Coordinator, Advocacy, Knowledge Management and Communications Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Established by the UN General Assembly, UN-Habitat aims to provide adequate shelter for all and is the lead agency within the UN system for coordinating activities related to human settlement development. The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in over 30 countries, and focuses on advancing sustainable urbanization, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN-Habitat's mission is to ensure that urbanization is a positive force for all, particularly for marginalized groups, and it plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration between local and regional governments and their networks. The agency's strategic plan for 2026-2029 emphasizes the importance of SDG localization and participatory multilevel governance as key means to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Coordinator will play a pivotal role in advancing UN-Habitat's SDG Localization and multilevel governance agenda. Under the guidance of the Head of the SDG Cities and Multilevel Governance Team, the Coordinator will lead a high-impact workstream focused on coordination, advocacy, strategic engagement, narrative development, knowledge management, and communications. This position requires a strategic thinker who can integrate various team members' efforts, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and effective delivery of advocacy and policy initiatives. The Coordinator will be responsible for developing and implementing an integrated advocacy strategy that enhances UN-Habitat's role in global, regional, and national policy processes related to SDG Localization. The role also involves overseeing the development of knowledge resources and ensuring that communications strategies effectively convey the organization's narrative on sustainable urbanization and governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Coordinator's duties include integrating core team members into a cohesive unit focused on advocacy, policy, and knowledge management. This involves supervising the Communications and Strategic Engagement Officer and the Advocacy, Knowledge Management and Web Development Consultant, ensuring their work aligns with the team's objectives. The Coordinator will lead the design and delivery of advocacy strategies, coordinate planning with various UN-Habitat teams, and represent the organization in key intergovernmental moments. Additionally, the Coordinator will oversee the development of advocacy products, manage stakeholder relationships, and ensure a coherent narrative across all communications. The role requires guiding the knowledge agenda, developing policy papers, and ensuring that the team's contributions align with corporate reporting and institutional learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced university degrees in relevant fields such as Public Affairs, Political Science, Social Sciences, Urban Studies, Communications, or Development Studies. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in sustainable development, urban governance, public policy, or international development is required. Proven expertise in coordinating teams, leading advocacy initiatives, conducting policy analysis, and engaging stakeholders is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to prepare high-quality reports and organize multi-stakeholder processes. Experience in supporting intergovernmental processes and policy dialogues is also required. Desirable qualifications include experience within the United Nations system or other international organizations, knowledge of SDG Localization, and familiarity with partnership-building initiatives.

Educational Background:
The position requires advanced university degrees in fields related to public affairs, political science, social sciences, urban studies, communications, or development studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainable urban development and governance, as well as for effectively engaging with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as sustainable development, urban governance, public policy, or international development. This experience should include a proven track record of coordinating teams, leading advocacy initiatives, and conducting policy analysis. Familiarity with intergovernmental processes and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders are also critical components of the required experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy role. Additionally, knowledge of another UN official language, specifically French or Spanish, is considered an asset. Proficiency in these languages will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the UN system and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of this consultancy is four months. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is associated with the UN-Habitat's Global Solutions Division. The role is full-time, and candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, or training stages, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.