Haiti: Urban Planner
Country: Haiti
Closing date: 18 Sep 2013
J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO) evolved as an organization since its inception in January 2010, transitioning from an emergency to a development context. Hence, the need for J/P HRO’s structure to adapt accordingly in order to support new monitoring and reporting needs, as well as efficiency imperatives. J/P HRO is seeking for an “Urban Planner” for the Engineering & Construction Department based in Delmas.
Summary:
In the context of the PREKAD coordinated by BMPAD , J/P HRO began the « Helping Haiti Home » project, which, using a community participatory approach, works towards redevelopment and land rights in a neighborhood prone to multiple risks, (i.e. Delmas 32). The project will construct 45 housing units that are both hurricane-and earthquake-safe, will improve basic infrastructure, and relocate families still living in the Petionville Club and Cite Maxo camps.
J/P HRO is looking for an Urban Planner to support the Engineering & Construction department in implementing this redevelopment project and the construction of housing units in Delmas 32. The urban planner will also help develop J/P HRO’s multidisciplinary approach to creating viable, sustainable, and resilient neighborhoods.
With direct supervision by the PREKAD Project Manager (Lora Vicariot), the Urban Planner will support the Engineering & Construction team in integrating physical, economic, and social planning aspects in a redevelopment plan for the PREKAD project in Delmas 32, assuring continuity with other ongoing or completed projects. The Urban Planner will also support the Project Manager by identifying links amongst the many redevelopment activities targeting the Delmas 32 neighborhood in order to develop a comprehensive, synergistic approach that will mutually reinforce redevelopment efforts and help solve mutual challenges. Examples of possible synergies that could be supported by an Urban Planner include the following:
• Developing infrastructure and transportation plans that support commercial activities • Designing housing units that could accommodate small, home-based businesses • Spatial analysis and maps of demographic, economic, and existing conditions data, pre- and post- implementation • Financial tools/product development for the housing market that are appropriate for low-income households • Support for small- and medium-sized businesses that could offer/manage infrastructure services such as energy, water, recycling, etc.
Responsibilities:
• Provide technical guidance to the development and visioning of housing unit models, reorganization of properties in line with redevelopment goals, inclusion of infrastructure, community engagement strategies, and beneficiary participation in the project• Perform a spatial analysis of existing conditions data resulting from an enumeration process in the intervention zone using GIS• Provide a training on GIS analysis to the Engineering & Construction team (but not limited)
• Research land tenure laws and contribute to a legalization strategy for the beneficiaries • Collaborate with the Community Engagement team on development and implementation of a community participatory process• Provide technical support to the Community Engagement Team in preparation and follow-up of community meetings, trainings, and participatory design activities with the community • Contribute to the creation of stakeholder contracts necessary to proceed with the project including beneficiary participation in the project, rental agreements, etc.
• Develop a strategy to for beneficiaries in order to legalize their land tenure rights• Contribute to internal reports, progress reports to funders or other stakeholders, reports on lessons learned and strategies used, etc. • Encourage a « team spirit » that allows for trust, creativity, positive attitudes, efficiency and productive collaborations
Other tasks:
• Contribute to proposals as asked • Develop and maintain contact with other J/P HRO programs (Livelihoods, Relocation etc.) in order to assure a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in project development
• Execute administrative tasks as necessary • Contribute to reports as necessary • Organize and/or participate in relevant trainings
Qualifications and Experience:
• University degree in Urban Planning/City Planning or Architecture; Master’s Degree a plus • Minimum 5 years’ experience in urban planning redevelopment, and community participation • Experience working with communities in informal settlements • Experience working with multiple actors on multidisciplinary projects: technical experts, government officials, beneficiaries living in precarious conditions, etc. • Mastery of spoken and written English and French required• Kreyol is a plus
How to apply:
To apply for this position please submit your application including motivation letter, resume and copy of diplomas to the Human Resources Department before September 18th, 2013 at 17, Rue Maurice Latortue , Delmas 48 or hrstaffing@jphro.org
