Urban Policy and Implementation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. It operates globally, with a focus on urban development, housing, and territorial planning. UN-Habitat works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been expanding its portfolio in the region to support effective urban policies and strategies. The organization aims to assist countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda, with a particular focus on participatory and socially equitable urban development.

Job Overview:
The Urban Policy and Implementation Specialist will play a crucial role in advancing the National Urban Policy Programme (NUPP 2) in Paraguay. This position involves providing technical advisory services, policy analysis, and implementation guidance to support the development and execution of urban policies and strategies. The specialist will work closely with UN-Habitat's operational and technical teams, engaging with national and local counterparts to ensure effective implementation of the National Plan for Urbanism, Housing and Habitat (PLANUVIH). The consultant's success will be measured by the quality and timeliness of the support provided, the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement, and the overall progress in implementing urban policies in Paraguay. The role requires a strong understanding of urban development concepts and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Policy and Implementation Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing policy advisory support and technical coordination for the review and implementation of the National Plan for Urbanism, Housing and Habitat (PLANUVIH).
• Compiling and organizing technical information to align national urban initiatives with the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
• Preparing briefing notes, background documents, and presentations for UN-Habitat personnel and national counterparts.
• Identifying issues and information gaps in available documentation for consideration by officials.
• Supporting the implementation of PLANUVIH and related urban initiatives, including monitoring and documenting demonstration projects and capacity development initiatives.
• Coordinating with the Ministry of Urbanism, Housing and Habitat (MUVH) and other governmental institutions to facilitate information sharing and stakeholder engagement.
• Organizing technical meetings, consultations, and workshops, and documenting outcomes and follow-up actions.
• Supporting project monitoring activities by tracking indicators and implementation milestones, and preparing periodic reports for UN-Habitat and donors.
• Facilitating knowledge-sharing activities and documenting lessons learned and best practices from the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Urban Development, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Development, Economics, Geography, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in programme support, project coordination, urban development, housing, monitoring and reporting, or stakeholder engagement.
• Desirable experience in supporting urban development initiatives in Paraguay, project implementation, documentation, and reporting processes.
• Previous experience working with the United Nations system or international organizations is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Urban Development, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Development, Economics, Geography, or related disciplines. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of urban policies and the socio-economic factors influencing urban development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as programme support, project coordination, urban development, housing, monitoring and reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Experience in supporting urban development initiatives specifically in Paraguay is highly desirable, as is familiarity with project implementation and documentation processes. Candidates should also have experience working with multi-stakeholder coordination processes and possess knowledge of urban development concepts and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as it is the working language of the Regional Office. Proficiency in English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and prepare necessary documentation.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be appointed on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is subject to availability of funds and performance, and extensions are not automatic. The consultant will be required to submit monthly activity reports summarizing their contributions and progress. Travel may be required for project-related activities, and all travel will be coordinated and financed by UN-Habitat according to United Nations travel rules. Applications must be submitted in English and include all required documents. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.