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:Housing Economist
• 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 Economics, Econometrics, Finance, Urban Studies, Housing Policy, Public Policy, Urban Planning, International Development, or a related field with a focus on housing finance, housing markets, or policy research 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 degree.
• Academic Qualifications: A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in applied economic, econometrics and financial research, housing market analysis, or policy evaluation, including designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, survey design, and documenting and communicating research outputs is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience analyzing and/or applying housing finance and policy frameworks, market interventions, and regulatory standards in OECD and selected global contexts is required.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience contributing to national or international projects on housing finance, market development, or supply systems is desirable.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience working within the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is desirable.
• Academic Qualifications: Experience integrating equity, accessibility, and culturally responsive approaches (including Indigenous-led housing models) into housing finance and market analyses is an asset..
• 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.
• Language: Proficiency and/or fluency in French is highly desirable, and knowledge of another official UN language is considered an additional asset.

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 motivated, highly skilled, and experienced 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 fulltime, 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.
• Conduct applied research on housing markets, supply-demand dynamics, affordability trends, and economic drivers in OECD and selected global contexts. 2.
• Assess housing finance systems, including mortgage markets, credit access, public and private investment flows, and fiscal mechanisms. 3.
• Evaluate innovative financing mechanisms for affordable, inclusive, and climate-smart housing. 4.
• Examine the role and effectiveness of multi-level governance, land-use regulation, and policy instruments in shaping market and not-for-profit housing supply and affordability. 5.

Benefits

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

How to Apply