Climate Change and Environmental Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, was established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable and resilient towns and cities. It serves as the focal point agency for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat envisions well-planned, well-governed, and efficient cities and towns, ensuring adequate housing, infrastructure, and universal access to employment and basic services such as water, energy, and sanitation. The organization operates through its Regional Programme Division (RPD), which supports regional and country-level implementation, ensuring coherent, demand-driven, and coordinated assistance across Member States. The RPD integrates various programs, including the Urban Lab programme and the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation (RPTC), to enhance collaboration with field offices and improve the effectiveness of technical cooperation and program delivery. UN-Habitat is active in over 60 countries and 80 cities worldwide, focusing on sustainable urban development and climate resilience, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Job Overview:
The Climate Change and Environmental Expert will provide normative and technical expertise on topics related to territorial and urban planning, finance, and economy, particularly in their linkages with climate change adaptation and mitigation. This role is crucial for the Urban Lab and Country Offices, where the expert will contribute to the development of innovative solutions to complex urban challenges. The position requires a proactive approach to sustainable urbanization, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda. The expert will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including urban planners, environmental scientists, data analysts, and financial experts, to deliver transformative change in urban settings. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders to ensure effective communication and dissemination of project results, thereby enhancing visibility across global, regional, and local platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: providing technical expertise on climate change and urban resilience; conducting data analysis and spatial assessments for climate vulnerability; reviewing climate and environmental frameworks; performing desk and field research on sustainable urban development; facilitating participatory processes and workshops; advising on event materials and outreach communications; developing normative materials and publications; preparing project proposals for international climate funds; monitoring environmental and social project risks; contributing to progress reports on project implementation; and ensuring effective communication of project results to enhance visibility across various platforms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in environmental engineering, environmental policy and climate change, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The role requires a strong foundation in urban and territorial planning or climate change, with at least two years of relevant work experience. Experience in climate-resilient urban planning and urban water resilience is essential, while prior work experience within the United Nations System or similar organizations is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in environmental engineering, environmental policy and climate change, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and two years of qualifying work experience may also be considered. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address complex urban and environmental challenges effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in urban and territorial planning or climate change. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in climate-resilient urban planning and urban water resilience. Experience working within the United Nations System or similar organizations is considered an asset, as it provides familiarity with international standards and practices in sustainable urban development.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable, as it enhances communication capabilities within the diverse international context of UN-Habitat's operations.

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