Urban Planning Consultant

Organizational context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development. The Climate Change Division focuses on strategic guidance for climate stability, supporting countries in mitigation and adaptation efforts. This role sits within the Mitigation Branch, specifically supporting the India Cooling Programme.

Job purpose: This consultancy aims to strengthen the integration of urban heat resilience and sustainable cooling approaches into urban planning and development processes in India. The role will provide technical and analytical support to national, state, and city-level governments, as well as other stakeholders. By translating evidence into practical recommendations and facilitating coordination, the consultant will bolster evidence-based heat-resilient urban planning, promote passive cooling and nature-based solutions, and enable the replication of sustainable cooling strategies across Indian cities, contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation goals.

Responsibilities: Support the Mitigation Branch and UNEP India Office in implementing the India Cooling Programme, focusing on urban heat resilience and sustainable cooling. Translate evidence on urban heat, morphology, passive cooling, and nature-based solutions into practical planning and urban design recommendations for national, state, and city-level governments. Integrate heat resilience and cooling considerations into master plans, local area plans, urban design, infrastructure planning, Heat Action Plans, and development regulations. Provide technical and analytical support, facilitate coordination with technical partners, support stakeholder engagement and capacity building, and document/disseminate good practices. Liaise with UNEP Asia-Pacific, Paris, and Copenhagen offices.

Education: Advanced university degree in sustainable urban planning, architecture, landscape planning, civil engineering, building science, environmental studies, or equivalent. A first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Fluency in English is required.

Work experience: A minimum of three years of relevant work experience, preferably in sustainable urban planning, urban heat mapping, GIS, passive cooling, and green buildings. Experience in engaging multiple stakeholders in project development and partnership building is essential. Experience working with Indian government ministries, state governments, public sector undertakings, cities, and international organizations is an asset.

Skills: Sustainable urban planning, urban heat mapping, GIS, passive cooling, green buildings, technology, financing, policy and regulatory frameworks related to urban cooling, stakeholder engagement, partnership building.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: