Adequate Housing Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat is the agency for human settlements, established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Canada Office of UN-Habitat serves as a focal point for partnerships, applied research, and policy engagement in Canada and North America, contributing to the implementation of UN-Habitat’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan. The office emphasizes knowledge and innovation to accelerate housing solutions that are affordable, adequate, resilient, and compatible with national and global commitments. It plays a central role in partner engagement, research-policy-action interface, advocacy, and communication, and advancing sustainable urbanization agendas. The Canada Office also collaborates closely with UN-Habitat's Land, Housing and Shelter Section in Nairobi, Kenya, to support intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation on housing, particularly through the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All (OWEG-H).

Job Overview:
The Adequate Housing Specialist will provide comprehensive support in all steps of the data management process, focusing on urban and housing adequacy, climate-smart housing, and applied research. The consultant will work under the guidance of the UN-Habitat Canada Office team and the Land, Housing and Shelter Section to consolidate research outputs and knowledge products that enhance the office’s housing program. The role involves conducting applied research on various aspects of housing adequacy, including cultural adequacy and accessibility, and supporting knowledge management activities. The consultant will also be responsible for developing innovative communication formats for research findings and ensuring that the office's initiatives align with global standards and frameworks related to sustainable urban development and adequate housing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with providing technical and analytical support to the Canada Office’s research agenda on adequate housing, focusing on accessibility. Responsibilities include conducting applied research on housing adequacy, supporting project management and knowledge management tasks, developing research methodologies for data collection and analysis, and creating innovative formats for communicating research findings. The consultant will also manage housing-related data sources, organize meetings and workshops, contribute to strategic partnerships, and provide inputs to UN-Habitat initiatives related to Sustainable Development Goal 1

• Additionally, the consultant will support monitoring and evaluation efforts, contribute to resource mobilization, and prepare regular progress reports and recommendations for the Canada Office’s housing program.

Required Qualifications:
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 is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Desirable specializations include housing systems and policy, inclusive and accessible design, Indigenous and culturally responsive housing, or sustainable urban development. A minimum of 2 years of experience in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative analysis tools, and documenting research outputs is required. Strong report writing and editorial skills are highly desirable, along with experience in analyzing frameworks related to accessible and inclusive housing design.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, International Development, or Social Policy, with a focus on housing and accessibility. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. Specializations in housing systems, inclusive design, or sustainable urban development are preferred.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and the ability to conduct applied research on housing adequacy. Experience in analyzing frameworks related to accessible and inclusive housing design is desirable, along with progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in housing systems and sustainable urban development. Experience with Indigenous or community-led housing initiatives is an asset, as is experience in 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.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Montreal, Canada, offered initially as a six-month contract with the possibility of extension based on performance. Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.