Global Advocacy Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency responsible for promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, ensuring adequate shelter for all. Established by the UN General Assembly, UN-Habitat operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to address urbanization challenges. The organization focuses on sustainable urban development and human settlements, working with national, regional, and local governments, NGOs, and other partners to implement the New Urban Agenda adopted at the Habitat III conference. UN-Habitat has a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, facilitating international collaboration on urban issues.

Job Overview:
The Global Advocacy Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the World Urban Forum (WUF) advocacy efforts at multiple levels, including global, regional, national, and sub-national. The consultant will be responsible for conceptualizing and implementing a comprehensive global advocacy plan for WUF13, which involves raising awareness about the forum's themes, high-level tracks, and outcomes. This position requires a strategic approach to engage relevant stakeholders and mobilize support for the forum, ensuring that the advocacy efforts align with UN-Habitat's mandates and objectives. The consultant will also be tasked with developing guidance materials, tracking performance indicators, and preparing analytical reports to document lessons learned and best practices from the forum.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include developing a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document for the World Urban Forum, ensuring it aligns with UN-Habitat mandates. This involves consolidating institutional knowledge and best practices from previous WUF sessions, covering key functional areas such as programme development, communications, operational planning, and volunteer management. The consultant will track and analyze key performance indicators related to participation and stakeholder engagement, contributing to post-event reports. Additionally, the consultant will lead the development of thematic reports on accessibility, sustainability, and volunteer management, conducting data analysis and documenting methodologies. The consultant will also design an advocacy strategy for WUF14, defining objectives, target audiences, and success indicators, while coordinating advocacy activities with UN-Habitat teams and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, social sciences, monitoring and evaluation, urban planning, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of responsible experience in advocacy, public affairs, strategic communications, or stakeholder mobilization in international development or urban policy is required. Experience in designing and implementing advocacy plans for high-level international forums or campaigns is essential, along with familiarity with urban sustainability issues and the role of policy advocacy in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as communications, social sciences, monitoring and evaluation, urban planning, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban issues and the necessary advocacy strategies to address them effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of responsible experience in advocacy, public affairs, strategic communications, or stakeholder mobilization, particularly in the context of international development or urban policy. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing and implementing advocacy plans for high-level international forums or campaigns, demonstrating their ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively. Experience working with the World Urban Forum or similar UN-led global platforms is also essential, as it provides valuable insights into the operational dynamics of such forums.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and while specific additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages, ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.