Consultant for Housing and Land Policy

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 with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Canada Office of UN-Habitat serves as a focal point for partnerships, applied research, and policy engagement in Canada and across North America, contributing to the implementation of UN-Habitat’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan. The office emphasizes knowledge and innovation to accelerate affordable and adequate housing solutions, while also contributing to global efforts to strengthen intergovernmental dialogue on housing.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide support in all steps of the data management process, preparing evidence-based inputs on housing and land policy and finance markets. The role involves consolidating research outputs and knowledge products that enhance the office’s housing program in Montreal and contribute to the global exchange of Canadian expertise on sustainable and inclusive housing and urban development. The consultant will engage in applied research, assess housing finance systems, evaluate innovative financing mechanisms, and provide recommendations for regulatory reforms. This position is full-time and based in Montreal, Canada, with an expected duration of six months, and may be extended based on performance evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will conduct applied research on housing markets, assess housing finance systems, evaluate innovative financing mechanisms, examine governance roles in housing supply, provide recommendations for regulatory reforms, assess impacts on vulnerable populations, develop research outputs and policy briefs, prepare case studies, engage with various stakeholders, support workshops and consultations, monitor project progress, and prepare briefings for major global events. The consultant will also support the Canada Office in communications, advocacy, and administrative activities.

Required Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, Finance, Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Public Policy, Urban Planning, International Development, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Desirable specializations include housing finance, investment analysis, policy analysis, and comparative research methods. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in applied economic research, housing market analysis, or policy evaluation is required, along with demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and present findings effectively.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Finance, Urban Studies, or related areas focusing on housing finance or policy research is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Specializations in housing finance, investment analysis, and policy innovation are desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in applied economic research, housing market analysis, or policy evaluation is required. Experience in designing and implementing research methodologies, analyzing housing finance frameworks, and drafting analytical papers is essential. Experience within the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is desirable, as is experience integrating equity and culturally responsive approaches into housing analyses.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. 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, mid-level 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 have permission to work in Canada. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.