Senior Strategic Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat is an agency of the United Nations established by the General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. The organization focuses on advancing adequate housing, land, and basic services for all. It operates globally, with a mission to improve urban living conditions and promote sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat works in various countries, implementing programs that align with its strategic goals and objectives, particularly through its Regional Programme Division (RPD).

Job Overview:
The Senior Strategic Advisor will play a crucial role in enhancing strategic decision-making and organizational effectiveness within the Regional Programme Division (RPD) of UN-Habitat. This position is designed to provide high-level strategic advisory support, strengthen program governance, and improve program development and implementation approaches. The advisor will contribute to the coherent and effective delivery of RPD priorities and the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan for 2026–202

• The role involves working closely with senior management and stakeholders to ensure that the strategic objectives are met and that the organization operates efficiently and effectively. The advisor will also be responsible for fostering continuous improvement in strategy realization, program quality, and organizational learning, ensuring that the division remains aligned with its mission and goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Strategic Advisor include: A. Executive Advisory Support to the Director: Providing strategic advice and analytical support on divisional priorities and organizational performance; preparing executive briefing notes and strategic analyses; supporting the prioritization of strategic initiatives; and engaging with senior management and strategic partners. B. Integrated Business Model and Strategy Realization: Supporting the implementation and refinement of the integrated RPD business model; translating strategic priorities into practical frameworks; and identifying opportunities for improving organizational effectiveness. C. Programme Development and Strategic Positioning: Strengthening program development methodologies and quality; providing strategic inputs into program concepts and partnerships; and developing guidance to enhance program quality and consistency. D. Programme Governance and Institutional Alignment: Strengthening governance frameworks and quality assurance; facilitating leadership consultations; and supporting organizational realignment processes. E. Continuous Improvement, Knowledge, and Organizational Learning: Identifying opportunities for strengthening business processes; developing standardized tools and operational guidance; and capturing lessons learned to enhance knowledge-sharing across regions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international development, public administration, governance, organizational development, management, public policy, communications, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible international experience in strategy realization, organizational effectiveness, and program development is required. Demonstrated experience in providing strategic advisory support to senior executives and facilitating complex alignment processes is desirable, along with proven experience in developing organizational business models and institutional frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as international development, public administration, governance, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience, emphasizing the importance of both formal education and practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible international experience in areas such as strategy realization, organizational effectiveness, and program development. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in providing strategic advisory support to senior executives and facilitating complex alignment processes. Experience in developing and implementing organizational business models and frameworks is also essential, particularly in fragile or politically complex contexts, as well as in humanitarian, development, or United Nations environments.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for a duration of six months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. The organization is committed to maintaining integrity and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.