Result of Service

Outputs: a. Finalization of comprehensive baseline assessment report for Iloilo, including urban heat vulnerability zone mapping, risk parameters, and differentiated impacts on vulnerable populations (by 15 May 2026) Deliverables: Baseline assessment report (MS Word/PDF) b. Comprehensive urban heat action plan for Iloilo gender-mainstreamed and disability-aware, endorsed by city authorities, incorporating immediate, mid- and long-term interventions (by 30 June 2026) Deliverables: Urban heat action plan (MS Word/PDF) c. Substantive expert inputs to organization and delivery of at least one multi-stakeholder workshop in Iloilo (April – May 2026) Deliverables: Workshop report and presentation materials (PPT) d. Technical guidance and advisory support to Iloilo city officials on heat action plan implementation, including support for development of Letters of Agreement (LoAs) (throughout contract) Deliverables: Technical guidance notes and advisory documents e. Final summary report documenting project activities, key findings, recommendations, and lessons learned (by 24 July 2026) Deliverables: Final summary report (MS Word/PDF) How are the outputs to be delivered? All deliverables shall be submitted electronically in editable format (MS Word/PDF for reports, PPT for presentations) and meet ESCAP publication standards. Performance indicators for evaluation of outputs based on: (1) Quality of deliverables scientific rigor, practical applicability, and GEDSI integration; (2) Timeliness of all submissions; (3) Effective multi-stakeholder workshop facilitation and engagement with vulnerable populations; (4) Demonstrated expertise in urban heat resilience and nature-based solutions; (5) Effective coordination with ESCAP team, partners, and city stakeholders; and (6) City endorsement of action plan with clear implementation pathway.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

April – July 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose: This consultancy supports the implementation of the ESCAP project Enabling Urban Action to Enhance Climate Resilience in Asia, funded by the United Kingdoms CARA Fund (Climate Action for a Resilient Asia). The project aims to enhance urban resilience in South and Southeast Asia through effective emergency response systems and long-term sustainable heat resilience strategies, with priority focus on nature-based solutions, in response to the heightened need to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat in key urban centres. This consultancy focuses on Iloilo, Philippines, supporting the city to develop and implement a comprehensive urban heat action plan and policies to mitigate the adverse effects of urban heat and create a more sustainable, resilient urban area. Funded by the UK CARA Fund, it embodies a strong commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles. Objective: Under the direct supervision of the project manager and general supervision of the Chief, Sustainable Urban Development Section, the consultant will complete the following duties:

• Lead the finalization of a comprehensive baseline assessment report for Iloilo, including urban heat vulnerability zone mapping, risk parameters, and differentiated impacts on vulnerable populations
• Develop a comprehensive, gender-mainstreamed and disability-aware urban heat action plan for Iloilo, incorporating immediate, mid- and long-term interventions including nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, cool roofs and pavements, emergency cooling stations, early warning systems, and climate-responsive urban planning
• Provide substantive expert inputs to organization and delivery of multi-stakeholder awareness-raising workshops in Iloilo
• Provide ongoing technical guidance and advisory support to Iloilo city officials on action plan implementation, including support for development of Letters of Agreement (LoAs)
• Ensure meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, womens organizations, and other vulnerable groups in all project activities, in line with GEDSI principles
• Coordinate with ESCAP, ESCAP SRO-SEA, UCLG-ASPAC, UNEP, and other project partners

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in urban planning, environmental science, climate change adaptation, public policy, or related field. PhD is desirable. Minimum 10 years of professional experience in urban climate resilience, heat mitigation strategies, or sustainable urban development. Demonstrated experience with city governments in developing countries. Experience in Southeast Asian contexts, particularly Philippines, is desirable. Expert knowledge of urban heat island effect, heat mitigation strategies, and climate adaptation planning. Strong understanding of nature-based solutions in urban contexts. Familiarity with GEDSI principles. Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills. GIS/remote sensing and participatory planning knowledge is desirable.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English. Working knowledge of Filipino/Tagalog is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.