SDG Localization Expert Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Established by the UN General Assembly, UN-Habitat's mission is to provide adequate shelter for all and to coordinate activities in the field of human settlement development. The organization is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and operates globally, engaging with local and regional governments to enhance urban development. UN-Habitat's strategic focus includes addressing issues such as adequate housing, land, and basic services, as well as transforming informal settlements and slums. The agency's recent initiatives include the endorsement of the Resolution on Localizing the SDGs, which aims to strengthen the capacities of local and national governments in SDG data, planning, and reporting. UN-Habitat's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan emphasizes Participatory Multilevel Governance and SDG Localization as key means of implementation, impacting the lives of 1 billion people across 50 countries and 1000 cities.

Job Overview:
The SDG Localization Expert Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the UN-Habitat's SDG Cities and Multilevel Governance Team. This position involves providing technical support for project development and implementation, developing tools and methodologies, and contributing to the overall SDG Cities methodology. The consultant will work closely with the Technical Lead of SDG Cities and the coordinator of the Technical Hub, ensuring that the initiatives align with UN-Habitat's strategic goals. The consultant's work will focus on advancing city-level transformation through the SDG Cities initiative, supporting national governments in developing National SDG Localization Frameworks, and facilitating global dialogue on SDG Localization. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that all outputs are coherent and integrated, leveraging data for evidence-based decision-making, and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary responsibilities include providing technical advisory services and methodology support for urban governance approaches, ensuring policy coherence at local and national levels. The consultant will mainstream multilevel governance and multistakeholder perspectives across all normative products produced by the team, including tools, methodologies, and training materials. Additionally, the consultant will guide quality assurance and substantive reviews of project-related documents, ensuring alignment with UN-Habitat's standards. The consultant will design and deliver training programs targeting local consultants, regional and country offices, and local governments, with a focus on inclusive approaches that address the needs of marginalized groups. The consultant will also identify opportunities for collaboration with other UN-Habitat teams and external partners, enhancing the overall impact of the SDG Cities initiative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in fields such as information management, business analysis, project management, or international development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. A minimum of two years of relevant working experience in sustainable development, urban governance, local development, and project management is required. Experience in local and/or national governance projects, as well as in developing knowledge products and materials, is essential. Familiarity with the Agenda 2030 and local implementation of the SDGs will be highly valued, along with previous experience with UN-Habitat at various levels.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as information management, business analysis, project management, or international development is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the SDG Cities initiative and related projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant working experience in areas related to sustainable development, urban governance, local development, and project management. Candidates should have experience working on local and/or national governance projects, as well as a proven track record in developing knowledge products and materials. Experience with the Agenda 2030 and local implementation of the SDGs will be highly regarded, particularly if the candidate has previously worked with UN-Habitat at the headquarters, regional, or country level.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy role. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the global dialogue on SDG Localization.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Technical Lead of SDG Cities and the coordinator of the Technical Hub, collaborating closely with other team members and units within UN-Habitat. 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.