UN-HABITAT: Architecture and GIS Assistant – Tunis

Organization Mission

UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, works to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and human settlements. Its mission is to advance sustainable urbanization as a driver of development and peace, ensuring adequate shelter, improved living conditions, and inclusive access to basic services for all.

In Tunisia, UN-Habitat supports national and local authorities in strengthening urban governance, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable territorial development. The organization contributes to policy development, capacity building, and the implementation of projects focused on urban planning, housing, public space improvement, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Through partnerships with government institutions, civil society, and development partners, UN-Habitat aims to foster inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Context

This UNV assignment is part of a collaborative urban and infrastructure development initiative led by the Aghlabides Medical City Project / ECMAK, in partnership with technical and institutional stakeholders, including UN-Habitat. The initiative aims to support the development of an integrated medical, scientific, and innovation hub in Kairouan through strategic communication, visibility, and stakeholder engagement activities. Key expected outcomes include improved dissemination of project information, strengthened communication between stakeholders, and enhanced public awareness of project progress and achievements.

The selected UN Volunteer will be affected to the Aghlabides Medical City Project implementation structure (Établissement de la Cité Médicale des Aghlabides à Kairouan – ECMAK), a public entity based in Tunis, responsible for coordinating a multidisciplinary medical, scientific, and innovation hub in Kairouan, Tunisia, in collaboration with technical and institutional partners.

This volunteer assignment is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Tunisia as part of an initiative in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme to strengthen youth inclusion, with a particular focus on the inclusion of young persons with disabilities (2024–2026). As such, applications from qualified young persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

Under the delegated authority and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator or his/her designated representative, the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Architecture and GIS Assistant will contribute to the following activities:

1. Support to Geospatial Data Management and Updating

– Contribute to the collection, organization, and updating of geographic data related to the project intervention areas.
– Support the integration and verification of spatial data from various sources and partners.
– Participate in the maintenance and improvement of GIS databases used within the project.
– Support documentation and archiving of geospatial data.
– Support to Cartographic Production and Spatial Analysis
– Contribute to the preparation of thematic maps, visual materials, and geographic representations for project needs.
– Support basic spatial analysis to assist planning and decision-making processes.
– Participate in the preparation of dashboards, geographic indicators, and data visualization tools.
– Support the production of cartographic materials for meetings, workshops, and project communication activities.

2. Support to Urban and Territorial Planning Activities
– Contribute to the collection and analysis of information relevant to urban planning and territorial development studies.
-,Support the preparation of technical documents, briefing notes, and reports related to planning activities.
– Participate in the development of technical materials related to land use, infrastructure, and urban development.
– Support monitoring of urban and territorial indicators of the project.
– Support to Technical Coordination and Activity Monitoring
– Participate in the preparation and organization of coordination meetings with technical teams, consultants, and institutional partners.
– Contribute to the compilation and sharing of technical information among stakeholders.
– Support the follow-up of selected field activities and the consolidation of collected information.
– Participate in drafting meeting minutes, mission reports, and monitoring documents.

3. Contribution to Sustainable Urban Development Approaches
– Support the integration of sustainable urban development principles into project activities.
– Contribute to the collection and analysis of information related to smart city approaches and innovative planning solutions.
– Participate in the capitalization of best practices and lessons learned from project activities.

Support any other tasks related to his/her area of expertise, as needed by the project.

Required Skills and Experience

At least one (01) month up to one (01) year of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geomatics, urban planning, architecture, spatial analysis, or related fields; experience in mapping, land-use planning, or infrastructure projects is an asset.

Core Competencies

– Integrity.
– Respect for Diversity.
– Assiduity and professionalism
– Accountability.
– Planning and organising.
– Communication and Teamwork
– Adaptability and Flexibility.
– Creativity and innovation.
– Self-management.

Living Conditions

1) Living Conditions

Living conditions in Tunisia are highly regarded and are comparable to those in Mediterranean countries on the northern shore. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate in almost all regions, except for the south, which has a more arid climate.

In addition to its mild climate and diverse landscapes, Tunisia has a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. It is also well known for its gastronomy and culinary traditions shaped by a millennia-old history.

The country has a well-recognized healthcare system and a quality education system. It is equipped with all necessary infrastructure and amenities to ensure a good standard of living.

The capital, Tunis, is relatively easy to navigate. Public transportation is available and affordable. Crime rates remain relatively low.

As this is a national United Nations Volunteer assignment, the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation and essential living needs.

2) Conditions of Service for National UN Volunteers

The contract is concluded for the period indicated. There is no guarantee of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to the duty station (if applicable) and a settling-in allowance will be provided when the duty station is outside commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided to cover accommodation, utilities, and basic living expenses.

Life, health, disability and malicious acts insurance is included (health insurance for up to three dependents), as well as a final repatriation allowance (if applicable) and a resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

3) Entitlements

1. Pre-assignment

Entry lump sum: USD 350
Relocation costs: USD 175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside commuting distance (as determined by UNV)

2. During assignment

Volunteer Living Allowance: TND 1,879.74
Learning and training: Access to UNV learning and career development resources
Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer, as well as health insurance coverage for up to three eligible dependents. Please refer to the Conditions of Service for detailed eligibility criteria.

3. End of assignment

Exit lump sum (paid upon successful completion of the assignment): USD 120 for each month served, paid upon completion of the contract.