National Consultant for Housing Profile Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the lead United Nations agency focused on cities and human settlements. Established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable urban development, UN-Habitat operates globally, working with various stakeholders to ensure adequate housing for all. The organization is guided by key documents such as the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements and the Habitat Agenda, and it plays a crucial role in delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly in relation to urbanization and housing issues. UN-Habitat's mission is to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, and it engages with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve these goals. The agency's work spans multiple countries and regions, focusing on addressing housing challenges and promoting sustainable urbanization practices.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Housing Profile Development will play a vital role in supporting the creation of a localized housing profile for a pilot city in Uzbekistan. This position emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized populations and migrants within the housing sector. The consultant will be responsible for conducting data collection, engaging in policy analysis, and facilitating stakeholder consultations to ensure that the housing profile is aligned with both local needs and national priorities. The consultant will also assist in integrating housing priorities into national planning frameworks, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of housing policies in Uzbekistan. This role requires a proactive approach to capacity-building and regional knowledge exchange, as well as efforts to increase the visibility of the project through communication and advocacy initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting comprehensive data collection and analysis related to housing conditions and needs in the pilot city.
• Engaging with local stakeholders, including municipal authorities and community representatives, to gather insights and foster collaboration.
• Developing policy recommendations based on research findings to support the creation of inclusive housing strategies.
• Assisting in the integration of housing priorities into broader national planning frameworks and urban development strategies.
• Supporting capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing local governance and stakeholder engagement in housing policy development.
• Contributing to regional knowledge exchange activities to share best practices and lessons learned in housing policy and urban development.
• Enhancing the visibility of the project through effective communication and advocacy efforts, including the preparation of reports and presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in fields such as urban planning, public administration, economics, urban management, housing policy, architecture, sociology, or other related disciplines. A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in housing policy, urban development, or research at the local level is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to lead independent research projects and produce high-quality written reports. A strong understanding of housing delivery systems, informality, land management, urban/territorial planning, and local governance is essential. Experience working with municipal authorities and local stakeholders is also necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of housing policy development.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, such as a master's degree or equivalent, in relevant fields that contribute to sustainable urban development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the multifaceted nature of urban planning and housing policy, as well as for effectively engaging with various stakeholders involved in the housing sector.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of professional experience in areas related to housing policy, urban development, or research at the local level. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, engage with local authorities, and contribute to policy development processes. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the housing sector, particularly in the context of marginalized populations and urban governance, is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Russian, both oral and written, is required for this position, as English serves as a working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of additional regional languages is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities in Uzbekistan.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months, during which the consultant will work closely with UN-Habitat's Land, Housing and Shelter Section. The role is focused on national-level engagement and policy development, and it is essential for candidates to be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages, ensuring a transparent and equitable recruitment process.