Consultant for Urban and Housing Adequacy

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat is the agency for human settlements, established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Its mission is to provide adequate shelter for all. The Canada Office of UN-Habitat plays a crucial role in implementing the organization’s strategic plans and initiatives, particularly focusing on partnerships, applied research, and policy engagement in Canada and North America. The office emphasizes knowledge and innovation to accelerate affordable and resilient housing solutions, aligning with national and global commitments. The Canada Office operates from Montreal and is integral to advancing sustainable urbanization agendas in the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for supporting the data management process and preparing evidence-based inputs on urban and housing adequacy, as well as climate-smart housing. This role involves consolidating research outputs and knowledge products that enhance the housing program in Montreal and contribute to the global exchange of Canadian expertise on sustainable and inclusive housing and urban development. The consultant will work closely with the UN-Habitat Canada Office team, under the guidance of the Head of Office, and will engage in various research and knowledge management activities. The position is full-time and based in Montreal, with an expected duration of six months, potentially extendable based on performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will carry out a variety of tasks, including:

• Working under the supervision of the Head of the UN-Habitat Canada Office and coordinating closely with staff and partners.
• Providing substantive support to the office’s urban and housing-focused research and knowledge management agenda.
• Participating in events, meetings, and consultations as requested.
• Offering technical support in the conceptualization, production, and dissemination of research and data products on urban and housing adequacy, climate-smart housing, and inclusive housing innovation.
• Designing and implementing strategies for research and data analysis on urban and housing matters, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Supporting the development of knowledge management tools, policy briefs, and capacity-building resources related to urban and housing policy.
• Monitoring and reporting on urban and housing-related initiatives in collaboration with the Canada Office team.
• Advising on strategic partnerships with Canadian and international research institutions and knowledge networks.
• Drafting technical notes, policy briefs, and research documents on housing and sustainable urban development. 1
• Providing technical support for activities related to Sustainable Development Goal 11 on ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’. 1
• Contributing to resource mobilization activities related to housing research and knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Economics, Urban Studies, Geography, Housing Policy, International Development, Statistics, Econometrics, Urban Economy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 2 years of experience in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative analysis tools, and survey design is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to conduct applied research on housing adequacy and climate-smart housing, and to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences. Strong report writing and editorial skills are highly desirable, along with progressively responsible work experience in housing systems and sustainable urban development.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Urban Studies, Geography, Housing Policy, International Development, Statistics, Econometrics, or Urban Economy is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is required, particularly in research methodologies and analysis tools. Experience in applied research on housing adequacy and climate-smart housing is essential, along with the ability to communicate research outputs effectively. Progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in housing systems and sustainable urban development is desirable, as is experience within the United Nations Common System or other international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this position. Proficiency in French is highly desirable, and knowledge of another official UN language is considered an additional asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time, on-site role based in Montreal, Canada, offered as a six-month contract with the possibility of extension based on performance. Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.