Programme Support and Knowledge Sharing Associate (Bilbao-Based)

Result of ServiceThe consultant's primary responsibility will be to support the activities of the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat, including: (i) providing support to the Local2030 Coalition Steering Committee meetings; (ii) contributing to the implementation of the Knowledge and Scientific Network (KSN); (iii) advancing the Coalition’s youth engagement strategy; (iv) assisting in the preparation of the Coalition’s report of activities; and (v) offering general support to the Secretariat’s operations. Work LocationBilbao Expected duration13 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesDuties and Responsibilities Background The position is located in the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat in Bilbao, as part of the Global Solutions Division. The Global Solutions Division (GSD) provides programmatic direction for UN-Habitat and is responsible and accountable for the programmatic delivery of the Strategic Plan. The Division leads the tools and methodology production and the integration of the various substantive competencies towards the effective delivery of the Strategic Plan and the mandate of UN-Habitat. It provides substantive training and supports capacity development of Member States and partners. The Local2030 Coalition is the UN system-wide mechanism to advance the crucial engagement of local stakeholders in a systematic way - a common space to mobilize, engage, and empower every local actor, everywhere – towards achieving the SDGs. The Coalition is underpinned by the recognition that strategic and committed partnerships are key to ensuring coherence and effectiveness. Inside the UN system, the Local2030 Coalition aims to strengthen coordination between the UN entities' efforts and expand and deepen their partnerships with local actors to advance the SDGs. The Coalition is co-chaired by UN-Habitat (as the permanent co-chair) and one other UN entity, which rotates every two years (currently FAO). UN-Habitat also leads the Secretariat of the Local2030 Coalition. The Coalition is governed by a Steering Committee and supported by a UN Directors’ Group, which includes senior representatives from various UN Agencies, Offices, Funds, and Programmes. The Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) closely accompanies and supports the work of the Local2030 Coalition. To provide concrete support the Local2030 Coalition builds on existing initiatives and focuses on advocacy to deepen understanding of localization and available resources, action to enable local transitions through technology, capacity building, and financing, and monitoring and reporting on local SDG implementation, including through peer learning, Voluntary Local Reviews, and alignment with national reporting. To support these efforts, the Coalition seeks a consultant to assist the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat by supporting the Steering Committee, implementing the Knowledge and Scientific Network (KSN), the Coalition’s youth engagement strategy, preparing the Coalition’s annual activity report, and providing general Secretariat support. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Provide support to the Local2030 Coalition Steering Committee meetings: • Support the development and dissemination of key documents to keep Steering Committee members informed, including meeting minutes, background notes, and organizing bilateral meetings as needed. • Assist in organizing Steering Committee meetings, including coordinating with participants, managing logistics, and ensuring the timely circulation of relevant materials. • Contribute to the preparation of supporting materials for Steering Committee meetings and bilateral meetings, including agendas, talking points, presentations, briefings, and other relevant documentation. 2. Contribute to the implementation of the Local2030 Coalition Knowledge and Scientific Network (KSN): • Support the growth of KSN by identifying universities and research institutes that can become partners. • Maintain up-to-date and accessible information for KSN members and the Local2030 Coalition network by managing a shared folder that contains concept notes, membership lists, terms of reference, event details, communication materials, and other relevant documentation. • Facilitate the exchange of knowledge between KSN and the Local2030 Coalition network to ensure strong linkages and mutual learning. • Assist in the development of concept notes and detailed proposals for events and workshops organized by the KSN. • Serve as the technical focal point within the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat for liaising between the KSN and key stakeholders, including the Local2030 Coalition’s co-chairs, UN Directors Group, Steering Committee, Local2030 Coalition, and other partner organizations where relevant. • Serve as the technical focal point within the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat for linking the global component of KSN with implementation efforts in pilot countries by a) participating in bi-weekly coordination meetings; b) facilitating the flow of information and materials. 3. Advance the Local2030 Coalition’s Youth Engagement strategy: • Serve as the technical focal point within the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat for youth engagement, coordinating efforts of the Coalition’s network and other relevant partners, by a) facilitating connections between youth and Coalition members and partners; b) presenting updates on youth engagement in meetings; and c) sharing relevant communications and materials. • Organize monthly coordination meetings with the youth representative of the Steering Committee to ensure continuous dialogue and alignment of efforts. 4. Assist in the preparation of the Local2030 Coalition’s Report of activities: • Support the development of the Local2030 Coalition’s Annual Report by working closely with the Secretariat to track progress against the Workplan. This includes a) drafting the report outline; (b) collecting and organizing inputs; and c) drafting the initial version of the report. 5. General support for the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat’s activities • Support the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat in the effective implementation of its activities and event-related tasks such as a) drafting concept notes, b) assisting with logistical arrangements, c) coordinating and engaging partners to facilitate participation and collaboration in meetings and events, d) preparing background documents and materials; e) organizing and managing meetings; and f) facilitating senior management´s participation in key engagements by preparing background documents and talking points. Reporting Line The position is located in the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat, as part of the Global Solutions Division. The incumbent will be supervised by the Deputy Head of the Secretariat. The expert will work in close proximity to other members of the Secretariat, the Local2030 Coalition, and key partners. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree in public affairs, political science, social sciences, urban studies, social sciences, communications, development studies, or other relevant areas is required. A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, sustainable development, urban planning, or a related area is required. Experience in local governance, local development, or localization of the Sustainable Development Goals is required. Experience in partnership building and partner mobilization, including donor relations, is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English is mandatory for this specific consultancy. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.