Housing Accessibility Standards 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, aiming to provide adequate shelter for all. The UN-Habitat Canada Office 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 operates from Montreal and emphasizes knowledge and innovation to accelerate affordable and adequate housing solutions, aligning with global commitments. It also supports intergovernmental dialogue on housing and contributes to the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, focusing on the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. The Canada Office is currently implementing a project on Accessible Ready Housing to advance inclusive design and standards.

Job Overview:
The Housing Accessibility Standards Specialist will play a crucial role in developing the Accessible-Ready Housing Guidance Package, ensuring that the perspectives of persons with disabilities are integrated into housing standards. This position involves leading consultations and co-creation processes with various stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, municipal staff, and technical experts. The specialist will conduct applied research on accessibility standards and policies, manage project workflows, and support national and international advocacy efforts. The role requires collaboration with diverse groups to gather evidence on accessibility challenges and to formulate recommendations for policy reform. The specialist will also contribute to the development of training materials and organize project-related events, ensuring that all project documentation is consistent and well-managed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Developing the Accessible-Ready Housing Guidance Package, ensuring that accessibility barriers identified by persons with disabilities are reflected in recommendations.
• Conducting consultations with stakeholders to gather evidence on accessibility challenges and validate findings.
• Analyzing feedback to formulate recommendations for standard and policy reform, identifying systemic barriers and regulatory gaps.
• Mapping regulatory workflows to identify overlooked accessibility considerations.
• Reviewing feasibility and cost considerations from an accessibility perspective.
• Creating knowledge and training products in accessible formats for dissemination at national and international events.
• Preparing progress reports and contributing to the housing programme and global knowledge exchange.
• Supporting project management and administrative tasks.
• Building strategic partnerships with academic institutions and community organizations. 1
• Contributing to resource mobilization efforts related to housing research and accessible solutions. 1
• Preparing inputs for major global events.

Required Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in Social Policy, Architecture, Urban Planning, Housing Policy, or a closely related field is required, along with demonstrated experience in community engagement and translating results into policy recommendations. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Familiarity with the Canadian housing and regulatory context, as well as experience in accessibility policy and inclusive design, is desirable. Candidates with lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Policy, Architecture, Urban Planning, or Housing Policy. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of accessibility and housing standards.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of experience in accessibility policy, disability inclusion, or inclusive design is required. Candidates should have experience in designing and facilitating engagement processes with persons with disabilities and knowledge of rights-based approaches to housing. Experience in applied research on housing adequacy and the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences is also necessary. Experience working with persons with disabilities and their organizations is an asset, as is familiarity with the United Nations system or international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this position, while proficiency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, reflecting the bilingual nature of the United Nations Secretariat.

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 position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants.