About United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

TheUnited Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)is the focal point for human settlements development activities within the UN system. Established in 1978, UN-Habitat promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The agency works with governments, local authorities, NGOs and private sector partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat leads the global urban agenda through policy development, capacity building, and on-the-ground programmes that address rapid urbanization challenges affecting over half the world’s population.

Job Summary

This consultancy presents an exceptional opportunity for a housing and urban development specialist to contribute to sustainable housing solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Working with United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), you will provide technical expertise in sustainable housing practices, green building technologies, and affordable housing strategies. You will be responsible for developing innovative approaches to housing challenges, conducting field assessments, and supporting national governments in implementing housing policies that promote environmental sustainability and social inclusion. This position is ideal for professionals with extensive experience in architecture, urban planning, or sustainable development who are passionate about creating housing solutions that improve quality of life while protecting the environment.

Key Details

• Job Title:Adequate Housing Specialist
• Grade:CON
• Location:Montreal, Canada
• Department:United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
• Contract Type:Consultancy
• Salary Range:$50,000.0 – $120,000.0 USD annually

Qualifications

• Academic Qualifications: A Masters degree in Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, International Development, Social Policy, or a related field with a focus on housing, accessibility, or cultural adequacy is required.
• Academic Qualifications: A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Academic Qualifications: Desirable specializations include housing systems and policy, inclusive and accessible design, Indigenous and culturally responsive housing, or sustainable urban development.
• Academic Qualifications: A minimum of 2 years of experience in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative analysis tools, survey design and methods, and documenting and communicating research outputs is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience in analyzing and applying frameworks or standards related to accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive housing design and policy is desirable.
• Academic Qualifications: Progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in the field of housing systems, sustainable urban development, and knowledge management is desirable.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience working with Indigenous or community-led housing initiatives, or in culturally diverse contexts, is an asset.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience working in the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is desirable..
• Language: English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• Language: For this position, fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Skills

• UN-Habitat is the agency for human settlements.
• 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.
• Through evidence-based research, policy engagement, and partnership-building, the Canada Office helps ensure that global innovations and lessons inform and enrich the OEWG-Hs deliberations and outputs.
• UN-Habitat Canada Office is seeking a motivated, highly skilled, and experienced mid-level professionals to join the team.
• The position is initially offered as a six-month contract, with the possibility of extension based on a positive performance evaluation.
• Reporting line This on-site position is full-time, and is based in Montreal, Canada.
• Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada.
• Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will carry out the following tasks and responsibilities: 1.
• Provide technical and analytical support to the Canada Offices and the overall UN-Habitats research and knowledge management agenda on adequate, affordable, culturally appropriate, and climate-smart housing. 2.
• Conduct applied research on housing adequacy elements, including cultural adequacy, and accessibility among others, and inclusive housing innovation, and sustainable urban development. 3.
• Conceptualize, produce, and disseminate data-driven research products, technical papers, and policy briefs highlighting best practices in adequate, accessible, and culturally responsive housing. 4.
• Develop and maintain knowledge management tools, capacity-building materials, and webinar or policy brief content on housing adequacy, accessibility, and inclusion. 6.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply