Sustainable Urban Development Specialist

Result of ServiceThe consultancy will provide technical expertise in the development and implementation of localization programs, with a focus on VLRs in Europe and Africa, and support the organization of workshops on SDG localization. Additionally, the consultant will assist in coordinating meetings with implementing partners, preparing briefings, agendas, and workplans, while gathering technical inputs from HQ, regional offices, and country offices. The role also includes offering guidance for capacity-building initiatives, preparing materials for both in-person and online training, and supporting the delivery and dissemination of these materials. Furthermore, the consultant will facilitate the participation of country partners in project activities, workshops, and events, support mobilizing partners for regional and global advocacy, and identify best practices and innovative initiatives to scale. Work LocationNairobi Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesA. Background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. Based in Nairobi (Kenya), it is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat is the lead agency within the UN system for coordinating activities in the field of human settlement development and the UN leading the collaboration with local and regional governments and their networks. During the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2015, 193 Member States, convened at the Global Summit on Sustainable Development to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are universal and relevant to all Member States, from both the global north and global south. As demonstrated in the past years of implementation, it is widely acknowledged that the local level and local action are critical for the overall success of the 2030 Agenda – the SDGs need to be localized. In addition, during the second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in June 2023, the Resolution on Localizing the SDGs received wide consensus and mandated UN-Habitat to strengthen the capacities of local and national governments on SDG data, reporting and integrated planning as well as on multilevel governance approaches for SDG localization. UN-Habitat is the UN focal point for work with local and regional governments and the custodian of the New Urban Agenda and has been at the forefront of SDG Localization since the very endorsement of the 2030 Agenda. The SDG Localization and Local Governments Team, within the Global Solutions Division, coordinates UN-Habitat’s corporate offering and global portfolio on SDG Localization. Building on its operational capacities and technical leadership, the Team has developed the most integrated approach to localizing the SDGs in the UN system, delivering impact on three levels: 1) advancing city-level transformation through the SDG Cities Global Initiative; 2) supporting national governments to develop National SDG Localization Frameworks; 3) and promoting SDG Localization and Local and Regional Governments at the global level through the SDG Cities Global Community and within the main UN fora. UN-Habitat's global portfolio on SDG localization exceeds 25 countries, and it is delivered in coordination between UN-Habitat HQ, Regional and Country Offices, and the UN Country Teams. B. Reporting Line This post is located in the Global Solutions Divisions of UN-Habitat and specifically within its SDG Localization and Local Governments team. The incumbent will be supervised by the Human Settlements Officer coordinating the work of the team, and under direct supervision of the Director of the Global Solutions. The expert will work in proximity to the other members of the team as well as other units, sections and offices across the Agency. RESPONSIBILITIES C. Scope of Work Under the direct supervision of the Human Settlements Officer, the incumbent will perform the following specific responsibilities: Project Development and Management: Provide technical expertise in the development and implementation of localization programmes, including VLRs specifically in Europe and Africa Prepare and implement workshops related to the team’s projects and specifically on SDG localization. Support the preparation of implementing partners' coordination meetings, including background material (briefings, agendas). Support engagement with implementing partners, including the preparation of workplans and related knowledge material. Collect technical inputs from HQ, Ros, and COs on the development and implementation of SDG localization related projects. Capacity Building: Provide technical guidance on the development of the team’s capacity building offer. Prepare background material for in-person trainings and online materials. Support the delivery of capacity building training and dissemination of the material to partners Partnerships: Support the facilitation of participation of country partners in project processes, including workshops and events. Provide guidance and technical support for mobilizing country level partners within regional and global advocacy processes. Identify best practices and innovative initiatives to be scaled up. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in Public Affairs, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, Development Studies or other relevant area is required. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant working experience on issues related to sustainable development, urban planning, local development and project management is required. Prior knowledge and experience with an international organization are required. Working experience on the Agenda 2030 and the local implementation of the SDGs will be highly valued. Professional experience in experience in the UN or a reputable international institution is highly desirable. LanguagesFluency in English for this specific consultancy is required. Knowledge of other languages is an asset. 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.