Consultant for Urban Stakeholder Mobilization

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty through urbanization as a transformative force.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in mobilizing key urban stakeholders in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia for the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) and beyond. This position requires close collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator Offices in the region, under the supervision of the Inter-Regional Advisor. The consultant will lead efforts to engage speakers, stakeholder groups, and representatives from various sectors, ensuring strong regional engagement and outreach. The role involves providing technical support for organizing National and Regional Urban Forums, facilitating linkages between these forums and WUF13, and ensuring that their outcomes inform global discussions on urban issues. The consultant will also be responsible for logistics, stakeholder engagement, and reporting on outcomes from WUF13 sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include providing substantive support to countries in organizing National and Regional Urban Forums, mapping and engaging key institutions for high-impact sessions at WUF13, liaising with country focal points to resolve issues related to WUF13 preparations, and managing logistics for events. During WUF13, the consultant will assist in setting up country exhibition spaces, coordinate with country delegations, and support speakers. Additional responsibilities include preparing reports on outcomes from WUF13 sessions, maintaining lists of participation, and performing ad hoc assignments as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Urban Planning, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field relevant to sustainable urbanization and international development. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project management related to urbanization, strategic planning, and housing is required, along with experience in establishing working relationships with various partners in a complex institutional environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Development Studies, or Public Administration is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational background should align with the principles of sustainable urbanization and international development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project management related to urbanization, strategic planning, and housing. At least one year of progressive experience in a field related to the consultancy's terms of reference is essential. Candidates should have experience in establishing working relationships with various humanitarian and development partners and the capacity to work in a complex institutional environment involving government, international agencies, and civil society organizations. International experience, particularly within the United Nations System, is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of Russian is essential, as it will facilitate communication with stakeholders in the region. While French is a working language of the United Nations, it is not mandatory for this role but may be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months, with the possibility of being based in Baku, Azerbaijan, to facilitate coordination with national authorities and the WUF13 Secretariat. However, a home-based duty station may also be considered. At least one mission to Baku is anticipated during WUF13, and travel-related costs will be covered separately. The position emphasizes collaboration, communication, and effective planning and organizing skills. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.