Consultant for Urban Projects

Consultant for Urban Projects

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)

February 27, 2026March 5, 2026MadridSpain
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is an agency of the United Nations established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. The organization was mandated by the UN General Assembly and operates under several key documents, including the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements and the Habitat Agenda. UN-Habitat aims to provide adequate shelter for all and works on various initiatives to enhance urban living conditions. The organization has a global presence, with numerous offices and projects in various countries, focusing on urban development and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Urban Projects is designed to provide implementation support for the 'Cities that Go Beyond' initiative, which is part of the broader efforts of UN-Habitat to promote sustainable urban development in Spain. The consultant will work closely with the UN-Habitat Country Office in Spain, under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer. The role involves supporting the implementation of transformative urban projects in collaboration with municipalities, ensuring that these projects align with the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1
  • The consultant will be responsible for delivering technical assistance, facilitating knowledge exchange, and disseminating results to enhance the impact of urban interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:
  • Providing technical urban support to four to six municipal transformative projects involved in the initiative.
  • Participating in project monitoring, which includes collecting, analyzing, and organizing data related to urban interventions, as well as preparing monitoring outputs and reports that meet project requirements.
  • Contributing to the design of a Community of Practice focused on urban issues, which involves preparing inputs, technical briefs, and materials for knowledge exchange.
  • Preparing technical documents, concept notes, and proposals for the development or expansion of project components, particularly those with an urban focus.
  • Supporting coordination activities with participating municipalities and relevant partners, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on technical matters.
  • Documenting meetings, discussions, and technical sessions, and maintaining organized records to support project implementation and knowledge management.
  • Elaborating reports and technical proposals related to new components of the project, ensuring clarity and coherence with project goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as architecture, urbanism, social sciences, international relations, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of two years of progressive experience in project or program formulation and management, event/seminar management, or related areas is required. A general understanding of development paradigms related to urban topics is desirable, and international experience, particularly within the United Nations System, is considered an asset. Familiarity with UN-Habitat's New Urban Agenda, UN Reform agenda, Sustainable Development Goals, and related global initiatives is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as architecture, urbanism, social sciences, or international relations. Candidates with a first-level degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of urban development and the strategic frameworks guiding UN-Habitat's initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of progressive experience in areas such as project or program formulation and management, event/seminar management, or related fields. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to effectively contribute to urban projects and initiatives, showcasing a solid understanding of urban development paradigms and practices. International experience, particularly with the United Nations or similar organizations, is highly valued and can enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, fluency in spoken and written Spanish is required due to the position being based in Spain. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN, but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of four months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.
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