Research and Policy Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty through positive urbanization. The organization operates globally, focusing on aligning its field activities with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adapting to country contexts in close alignment with UN reform initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of Research and Policy Analyst is based in the Regional Programme Division in Istanbul, Türkiye, and is integral to supporting UN-Habitat’s mandate in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The successful candidate will work closely with governments, civil society, and various stakeholders to align national priorities with global frameworks, particularly focusing on advancing sustainable urbanization in accordance with the 2030 Agenda. The role involves conducting research, providing policy support, and contributing to the development of strategies that promote sustainable urban development. The incumbent will be expected to engage in various activities, including workshops, consultations, and field missions, to ensure effective implementation of UN-Habitat’s initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research and Policy Analyst include conducting basic research on programs and operations related to Central Asia and Eastern Europe, analyzing and presenting statistical data, providing support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, assisting in consulting assignments, preparing written outputs such as background papers and reports, providing administrative support for meetings and conferences, participating in outreach activities, coordinating budget-related activities, and contributing to data collection and analysis. The role also requires the ability to visualize data for effective decision-making and reporting, and performing other duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of social science theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to urban development, management, and international relations. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze issues, develop data collection sources, and conduct independent research. The role requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage conflicting priorities, and a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills are essential for success in this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in social science, urban planning, architecture, engineering, international relations, economics, urban development, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in socio-economic development, policy analysis, sociological research, architecture, urban design, or related areas is required. Candidates should have experience in urban development, research, and policy analysis at various levels, including local, national, and international. Experience in conducting policy reviews and preparing recommendations for decision-makers is essential. Familiarity with analyzing and presenting large quantities of urban statistics using relevant software is desirable, as is experience with digital platforms for public participation in urban planning.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, while knowledge of Russian and another official UN language is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions throughout their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its workforce, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.