGUs.
Preparing scopes of work for procuring different aspects of the physical planning and related ICT system needed by the different capacity LGUs that project will support.
Manage consultants and/or contracts’ support in these areas and provide follow-up support including but not limited to training, coaching, mentoring, in coordination with other technical team members and the contractors.
Develop a planning capacity strengthening plan for targeted LGUs including training, coaching, mentoring, field visits and update the plan on a regular basis in coordination with other colleagues.
Strengthen capacity of local officials to implement effective planning processes and deliver quality services to citizens.
Contribute to the establishment of project indicators in general and those related to physical planning in particular.
Provide policy advice to LGU partners on appropriate initiatives, issues and legislation relevant to urban planning and economic development.
Support LGU partners to ensure greater and active public participation in the development of the plans by linking them to improving other municipal services
Monitor progress and report on all planning capacity strengthening activities.
Develop and maintain effective and professional relationships with partners.
Drives specific strategic planning initiatives, including analysis, oversight and support for solution development.
Mentors and train team members regarding advanced planning practices.
Analyzes and recommends solutions for key initiatives.
Develops structured and compelling presentations to highlight key findings and makes recommendations to key decision makers.
Undertake policy dialogue with governments and other donor organizations on urban development thematic areas, promote efficient use of resources and encourage participatory approaches to development planning, financing and sustainability.
Support the development of urban sector policy and strategies for urban development in consultation and coordination with relevant government agencies and LGU’s.
Develop and maintain a suitable network in the area of urban development to keep abreast of the latest developments and issues.
Undertake review of urban development policy, related legal and regulatory framework and assess the progress towards achieving sustainable urban planning stratgiy for LGU’s.


Quality Assurance and Reporting
Ensure consistently high quality capacity strengthening processes.
Ensure that systems, processes and procedures are in place to accurately record and present data in a timely manner on all capacity strengthening activities.
Ensuring that the planning capacity strengthening delivery fully comply with the applicable standards and best practices for these services.
Ensure effective planning, implementation and evaluation of all planning support.
Ensure that all aspects of the work plans are being successfully implemented in coordination with other colleagues.
Ensure subcontractor recipients meet their technical deliverables in close coordination with the Component Team Leader and other colleagues;
 Ensures quality and accuracy of data elements relative to the initiatives.
Ensure the on-going learning and development of reporting staff.
Provide inputs for the drafting of the project monthly and quarterly reports for USAID, as well as drafting other project updates and work plans as requested by the direct supervisor, the COP or DCOP.
Support the component team leader in ensuring that USAID and Tetra Tech rules and regulations are followed and that contract deliverable requirements are met.

Other
Contribute to team effort by undertaking additional tasks and responsibilities as requested.
The current job description will be periodically revisited as needed to reflect current realities and project needs.  Amendments can be added to that effect.

QUALIFICATIONS: (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS):
At least 5 years of experience in urban planning, GIS, spatial planning fields, project management Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations is a great asset.
Bachelor degree in urban planning, GIS, engineering or relevant field. A Masters’ degree is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with partners from local government, private sector, and other governmental institutions.
Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques and processes; ability to use these to gather and analyze data on the learning needs of a target LGU’s.
Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work with all levels and functions.
Ability to develop strong working relationships with government and local government officials, and business people.
Experience on USAID-funded projects or other donors’ projects are highly preferred.
Requires an ability to work independently and as part of a team, accept responsibility, and be extremely discrete with sensitive information.
Must also be able to foster supportive working relationship among all staff;
Strong computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office package, especially Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word; urban and physical planning software and programs.
Fluent in Arabic, excellent English speaking and writing skills.


SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply no later than February 16, 2017.
To be considered applicants must submit the following to
 

[email protected]

-Cover Letter explaining why you are interested and qualified for this position.
-CV in reverse chronological format
-A list of at least 3 professional references including name, contact information, and statement of relationship to the reference.

Please clearly indicate in the subject line “Municipal Planning Specialist”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered. Please ensure that all necessary documents are included in the email, as incomplete applications and/or corrupt files may delay processing of your application or remove you from consideration. No phone calls will be accepted.

 
Tetra Tech is committed to diversity and gender equality in all of its operations - in the U.S and overseas. We strive to reflect these goals in our global mission and in our workplace. We encourage applications from women and underrepresented ethnic, racial and cultural groups. Tetra Tech is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—16,000 people working together across disciplines and time zones to provide smart, sustainable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in 400 locations around the world. We offer competitive compensation and benefits and are searching for innovative people to join our teams.

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