Senior Expert for Stakeholder Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. It operates globally, focusing on creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to address urbanization challenges and reduce inequalities, discrimination, and poverty. The organization is recognized as the focal point for urbanization matters within the UN system, and it plays a critical role in facilitating stakeholder consultations through events like the World Urban Forum (WUF).

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Expert for Stakeholder Engagement is crucial for the successful execution of the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13), which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May 202

• The expert will be responsible for developing and implementing an enhanced and inclusive stakeholder engagement strategy that aims to increase participation and ownership of the WUF by diverse stakeholder groups. This role involves strategic support for stakeholder mobilization and engagement, ensuring that the processes align with UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The expert will lead the design and execution of stakeholder engagement tracks, provide policy guidance, and oversee the implementation of inclusive engagement processes leading up to and following WUF1
• The position requires a deep understanding of urban development issues and the ability to foster collaboration among various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of a stakeholder engagement track for WUF 13 and prepare a corporate stakeholder engagement mechanism.
• Provide strategic policy guidance on WUF stakeholder engagement and partnerships, ensuring alignment with UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029, SDGs, and the New Urban Agenda.
• Design and implement inclusive stakeholder engagement processes, platforms, and events leading up to, during, and after WUF1
• Develop performance measurement and impact indicators for the WUF 13 stakeholder engagement roadmap.
• Conduct substantive and strategic reviews of WUF 13 sessions to ensure relevance and high-impact outcomes.
• Guide the content and direction of pre-WUF 13 stakeholder engagement consultation sessions.
• Oversee the consolidation of stakeholder inputs for WUF13 outcomes.
• Prepare a consolidated diagnostics report on WUF stakeholder engagement to identify lessons and opportunities.
• Develop a guide to sustain meaningful stakeholder engagement beyond WUF1
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• Create a new stakeholder engagement mechanism for UN-Habitat for 2026-2029 based on WUF 13 experiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as business administration, management, economics, international relations, urban planning, or related areas. A minimum of 10 years of experience in urban research, data, partnerships, and advocacy is required. Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership building at the international level is desirable, along with a track record of working with diverse constituencies, including member states, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Familiarity with sustainable urban development issues and experience within the UN system are also advantageous. The ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced multicultural environment is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in business administration, management, economics, international relations, urban planning, architecture, mass media and communication, sociology, project management, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is critical as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of urban development and stakeholder engagement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in urban research, data analysis, partnerships, and advocacy. Candidates should have a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and partnership building at the international level, demonstrating their ability to work with various stakeholders, including member states and civil society organizations. Experience in addressing urban-related challenges and familiarity with the UN system will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, either English or French, is required, both in oral and written forms. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and remote, with an expected duration of 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.