Feasibility Study National Consultant

Client of United Nation careers

Organizational Setting

UN Habitat is the United Nations Agency for Human Settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities and to foster collaboration between urban actors. Its aim is to create inclusive, resilient, and equitable urban spaces with the mission to improve the living conditions of people in urban areas to achieve sustainable development.

Background:

Urbanization is a key driver of development, and cities are seen to be on the frontline of many of the global challenges the world is currently facing. In Egypt, 75% of the GDP is generated in urban areas and 80% of the jobs are in existing cities. However, unplanned urbanization and rapid encroachment the valuable agricultural and desert land surrounding cities and rural settlements result in rapid growth of informal, unplanned urban expansion. Over 16 million urban inhabitants live today in informal and unplanned settlements around urban areas. Moreover, urban population in Egypt is not evenly distributed among its cities, 96 percent of total population lives on 4 percent of the total national area, while the remaining percentage spread on 96 percent of the total inhibited area. This lead to more imbalances where 68 percent of the total population are living in three regions, Greater Cairo Region, Alexandria and Delta; representing 1.8 percent of Egypt s total area, while 77 cities comprise 4 percent of the urban population. Urban planning and management plays an important role in ensuring urbanization values are optimized, captured, and fairly distributed among urban and rural population. In Egypt, efforts to improve urban planning and management practices varies largely in their nature and effectiveness. The Ministry of Housing, Utilities and urban communities plays an effective role in guiding policies and programmes to improve urban development tools and programmes. In 2024, the UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Local Development (MOLD) signed a new project titled Identification of Priority Urban Development Interventions to Promote Investments, Smart Applications and Livable Dahab City. The project is Funded by the Islamic Development Bank and aims to inclusively improve the livelihood and living conditions for the population of Dahab city through identifying, prioritizing and advancing urban and social development interventions and improving urban governance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Through the application of a participatory project selection tool and a series of consultations with local stakeholders, an integrated priority project in the urban development sector was identified: 1. Urban upgrading of El Assala area and its affiliated residential urban expansion areas along with the Integrated development of Wadi Dahab area The project will undergo pre-feasibility studies and will proceed to a full feasibility study, to be carried out in coordination with the technical design consultant, legal consultant, and local economic development consultant, in order to prepare it for implementation. (Detailed project cards and locations will be provided for upon the start of the consultancy.)

Reporting Line :

Under the overall supervision and direct supervision of the Urban Development Programme manager in coordination with the Ministry of Local Development, the incumbent of the post will have to fulfil the following duties and responsibilities:

The consultant will lead the 1 pre-feasibility study, 1 feasibility study, and procurement and tender packages for the selected feasible project, ensuring its technical, legal, financial, and environmental viability while aligning with best practices and stakeholder objectives.

1. Pre-Feasibility Assessment: The consultant will conduct a preliminary analysis to assess the projects viability before detailed studies:

1.1. Concept Review: Evaluate the project scope for adequacy and supplement with additional research and data, referencing comparable projects where necessary.

1.2. Global Best Practices: Analyze successful project execution and operation strategies globally.

1.3. Sector Needs and Regulations: Assess current sector practices, facility requirements, and regulatory frameworks governing construction and operation.

1.4. Legal Review: Examine relevant international, national, and local laws to identify legal processes, requirements, and barriers to project implementation (in close coordination with the legal studies consultant).

1.5. Market Demand and Financial Assessment: Conduct market research, demand estimation, and initial financial and economic analysis, including value-for-money assessments and potential cost-recovery mechanisms (in close coordination with the finance and local resources consultant).

1.6. Environmental and Social Risks: Evaluate preliminary environmental and social impacts, associated risks, and mitigation measures.

1.7. Stakeholder Analysis: Identify the key stakeholders for each project, their interests, and their potential impact on the project's viability.

1.8. Procurement Options: Assess procurement modalities to determine the best value-for-money approach.

1.9. Prefeasibility templates: Design prefeasibility templates that can be used by local government representatives to assess the feasibility of future projects

2. Comprehensive Feasibility Study: The consultant will prepare a detailed feasibility study covering:

2.1. Demand Study:

2.1.1. Identify user requirements and forecast demand growth using clear methodologies.

2.1.2. Define necessary assets and quality standards to deliver services effectively.

2.2. Technical Analysis:

2.2.1. Collaborate with project designers to refine configurations, evaluate site conditions, and identify required land options.

2.2.2. Estimate lifecycle costs, analyze technical options, and explore ancillary revenue opportunities.

2.2.3. Collaborate with the project designer to finalize the preferred technical and commercial project configuration.