Consultant for Housing Policy Research

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UN-Habitat, which is the United Nations agency responsible for human settlements and sustainable urban development. Established by the UN General Assembly, UN-Habitat's mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, with the overarching goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Canada Office of UN-Habitat plays a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission within Canada and North America, focusing on partnerships, applied research, and policy engagement. The office emphasizes knowledge and innovation to accelerate housing solutions that are affordable, adequate, and resilient, aligning with national and global commitments. It also contributes to UN-Habitat's global efforts to enhance intergovernmental dialogue on housing, working closely with the Land, Housing and Shelter Section in Nairobi, Kenya. The Canada Office operates in Montreal and is involved in various domains, including partner engagement, research-policy-action interface, advocacy, and communication, all aimed at advancing sustainable urbanization agendas.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for providing comprehensive support throughout the data management process, preparing evidence-based inputs on international housing policies, and assisting in applied research and knowledge management activities. Under the guidance of the UN-Habitat Canada Office team and the Land, Housing and Shelter Section, the consultant will consolidate research outputs and knowledge products that enhance the office's housing program. This role is pivotal in contributing to the global exchange of Canadian expertise on sustainable and inclusive housing and urban development. The consultant will engage in applied and comparative research on housing market policies and governance arrangements, design and implement policy research methodologies, and draft analytical papers and policy briefs. The position is full-time, based in Montreal, and is initially offered as a six-month contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance evaluation. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that research findings inform and enrich policy dialogues and contribute to the advancement of housing solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will carry out a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, including: conducting applied and comparative research on housing market policies and governance arrangements; designing and implementing policy research methodologies to analyze governance and regulatory approaches affecting housing markets; drafting analytical papers and policy briefs that synthesize insights on effective housing policy instruments; examining policy drivers and barriers influencing housing supply; integrating equity and inclusion perspectives into policy frameworks; preparing case studies on successful housing supply reforms; supporting intergovernmental policy dialogues; analyzing and summarizing research findings for dissemination; developing knowledge products and digital tools; contributing to project monitoring and evaluation; engaging with stakeholders to strengthen research partnerships; preparing briefings and recommendations for housing policy reform; and supporting the Canada Office in communications and administrative activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Architecture, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, International Development, Social Policy, or a related field with a focus on housing policy research. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Desirable specializations include housing systems and policy analysis, comparative research methods for housing policy evaluation, and policy innovation for national and international contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of housing policy frameworks and possess the ability to conduct comparative research and synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Architecture, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, International Development, or Social Policy, with a specific focus on housing policy research. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. Candidates with specializations in housing systems, policy analysis, and research methodologies will be preferred.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in applied research and policy analysis is required. This experience should include designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, survey design, and effectively communicating research outputs. Candidates should have demonstrated ability in conducting comparative research on housing supply, adequacy, and affordability, as well as experience in drafting analytical papers and policy briefs. Experience in national or international projects related to housing supply systems is desirable, along with familiarity with the United Nations Common System or other international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is highly desirable, and knowledge of another official UN language is considered an additional asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

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