Consultant for World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is an agency established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Its primary goal is to provide adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat was established in 1978 and has since been pivotal in addressing urbanization challenges globally. The organization operates in over 90 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to improving urban living conditions and promoting sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat plays a crucial role in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on urbanization's impact on communities, economies, and the environment.

Job Overview:
The consultant for the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) will be responsible for providing substantive, operational, and coordination support for the upcoming forum, which is scheduled to take place in May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This position requires a strong focus on urban research and analytics to prepare for the forum's substantive sessions. The consultant will work closely under the supervision of the ERSKID Director, contributing to the strategic planning and execution of the forum's objectives. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including urban leaders, to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on sustainable urbanization. The consultant will also play a key role in monitoring the impact of the forum and ensuring that the outcomes align with the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Conducting research and policy analysis on urban and housing themes relevant to WUF, ensuring alignment with the New Urban Agenda and SDG 1
• Compiling and analyzing data to support the preparation of substantive sessions at WUF.
• Providing research and coordination support for high-level events at WUF, focusing on the New Urban Agenda.
• Offering substantive and coordination support for the organization of main sessions at WUF, under the guidance of the ERSKID Director.
• Supporting the development of the WUF impact strategy and monitoring its effectiveness.
• Assisting in the preparation of WUF outcome documents.
• Providing organizational support for a track dedicated to city leaders and mayors at WUF.
• Engaging and mobilizing partners, including WUF Alumni and private sector stakeholders.
• Offering technical support and inputs to the internal WUF13 Task Force and Operational Task Force. 1
• Facilitating effective stakeholder engagement towards WUF.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as business administration, public administration, environmental studies, economics, urban planning, social science, or a related discipline. A minimum of five years of diverse experience with international organizations is required, particularly in development cooperation environments such as NGOs, the UN system, or multilateral cooperation. Technical expertise in sustainable development and experience in stakeholder engagement are essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in program coordination and partnerships.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as business administration, public administration, environmental studies, economics, urban planning, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and sustainable practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of varied experience in roles related to international organizations, particularly within the context of development cooperation. This experience should include significant exposure to institutional environments such as NGOs, the UN system, or multilateral cooperation frameworks. The role demands a strong understanding of sustainable development practices and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and oral English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 8 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. The organization is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices.