National Consultant for Nepal

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is implementing a technical cooperation project focused on strengthening the capacity of transport policymakers. This project aims to develop resilient and inclusive mobility policies and plans, particularly in peri-urban areas, utilizing digital technologies to improve public transport infrastructure and services across several countries in the region.

Job Purpose

This role serves as a National Consultant for Nepal, operating under the direct supervision of a project officer and in coordination with a Regional Consultant and National Focal Point. The primary purpose is to support the implementation of a project focused on resilient and inclusive peri-urban mobility. This involves coordinating key project activities within Nepal, such as inception meetings and fact-finding missions, providing analytical support for reports on resilient mobility and just transition, and facilitating stakeholder consultations and capacity-building workshops. The consultant will also initiate the co-development of a local resilient and inclusive peri-urban mobility plan, leveraging digital technologies and building upon existing ESCAP knowledge products and local policies. The ultimate goal is to enhance access to essential services, create employment opportunities, and reduce inequality in peri-urban areas through improved, digitally-enabled transport solutions.

Responsibilities

The National Consultant for Nepal will coordinate the project inception meeting and fact-finding mission in Kathmandu, collaborating with the Regional Consultant. Responsibilities include supporting the establishment of a Technical Advisory Group and collecting/analyzing local data for the Regional Consultant's assessment reports on resilient mobility and just transition, with a focus on women's employment in digital mobility services. The consultant will also support national stakeholder consultations and capacity-building workshops to identify local challenges and strengthen stakeholder capacity for improving peri-urban mobility, resilience, and social inclusiveness. A key duty is initiating the co-development of a local resilient and inclusive peri-urban mobility plan, utilizing digital technologies and collaborating with local authorities and the Regional Consultant, building upon existing ESCAP guidelines and local plans.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience working on development projects is required, with a focus on sustainability, transportation, or related fields like energy or climate finance. Demonstrated experience in data collection, report development, organizing meetings/workshops, and working with national/local government stakeholders on policy is essential. Experience in multi-country teams is also required.

Skills

Data collection and analysis, technical report writing, stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, policy development, collaborative teamwork, understanding of digital mobility technologies (MaaS, DRT), knowledge of resilient and inclusive urban/peri-urban mobility planning.

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