Consultant for Housing and Urban Development

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UN-Habitat, which is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Established by the UN General Assembly, UN-Habitat's mission is to provide adequate shelter for all and to promote sustainable urbanization. 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 operates in Montreal and emphasizes knowledge and innovation to accelerate housing solutions that are affordable, adequate, resilient, and aligned with national and global commitments. UN-Habitat's Canada Office contributes to global efforts to enhance intergovernmental dialogue on housing, working closely with the Land, Housing and Shelter Section in Nairobi, Kenya, and supporting initiatives like the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All. This office is integral to the implementation of UN-Habitat's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, engaging in various domains such as partner engagement, research-policy-action interface, advocacy, and communication, all aimed at promoting sustainable urbanization agendas in the Canadian context.

Job Overview:
The consultant position is designed for a motivated and skilled mid-level professional who will support the UN-Habitat Canada Office in various aspects of the data management process related to urban and housing adequacy, as well as climate-smart housing. The consultant will be responsible for providing evidence-based inputs and consolidating research outputs that enhance the office's housing program. This role involves conducting applied research, developing knowledge management tools, and engaging in strategic partnerships to promote inclusive housing frameworks. The consultant will also contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 11, focusing on sustainable cities and communities, and will support the integration of Canadian innovations into global policy dialogues. The position is full-time and based in Montreal, with an initial contract duration of six months, potentially extendable based on performance evaluations.

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

• Providing technical and analytical support to the Canada Office's research and knowledge management agenda on housing adequacy.
• Conducting applied research on elements of housing adequacy, including cultural adequacy and accessibility.
• Producing and disseminating data-driven research products and policy briefs.
• Designing research methodologies for housing data collection and analysis.
• Developing knowledge management tools and capacity-building materials.
• Creating innovative formats for communicating research findings.
• Mapping and analyzing housing-related data sources.
• Participating in meetings and workshops to promote inclusive housing frameworks.
• Contributing to strategic partnerships with academic institutions and community organizations. 1
• Providing inputs to UN-Habitat initiatives related to adequate housing. 1
• Supporting monitoring and evaluation of housing research outputs. 1
• Assisting in resource mobilization and proposal development. 1
• Preparing progress reports and recommendations for the housing program. 1
• Integrating Canadian expertise into global knowledge exchange. 1
• Supporting preparations for major global events related to urban development. 1
• Assisting with general functions of the Canada Office, including communications and administrative activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, International Development, Social Policy, or a related field with a focus on housing, accessibility, or cultural adequacy. 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, inclusive design, Indigenous housing, or sustainable urban development. A minimum of 2 years of experience in research methodologies and analysis tools is required, along with demonstrated ability to conduct applied research on housing adequacy and to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences. Strong report writing and editorial skills are also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, International Development, or Social Policy, with a specific focus on housing, accessibility, or cultural adequacy. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. Specializations in housing systems, inclusive design, or sustainable urban development are particularly desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and the ability to document and communicate research outputs effectively. Candidates should have progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in housing systems, sustainable urban development, and knowledge management. Experience with Indigenous or community-led housing initiatives is an asset, as is 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 asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based in Montreal, Canada, with an initial contract duration of six months, which may be extended based on performance evaluations. 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 fair and transparent hiring process.