Urban Planner Tansen, Palpa, Nepal

This assignment has been negotiated in good faith with the Partner Organisation, and the information contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while we take responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to change. This assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.

GENERAL DETAILS Assignment Title Urban Planner Partner Organisation Tansen Municipality Website of Partner Organisation www.tansenmun.gov.np Duration of Assignment 12 months Start Date November 14, 2019 Assignment Code

1. PARTNER ORGANISATION OVERVIEW Established in 1950, Tansen Municipality is one of the oldest municipalities of Nepal. Its geographical area was extended in 2015 by merging seven neighbouring local government units. The municipality has a population of approx. 47,500 (Town profile, 2019) residing in 14 wards covering an area of 109.80 sq.km. Vision: A prosperous and clean city; self-reliant and happy people. Objective: Prepare basic foundation for a clean city with proper education, health, tourism, economic development and infrastructure. The main purposes of Tansen Municipality include:  Promote economic development, environmental conservation and disaster management.  Infrastructure development, delivery of education and social development services.  Poverty reduction, agriculture development, preservation of culture and tourism promotion.  Industrial development.  Collaboration with the private sector, academic and research institutions, civil society organisation and other government institution.

 The capacity building of staff is a complementary purpose to contribute to the main purpose and to sustain positive changes.

The Municipality has 80 personnel in different units and branches.

2. ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW Tansen is a rapidly growing municipality due to increased connectivity with other districts of Nepal. In line with its vision and objectives the municipality aims at improving the overall management of facilities and services being provided to the people. The municipality has recently completed a baseline study covering a range of topics/issues through a program supported by Australian Aid. Based on the findings of study the municipality plans to design a long term urban development master plan and an integrated settlement plan to ensure cost effective and timely delivery of services as mandated by the Municipal Council. The municipality seeks the support of an experienced Australian Urban Planner volunteer for the development of a scientific land use plan and integrated urban development plan. The urban planner will work with the municipal executives, ward representatives, planning section, engineers and technicians to develop these plans and to transfer knowledge and skills.

3. ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES

 Work with the municipality team to design the Integrated Urban Development Plan (IUDP) and integrated settlement plan in line with the vision and objectives of the municipality.  Ensure that systems are in place to sustain the capacity developed in the Municipality.  To ensure the inclusion of all people directly affected by the volunteer assignment in the course of your work with the partner organisation and host community, including implementing strategies that relate to: a. promoting gender equality and empowering women, b. disability inclusion, and c. child safeguarding.

4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VOLUNTEER In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, Australian volunteers complete a work plan in the first three (3) months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the type of work that may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:  Support preparation of the Integrated Urban Development Plan (IUDP).  Design a phased Master Plan for the implementation of the IUDP.  Assist in organising stakeholder consultations as necessary  Support the municipality to elaborate the land use plan and design of integrated settlement planning at community level.  Provide technical support in the implementation of plan.  Develop and/or maintain partnerships with local, regional and international organisations, and national and provincial government, professional and peer networks.  Ensure that capacity development of local team members is central to all the above 02

5. SELECTION CRITERIA Qualifications, Essential Skills & Experience  University Degree in Urban Planning or Regional Development Planning  Five years’ experience in urban/town planning  Certifications in Planning from recognised authority.  Good skills in AUTOCAD, GIS and other planning software.  Experience in skills transfer and capacity building. Desirable Skills or Experience or Personal Qualities  Masters in Urban Planning or Regional Development Planning  Willingness and fit to walk in hilly areas.

6. ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION Line Manager Mayor. Staff Supervision The volunteer will not supervise any staff. Working Relationships Municipal Executives and Planning section team. Hours & Days of Employment From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 to 3:00 on Friday. The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum of 40 hours per week. Leave Entitlements All volunteers are entitled to 20 days leave per 12 months, unless otherwise advised. Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. Professional Indemnity Insurance Professional indemnity insurance is not provided for Australian volunteers. You should consult your partner organisation about the need for professional indemnity insurance for your role prior to your departure, and where required, you are advised to obtain adequate professional indemnity insurance from a reputable insurance provider.

Note: A volunteer must not act as a medical practitioner without adequate professional/medical indemnity insurance. This must be provided by the partner organisation, Australian organisation (if applicable) or self-arranged by the volunteer.

This applies to all clinical medical activities undertaken by midwives, nurses, doctors, paramedics, physiotherapists etc.).

Other Conditions If required to work after hours, volunteer is entitled to time off in lieu because there is no overtime pay provisions. Local Language Skills and Level Required Medium Language Support Language support is provided during the in-country orientation period. Most often, additional resources for further development later in the assignment will be available if required. 7. LIVING AS A VOLUNTEER Tansen Municipality is the administrative center of Palpa district in the hills of western Nepal. It is located on the highway between Butwal and Pokhara, on the crest of the Mahabharat range or Lesser Himalaya overlooking the valley of the Kaligandaki River to the north. The town enjoys a moderate climate with temperatures rarely exceeding 30 Celsius (86F) or going below freezing.

History Tansen was the capital of the Magar kingdom Tanahun, one of the most powerful regional principalities before the rise of the Shahs. It even came close to conquering Kathmandu in the 16th century under the leadership of Mukunda Sen. Local Magar kings lost influence in the 18th century and Tansen became a Newari bazaar on the important trade route between India and Tibet via the Kaligandaki River and Mustang.

Connectivity Completion of several road projects have put Tansen at the crossroads of major north-south and east-west highway systems of Nepal. A paved highway connects the town with Pokhara, 124 km to the north and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, 44 km to the south. There are regular bus and taxi services from Tansen to Pokhara, Kathmandu and other major town centres of Nepal. Road access is easy and roads are surfaced in the bazar areas. Road transportation (local bus, tourist bus, micro bus, jeep, cars, taxis, and motorcycles) is convenient for travel to, from and around Tansen Bazar. Telephone, mobile and internet access are easily accessible with good network systems and internet speed in Tansen.

Places of interest Nearby Srinagar Danda offers a panoramic view of the high Himalaya. The Kanjiroba Dhaulagiri, Lamtang, Annapurna and Ganesh Himalayas can be seen from Tansen. Other nearby attractions include Ranighat, a Rana palace next to the Kaligandaki River, and Ridi Bazaar, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination at the auspicious confluence of the Kaligandaki and Ridi Rivers. Besides trade, local Newars are known for traditional metalwork and producing dhaka cloth used

in traditional jackets and topies (Nepali traditional cap). The most important landmark is the octagonal Pavilion in the middle of Sitalpati, the main market square.

Local market The local market is big and is where you can find household items, foods, fruit, meat and clothing. Restaurants serve Nepali, Indian and Inter-continental/Western foods.

Accommodation One can rent a room or an apartment (note that access to fully furnished rooms is limited). Volunteers from other volunteer programs have lived and worked in Tansen and surrounding districts.

Health services Tansen has Lumbini Medical College, United Mission Hospital, Palpa Hospital including doctors’ clinics and pharmacies. Hospitals in Tansen serve as referral centres for surrounding districts.

8. ALLOWANCES & SUPPORT These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in the host country location. Allowances will be reviewed periodically and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to the allowance level. Living Allowance AUD $1,330.00 per month Accommodation Allowance AUD $300.00 per month Housing Assistance with the identification of suitable, secure and affordable accommodation will be provided by the In-Country Management Team. Other Allowances & Support All Australian Volunteers program volunteers receive the following:  Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne  In-country Orientation on arrival  Pre-departure vaccination expenses  Visa expenses  Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance  Return airfare to country of assignment  Psychological and medical advice and support services  Re-entry support services  Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)  Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)

9. PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION As a part of your online application you will be required to answer the following questions through a video recording (if you are unable to submit through the online video due to accessibility please contact the Recruitment Coordinator). Response to Selection Criteria a) Why do I feel that volunteering internationally is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in my life? b) What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a useful colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? c) The Australian Volunteers Program is committed to ensuring the inclusion of all people directly affected by the volunteer assignment, such as the partner organisation and host community. What is your personal experience and/or understanding of social inclusion. d) How do I match the Qualifications, Essential Skills & Experience? Include your most relevant experiences, results and achievements responding to each of the selection criteria in Section 5. Personal Circumstances Constraints The Australian Volunteers Program recognises and values the enhanced skills and expertise of returned volunteers as a result of their volunteering experience. The program is also designed to maximise international volunteering opportunities for all Australians. With this in mind, if a returned volunteer and a candidate who has not volunteered previously apply for the same role, preference will be given to the latter, providing they meet the personal and professional selection criteria for the role. We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal circumstances due to security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location:  Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants as part of the program may face issues in applying for and being issued with a visa

 Applicants with a criminal record where a criminal conviction may be relevant to the inherent requirements of the assignment.

10. HOW TO APPLY All applications must be submitted online through the Australian Volunteers Program website. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to register on our website prior to applying. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this assignment.