Result of ServiceConsultant will mobilize key urban stakeholders in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia for WUF13 and beyond, UN-Habitat’s team will support this effort in close collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator Offices located in the region. Under the overall supervision of the Inter-Regional Advisor and in coordination with UN-Habitat’s Regional Office and the WUF13 Coordination Office, the consultant will lead the mobilization of speakers, stakeholder groups, national and local government representatives, civil society, academia and private sector towards WUF13, ensuring strong regional engagement and targeted outreach. Work LocationHome Based Expected duration6 Months Duties and Responsibilities1. About UN-Habitat The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. It promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. 2. UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026 - 2029 UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan for the period 2026 - 2029 (decision 2/6) was approved at the resumed second session of its Assembly in May 2025. The Plan responds to the global housing crisis by placing adequate housing, land and basic services at the centre of sustainable urbanization. It aims to generate transformative impact by addressing poverty and inequality, climate change, and crises of natural and human origin through a people-centred and rights-based approach. It calls for strengthened commitment and collaboration to ensure universal access to adequate, safe and affordable housing and to drive the transformation of informal settlements and slums. The Plan also sets out clear priorities for action and identifies five means of implementation: integrated urban and territorial planning, management, investment and finance; participatory multilevel governance and the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); knowledge, data, digitalization and capacity development; partnerships, coalitions, advocacy and communication; and effective resource mobilization. 3. UN-Habitat’s engagement in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asian Regions The Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP) for Europe and Central Asia serves as a unified framework for all UN entities working on sustainable development in the region. It aims to ensure comprehensive collaboration and coordination across UN assets to address challenges that extend beyond individual country borders. The RCP offers policy support and expertise tailored to the specific needs and priorities of each region, supporting Resident Coordinators and UN country teams at the country level. Chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General and co-chaired by the Executive Secretary of UNECE and the Regional Director of UNDP, the RCP includes a wide array of UN member organizations, fostering a multi-agency approach to regional development initiatives. UN Country Teams representing programme countries in Europe and Central Asia are as follows, and for ease of reference organized in sub-regions: (1) Southeastern Europe/ Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo1 Team, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia; (2) Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia; (3) Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan; and (4) Other countries: Belarus, Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine. UN-Habitat, as an active participant in the Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP), aligns with the sub-regional approach. Serving as a non-resident agency in most locations within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), UN-Habitat has experienced limited direct engagement with governments regarding housing and sustainable development. Besides having a project office in Kosovo* and various initiatives in Serbia, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Moldova, new project offices were established in Azerbaijan and Ukraine in 2023. A new regional office is currently being established in Istanbul, Türkiye and plans are in progress for a project office in Turkmenistan in 2026. Consequently, the organization extends technical support to UNCTs, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO), leveraging headquarter’s- and regionally led initiatives and guidance. In this context, UN-Habitat has actively contributed to the updating of Common Country Analyses (CCA) and the implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF), applying the United Nations System-Wide Strategy on Sustainable Urban Development. 4. Background to the consultancy In preparation for the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) that will be hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan from 17 to 22 May 2026, several countries in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia are planning National and Regional Urban Fora. These gatherings are viewed as essential fora for sharing knowledge, developing knowledge and forging partnerships regarding urban issues, with the aim to improve relevant policies and advocate for sustainable urbanization on a global, national, local, and neighborhood scale. The theme of WUF13 “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities” will shine a global spotlight on the urgent need to address the global housing crisis and position housing as a driver of inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban development. 5. Objectives of the consultancy Through this consultancy, UN-Habitat seeks external expertise to mobilize key urban stakeholders in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia for WUF13 and beyond, UN-Habitat’s team will support this effort in close collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator Offices located in the region. Under the overall supervision of the Inter-Regional Advisor and in coordination with UN-Habitat’s Regional Office and the WUF13 Coordination Office, the consultant will lead the mobilization of speakers, stakeholder groups, national and local government representatives, civil society, academia and private sector towards WUF13, ensuring strong regional engagement and targeted outreach. • Substantive support: Provide technical support to countries in organizing upcoming National and Regional Urban Forums ensuring strong alignment with WUF13 objectives and the New Urban Agenda (NUA), facilitate linkages between national and regional forums and WUF13 to ensure their outcomes inform the Forum’s sessions and global discussions. • Mobilization: Map and engage key institutions, networks, and organizations to lead or co-organize high-impact sessions at WUF13, organize national and regional events, seminars, and awareness sessions on WUF13 in coordination with UN-Habitat offices and partners, host monthly virtual information sessions covering the WUF13 theme, programme, dialogues, and partner-led event opportunities. • Liaison with country focal points: Liaise and problem solve with country focal points on any arising issue related to WUF13 preparations; • Logistics: Preparation of invitations and drafting handouts/ flyers, etc. and distribution at venue; follow-up with presenters in compiling presentations prior to the event, and facilitate timely translation; provide support to speakers attending special sessions (to be identified); assist in setting up bilateral meetings and prepare schedule for WUF13; assist Programme Management Officer and follow-up with respective regional, country level and HQ staff on logistics for event (country delegations, visa requirements, flight tickets, accommodation, etc.); liaise with WUF13 team in terms of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia set-up at WUF13; coordinate the set-up of country level exhibition booths and rental of technical equipment. During WUF13: • Logistics: Assist in the set-up of country exhibition spaces and venues for events related to Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia; represent focal point to country delegations on logistic matters (accommodation, flight confirmation, DSA payments, setup of technical equipment); extend support and assist in coordination of daily schedules; maintain direct contact to country focal points and HQ administration for any additional back-up required; distribute flyers and promotional material across WUF13 venue and multi-media platforms; • Partner coordination: Coordinate and interact with country delegations; encourage gender balance within delegations; facilitate where required bilateral meetings; assist country delegations in resolving arising problems and challenges; collect and compile business card contacts provided by substantive colleagues; • Substantive support: Support HSOs in setting up venues for events; prepare and maintain lists of participation and gather business cards to feed into partnership database; • Reporting: Participate in WUF13 sessions assigned to and report on outcomes; write/compile minutes of events; coordinate media coverage with Country Offices, and provide summary reports daily. General issues: • Perform additional ad hoc assignments as and when requested by supervisor. 6. Outputs and Expected Deliverables The consultancy will consist of the following deliverables mobilizing Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia regions towards WUF13 and beyond: The following outputs are expected: • Output 1 Inception Report: Provide an overview of the mobilization strategy for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia towards National and Regional Urban Fora and WUF13. Identify key stakeholders, prepare an initial mapping of countries and institutions, develop a calendar of planned events, and present a detailed roadmap outlining activities, responsibilities, and timelines for implementation. • Output 2 Road Map for Regional Mobilization and Awareness Campaign: Comprehensive mobilization of countries and stakeholders from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia towards WUF13 achieved through the organization of regional and national awareness events and seminars in collaboration with governments, UN Country Teams, and partners. A series of monthly virtual information sessions conducted to highlight the WUF13 theme, dialogues, and Partner-Led Event opportunities, featuring regional experts, youth, civil society, and local governments. Communication and outreach materials, including flyers, briefs, and digital content, prepared and disseminated widely across regional networks and platforms. The mobilization effort results in increased regional visibility, strengthened partnerships, and enhanced participation and ownership of WUF13. • Output 3 On the road to WUF13: Encourage and facilitate participation of key stakeholders at WUF13, including women and youth, and civil society. • Output 4 National and Regional Urban Fora: Provide technical and coordination support to countries in organizing National and Regional Urban Fora (NUFs/ RUFs), ensuring strong alignment with WUF13 objectives and the NUA. Facilitate linkages between national and regional fora and WUF13, ensure multi-stakeholder participation, and document outcomes for inclusion in WUF13 discussions and reporting. • Output 5 Stakeholder engagement at WUF13: Facilitate participation and engagement of regional stakeholders at WUF13; coordinate and assist speakers; organize regional Caucas meetings and any related gatherings; • Output 6 Final Report: derive partnership strategy, including lessons learnt from mobilization towards WUF13 participation, attendance, and way forward towards WUF13 and other relevant regional events. 7. Reporting requirements The consultant will directly report to the Inter-regional Advisor for Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia, and will closely collaborate with UN-Habitat's Azerbaijan and Regional Offices, ERSKID (External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division), GSD (Global Solutions Division), and RPD (Regional Programme Division), particularly with the Inter-Regional Advisor, as well as country focal points. 8. Working location and travel The consultancy assignment is ideally based in Baku, Azerbaijan to enable close coordination with national authorities and the WUF13 Secretariat. However, a regionally based home duty station may be considered and agreed with the supervisor. At least one mission to Baku is envisaged on the occasion of WUF13. Additional country missions are not foreseen but may be decided on a case-by-case basis. Travel-related costs will be covered separately, including airfare, terminal expenses and daily subsistence allowance. 9. Competencies • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Urban Planning, Development Studies, Public Administration, or similar discipline relevant to sustainable urbanization and international development or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of seven years (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project management in urbanization, strategic planning, housing is required. At least one year of progressive experience in field related to Terms of Reference of the consultancy assignment. Establishment of working relationships with various humanitarian and development partners, capacity to work in a complex institutional environment involving government, international agencies, private sector and civil society organizations are required. Strong interest in issues concerning urban development is an advantage. Understanding of urban development paradigms and socio-political situation in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. International experience is an asset, especially within the United Nations System. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English, both oral and written, is required. Knowledge of Russian is essential. Other skills: Proficient in website, internet applications and email marketing tools (e.g. Mailchimp), social media (e.g. Instagram, LinkedIn), online/offline document and database management, Microsoft 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.