The Cities Alliance is a global partnership promoting the role of
cities in pove...
The Cities Alliance is a global partnership promoting the role of
cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development, and is located within the UN system: while it was
originally based at the World Bank in Washington DC, since 2013 it has been based in Brussels
where it is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services
(UNOPS).
The Cities Alliance has established an international reputation
for its role in promoting coherence of effort in international development,
identifying critical policy and knowledge gaps, convening members and partners,
and delivering high-quality programmes. The context of its work is that of
rapidly urbanising economies, the growth of cities of all sizes, and promoting
the interests of the urban poor in
general, and women in particular. Adopting a long-term and programmatic
approach that recognises the catalytic nature of development assistance, the
Cities Alliance seeks to work with and support local expertise and
institutions, ensure citywide and nationwide approaches to development, and
facilitate follow-up investments and impacts.
The Cities Alliance undertakes regular independent evaluations, as
well as programme and financial audits. The Secretariat has recently completed
a comprehensive restructuring and re-staffing, with an empowered and effective
management team.
The Management
Board (on which UNOPS is represented ex
officio) is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction,
priorities and budget of the Cities Alliance. The Secretariat is responsible
for the implementation of the work programme and related activities, and shall
report to the Management Board on these, through the Director.
The Director of
the Cities Alliance is a UNOPS Director, subject to UNOPS policies and
procedures.
Background Information - Job-specific
The Director leads the Cities Alliance Secretariat, and
is responsible for ensuring the
formulation, adoption, financing and
implementation of the Strategic Plan (currently 2018-2021), and its Annual Work
Plans. This requires clear and consistent leadership, and strategic/diplomatic collaboration management to work with Cities Alliance members, partners and country
stakeholders to fulfil the vision and mission of Cities Alliance. To fulfil
this function, the Director maintains regular contact with the Chair of the
Management Board on matters of strategy and substance and, where appropriate,
with the President of the Assembly.