Consultant for Housing and Slum Transformation

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat is a United Nations agency established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The organization focuses on urban development and housing issues, working to improve living conditions in urban areas, particularly for vulnerable populations. UN-Habitat operates in multiple countries around the world, providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building support to member states and local authorities. The agency is committed to addressing the challenges of urbanization and ensuring that all individuals have access to safe and affordable housing.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the development of housing and slum transformation documents, which are essential for guiding policies and practices in urban development. This position involves working closely with the Land, Housing and Shelter Section (LHSS) of UN-Habitat, which is responsible for ensuring equitable access to land and adequate housing. The consultant will contribute to the creation of key components of housing projects, support their implementation, and engage with global partners to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing and new initiatives. The role requires a strong understanding of housing issues, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups, and the ability to provide technical advice on sustainable housing strategies and inclusive finance mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including drafting and reviewing documents related to housing and slum upgrading, providing technical advice on affordable housing strategies, and contributing to the development of project proposals. Specific duties include:

• Drafting and reviewing housing and slum upgrading documents, publications, and tools to ensure they meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
• Providing technical advice on sustainable housing practices and inclusive housing finance mechanisms.
• Contributing to the conceptualization and development of proposals for housing and slum-related projects.
• Drafting guidelines, reports, and case studies that focus on affordable, adequate, and sustainable housing solutions.
• Assisting in the creation of communication materials and content for the housing platform, collaborating with the communication team to ensure effective outreach and engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced education degree in fields such as housing studies, law, international development, urban planning, or related social sciences. A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable, and candidates with a PhD will be given preference. In lieu of a degree, relevant work experience in the aforementioned fields may be accepted. Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of demonstrated working experience in research, data analysis, and report writing, with a strong emphasis on housing research. Experience working with international organizations that have a housing mandate is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced education degree in housing studies, law, international development, urban planning, or related social sciences. A postgraduate qualification is preferred, and candidates with a PhD will be considered favorably. Relevant work experience can substitute for formal educational qualifications, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, particularly in research, data analysis, and report writing. Experience specifically related to housing research is essential, as is familiarity with the workings of international organizations focused on housing issues. This level of experience is crucial for effectively contributing to the development of housing and slum transformation documents and projects.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position. This proficiency is essential for drafting documents, reports, and communication materials, as well as for engaging with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 6 months, and while specific details regarding compensation and benefits are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, and training stages. The organization is committed to transparency and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.