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. The organization works with various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places. UN-Habitat's 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. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on urban development, housing, and environmental policies, and aims to implement the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026-2029 and the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals.

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 consultant 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 specialist will be responsible for monitoring progress, reporting on activities, and facilitating stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable urban development in Paraguay.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Policy and Implementation Specialist will have a wide range 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.
• Supporting the implementation of PLANUVIH and related urban initiatives, including monitoring and documenting demonstration projects.
• Coordinating with the Ministry of Urbanism, Housing and Habitat (MUVH) and other governmental institutions to facilitate information sharing and stakeholder engagement.
• Monitoring project activities, consolidating information related to indicators and implementation milestones, and preparing draft inputs for periodic reports.
• Supporting knowledge-sharing activities and documenting lessons learned and best practices for internal use.

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.
• Knowledge of urban development, housing, and territorial planning concepts is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and standard information-management tools is required.
• Experience with project-cycle management and Results-Based Management concepts is 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.

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 in Paraguay is particularly desirable, as is familiarity with the United Nations system or international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as it is the working language of the Regional Office. A working knowledge of English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be required to submit monthly activity reports summarizing the technical advisory services provided, meetings facilitated, and stakeholder engagement activities supported. The position is expected to last for eight months, and the consultant must be available for travel related to project activities as required. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applicants are encouraged to apply without concern for financial obligations.