This vacancy for a junior/mid-level urban planning specialist is aimed at strengthening consulting and education activities at the institute. The candidate will join the Urban Socio-Spatial Development Academic Department. This department focuses on the application of social, spatial and gender justice principles as a framework for analysing urban processes and assessing projects, plans, and policies. It introduces the concept of housing justice and the principles behind the attainment of adequate housing to make just, inclusive and liveable cities. This thematic cluster requires an understanding of urban societies, the interaction of diverse stakeholder groups, gender, political economies and the dynamics of social interactions in space and time. It also includes the active transformation and conservation of space through urban renewal.  The candidate is expected to focus on consulting and education activities. These include acquiring and carrying out consulting and research assignments, teaching in the IHS master program and professional courses.

Qualifications and competencies we are looking for

We are asking for a candidate who:

-        Holds a PhD degree (or close to defending one) in urban planning, public policy, urban management, development studies or a related social sciences discipline.

-        Has a proven focus on and interest in aspects of urban planning, policies and strategies, preferably in developing countries.

-        Has knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative methods, including the advanced use of qualitative and/or statistical software. Knowledge of GIS is considered an asset.

Your competencies show your:

-        Experience in academic education and capacity building, such as course coordination, lecturing, tutoring and thesis supervision.

-        Experience with project work and acquisition, with excellent proposal and project report writing skills.

-        Experience working in development projects abroad (applied research and advisory). In particular in the Global South.

-        Excellent command of written and spoken English. Fluency in other languages, particularly French and Spanish is desirable.

A good track record in academic publications or the potential to publish in peer-reviewed journals is considered an asset.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Terms & conditions of employment

-        The position is available in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, starting for a period of 1 year, with possible extension of employment, and is based on a minimum of 32 hours per week to a maximum of 40 working hours per week.

-        Remuneration will be in line with the responsibilities of the role and related to the work experience of the candidate. For full-time employment the minimum gross monthly salary is €2,790 and the maximum €4,402 based on 40 working hours per week and on salary scale 10, and the minimum €3,746 and the maximum €5,127 based on 40 hours per week and on salary scale 11 of the CAO NU.

-        We would like to have the candidate starting as soon as possible but can be negotiated if required.

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)

About IHS

The Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) is a centre of urban development and management of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. IHS advises national and local governments worldwide, engages in cutting-edge applied urban research and educates urban professionals with diverse backgrounds. The IHS approach is based on the cross-fertilization of three activities: education, advisory services, and applied research. Together with its partners, IHS works at the forefront of urban development and management to improve the life quality of people living in cities across the globe.