Result of ServiceThe International Consultant will collaborate closely with UN-Habitat’s Senior Advisor on Land, Housing and Human Rights as well as relevant professional staff at the Land, Housing and Shelter to implement of the project activities across the pilot cities, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards. Work LocationHome Based Expected duration12 Months Duties and Responsibilities1. Context A. About UN-Habitat The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the lead United Nations agency for cities and human settlements. The agency is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate housing for all and sustainable development. The main documents outlining the mandate of the organization are the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, the Habitat Agenda, the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium, and UN General Assembly Resolution A/56/206. UN-Habitat, being the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system, works across multiple levels of governance, including all spheres of government from national to local, civil society, and the private sector, to build, manage, plan, and finance sustainable urban development. It has a role in delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, adopted by Member States in 2015, specifically goal 11: make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable and the New Urban Agenda. B. UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2020 – 2025 reinforces UN-Habitat’s position as the global center of excellence on sustainable urban development, offering solutions that help seize the opportunities presented by urbanization, while bringing about transformational change for the benefit of millions of people, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind. The Strategic Plan lays out a re calibrated vision and mission, and a sharpened focus. UN-Habitat proposes to serve Member States, sub-national and local governments, and other key urban actors in the pursuit of four mutually reinforcing and integrated domains of change: (1) Reduced poverty and spatial inequality in urban and rural communities; (2) Enhanced shared prosperity of cities and regions; (3) Strengthened climate action and improved urban environment; and (4) Effective urban crisis prevention and response. The implementation of the Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023 is also supported by six “organizational performance enablers”: (1) monitoring and knowledge; (2) innovation; (3) advocacy, communication and outreach; (4) partnerships; (5) capacity building; and (6) systems and processes. UN-Habitat needs to put in place the adequate institutional, managerial and financial conditions. Moreover, “drivers of change” for achieving sustainable urbanization have been outlined: (1) policy and legislation; (2) urban planning and design; (3) governance; and (4) finance mechanisms. C. UN-Habitat’s work on Adequate Housing UN-Habitat’s mandate on adequate housing stems from its role as the United Nations entity responsible for promoting sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Anchored in global frameworks like the Habitat Agenda, the New Urban Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 11.1: ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing), UN-Habitat works to address housing challenges worldwide. The agency supports governments in developing inclusive housing policies, strengthening legal frameworks, and fostering innovative financing mechanisms. Its interventions include technical assistance for social and affordable housing, capacity building for urban governance, promoting climate-resilient and energy-efficient housing, and advocating for housing as a human right. Through partnerships with stakeholders at all levels, UN-Habitat aims to advance equitable access to housing, improve living conditions for vulnerable populations, and integrate housing solutions within broader urban development strategies. UN-Habitat’s Land, Housing and Shelter Section (LHSS) is located in the Urban Practices Branch at the Global Solutions Division and supports governments and key stakeholders in developing and implementing progressive housing sector reforms, policies, and legislation to create inclusive and sustainable cities that align with international law and the right to adequate housing. Through its expertise, the LHSS provides technical support for analysing housing sectors, reviewing legislation, and identifying barriers to affordable housing, while promoting sustainable construction practices and contributing to socio-economic development. D. UN-Habitat’s work in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia As part of UN-Habitat’s Programme Development Branch at the Global Solutions Division, the Inter-Regional Advisor for Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia plays a key role in advancing UN-Habitat's mandate in the region by supporting governments and stakeholders in addressing urban challenges, including housing, urban governance, and sustainable development. The office provides strategic advice, facilitates partnerships, and promotes capacity building to help cities and communities navigate complex socio-economic and environmental transformations. 2. Rationale and Context a. Housing situation in selected countries in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia Adequate housing is a fundamental human right, essential for dignity, health, and sustainable development. Yet, countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia face significant barriers to providing safe, affordable, and adequate housing for their populations. These challenges stem from a mix of socio-economic, demographic, and governance factors. The region grapples with severe housing shortages fueled by urbanization and population growth, alongside widespread substandard housing lacking infrastructure, basic services, and climate resilience. High poverty levels and limited access to affordable housing finance further prevent many households from securing suitable homes. Additionally, migration and environmental factors intensify housing pressures, while weak policies, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and limited institutional capacity impede effective housing program implementation and sustainable progress. The project scope will be of regional nature, with concrete interventions in the Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova and Uzbekistan. Each country presents unique contextual dynamics for housing interventions: • Moldova faces significant housing challenges due to population decline caused by emigration and low birth rates, which has resulted in a mismatch between housing supply and demand. Much of the existing housing stock, particularly in urban areas, is aging and in poor condition, dating back to the Soviet era. Additionally, high energy costs and poorly insulated homes highlight the urgent need for energy-efficient retrofitting, particularly to support vulnerable populations and reduce their financial burden. • The Kyrgyz Republic faces significant housing challenges driven by rapid urbanization, particularly in Bishkek and Osh, resulting in the growth of informal settlements with inadequate services. The region's high seismic activity underscores the critical need for resilient housing construction to ensure safety. Additionally, complex land tenure and administration systems hinder the formalization of housing developments, complicating efforts to address housing needs effectively. • Uzbekistan faces mounting housing challenges due to its young and growing population, which is driving increased demand for urban housing amidst ongoing economic transitions. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the population in rural areas continues to live in inadequate housing with limited access to basic services. Although the government has launched large- scale housing programs, there are persistent gaps in ensuring inclusivity, affordability, and quality, requiring further efforts to address diverse housing need effectively. 3. Objectives The position of the Inclusive Housing and Urban Development Expert – Regional Coordinator Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia is set within the framework of the joint UN Development Account project, \"Overcoming Barriers to Adequate Housing for Marginalised Groups in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Cities through Evidence-Based Approaches to Housing Policy.\" This project addresses housing challenges for marginalised and migrant communities in cities across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, focusing on three pilot cities in Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Moldova. Within UN-Habitat, coordination for this project is jointly managed by the Inter-Regional Advisor for Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia (EECCA) and the Land, Housing and Shelter Section (LHSS). The project leverages UN-Habitat’s expertise in housing policy, data-driven governance, and capacity building, with a particular focus on enhancing local housing systems through participatory and evidence-based approaches. The Expert will work closely with national consultants that will be on boarded after the initial fact finding mission. 4. Outputs and Expected Deliverables Under the direct supervision by the Inter-Regional Advisor for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, the International Consultant collaborates closely with UN-Habitat’s Senior Advisor on Land, Housing and Human Rights as well as relevant professional staff at the Land, Housing and Shelter Section at the Urban Practices Branch – Global Solutions Division. The consultant will complete the following outputs: 1. Coordination: • Oversee and coordinate the implementation of the project activities across the pilot cities, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards. • Manage logistical aspects of project activities, including workshops, trainings, and meetings, in collaboration with the EECA and LHSS teams. • Monitor progress against project goals and provide regular updates to UN-Habitat’s EECA team and LHSS. 2. Stakeholder mapping and engagement: • Identify and map key stakeholders, including local governments offices and agencies,NGOs, private sector actors, and other relevant partners in the pilot cities, as well as the region at large. • Facilitate outreach and build partnerships to advance project objectives. 3. Support to data collection and analysis: • Coordinate with UN-Habitat’s substantive officers to ensure the quality of data collection and analysis conducted by local technical experts. • Support the selection and onboarding of local technical experts in the pilot cities. • Conduct initial quality assurance of technical outputs before submission for final review by UN-Habitat Headquarters. 4. Facilitation of capacity building and peer learning: • Support need assessment for capacity building and peer learning among regional partners • Organise and facilitate hybrid peer-learning events, ensuring logistical readiness and effective participation from regional stakeholders. • Collaborate with technical experts to ensure the smooth delivery of workshops and training sessions. • Support regional synergy and collaboration among pilot cities through networking and knowledge-sharing initiatives. 5. Reporting and documentation: • Prepare regular progress reports and contribute to the development of project documentation, ensuring alignment with UN-Habitat’s standards. • Maintain clear records of project activities, stakeholder engagements, and outcomes. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master Degree or equivalent) in architecture, housing, urban planning, urban development and management, development studies, public administration, economy or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least five years of progressively responsible experience in urban development, with a focus on housing, urban, social, economic, or development issues. Proven expertise in housing and urban development is essential, along with strong writing skills and a solid understanding of urban development and sustainable development agenda issues. The candidate should possess excellent coordination, organizational, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage partnerships. Knowledge of the socio-political and housing contexts in the EECCA region is an asset. Experience working with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or on urban-rural linkages and regional development is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN processes is an advantage. LanguagesEnglish is a working language of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English, both oral and written, is required. Knowledge of Russian or other regional language is an added 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.