International Coordination and Partnership Consultant

Consultant Finance & Economy

Contract

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Result of Service

The consultancy will be providing technical support on expertise to mobilize key urban stakeholders in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia for World Urban Forum 12 and beyond. UN-Habitat, in collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator Offices in the region, will jointly support this effort.

Work Location

Home Based

Expected duration

5 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

1. 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 shelter 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, 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. As our cities and towns grow at unprecedented rates, setting the social, political, cultural, and environmental trends of the world, sustainable urbanization is one of the most pressing challenges for the global community in the 21st century. In 1950, one-third of the world’s population lived in cities. Just 50 years later, this proportion has risen to one-half and will continue to grow to two-thirds, or six billion people, by 2050. Cities are now home to half of humankind. They are the hub for national production and consumption - economic processes that generate wealth and opportunity. But they also create disease, crime, pollution, and poverty. In many cities, especially in developing countries, slum dwellers number more than 50% of the population and have little or no access to shelter, water, and sanitation. 2. UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan for the years 2020 – 2025 reinforces UN-Habitat’s position as the global centre of excellence on sustainable urban development, offering solutions that help seize the opportunities presented by urbanisation, 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 recalibrated 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: a. Reduced poverty and spatial inequality in urban and rural communities; b. Enhanced shared prosperity of cities and regions; c. Strengthened climate action and improved urban environment; and d. Effective urban crisis prevention and response. The implementation of the Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025 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 for which UN-Habitat needs to put in place the adequate institutional, managerial and financial conditions. Moreover, the plan outlines “drivers of change” for achieving sustainable urbanization: (1) policy and legislation; (2) urban planning and design; (3) governance; and (4) finance mechanisms. 3. UN-Habitat’s engagement in Eastern Europe, South 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: Southeastern Europe/ Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo Team, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia; South Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia; Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan; and 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. Plans are also in progress for a project office in Turkmenistan in 2024. Consequently, the organization extends technical support to UNCTs, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO), utilizing headquarter-led initiatives and the guidance of the Inter-Regional Advisor, with a regional focus. 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 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo from 4 – 8 November 2024, several countries in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia are planning National and Regional Urban Fora. Serbia hosted its second National Urban Forum in April 2024, while Georgia held its inaugural National Urban Forum in June 2024. Azerbaijan is planning an "Urban Day" during COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference; and Baku, Azerbaijan will also host the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in 2026, marking the first time the region holds a global conference on urbanization. These gatherings are viewed as essential fora for discussions and partnerships regarding urban issues, aiming to improve housing and advocate for sustainable urbanization on a global, national, local, and neighborhood scale. Acknowledging the need for technical assistance sought by governments in the region, UN-Habitat is currently in the phase of establishing a regional presence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Within this context, the envisioned objectives for providing additional technical support in mobilizing member states from countries undergoing economic transition and their respective urban stakeholders toward these goals include: Promote Sustainable Urbanization: Advocate for sustainable urban development and policies aligning with global development goals, such as SDGs and the New Urban Agenda (NUA). Facilitate Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange: Provide a platform for diverse stakeholders to exchange ideas, experiences, and knowledge related to urbanization. Showcase Innovations and Best Practices: Highlight innovative solutions and best practices in urban development for replication in different contexts. Encourage Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster collaboration among governments, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations for collective action. Empower Local Communities: Empower local communities and stakeholders, ensuring their voices are considered in global discussions on urbanization. Inform Policy Formulation: Contribute to urban policy formulation at various levels by incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise. Address Urban Challenges: Strategize solutions to urban challenges, including sustainable development, housing, transportation, resilience, and social inclusion. Monitor Progress and Assess Urban Challenges: Assess progress in achieving urban development goals, identify challenges, and explore ways to overcome obstacles. Enhance Capacity Building: Conduct capacity-building sessions, workshops, and training programs to enhance the skills of urban practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders. Support Implementation of SDGs/NUA: Support the localization of SDGs and the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, contributing to sustainable urban development and related international agreements. 5. Objectives of the consultancy The consultancy seeks external expertise to mobilize key urban stakeholders in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia for World Urban Forum 12 and beyond. UN-Habitat, in collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator Offices in the region, will jointly support this effort. In 2024, the Consultant is expected to perform the following duties and responsibilities: In preparation of WUF12: Substantive support: Assist in the finalization of concept notes for events related to countries from Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia to be held at WUF12 and follow up in the organization of the venues, assist in preparing invitations to potential participants; 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 WUF12; Liaison with country focal points: Liaise and problem solve with country focal points on any arising issue related to WUF12 preparations; Logistics: Coordinate with PMO 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 WUF12 team in terms of Eastern Europe. South Caucasus and Central Asia set-up at WUF12; Coordinate the set-up of country level exhibition booths and rental of technical equipment. During WUF12: Logistics: Coordinate with the team on the set-up of country exhibition spaces and venues for events related to Eastern Europe, South 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 & HQ administration for any additional back-up required; Distribute flyers and promotional material across WUF12 venue and multi-media platforms; Partner coordination: Coordinate and interact with country delegations; Encourage gender balance within delegations; 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 WUF12 sessions assigned to and report on outcomes; Write/compile minutes of events; Coordinate media coverage with Country Offices, and provide summary reports on a daily basis. WUF12 follow-up: Substantive support: Support Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia team in analyzing outcomes of WUF12; Draft success stories and Lessons Learnt for social media and future publications; Compile business cards and feed into partnership database; Reporting: Contribute to the reporting on WUF12 Sessions; Support follow-up at country level; Compile and prepare M&E report for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia participation at WUF12. Responsibilities: Reporting Line: The consultant will closely collaborate with UN-Habitat's ERSKID (External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division), GSD (Global Solutions Division), and RPD (Regional Programme Division), particularly with the Inter-Regional Advisor for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, and country focal points as well as colleagues involved in global/regional programs in the region. The consultant will directly report both to the Inter-regional Advisor based at the Global Solutions Branch, Programme Development Branch at UN-Habitat. The consultancy will consist of the following deliverables mobilizing Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia regions towards World Urban Forum 12 and beyond: In 2024, the following outputs are expected: • Inception Report: provide an overview towards mobilizing member states from Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia for National Urban Fora, WUF12, WUF13, and other relevant regional events. Identify key stakeholders, gather initial data and develop calendar of events, and establish roadmap outlining tasks, responsibilities, and timelines. • Report on key areas for substantive engagement: update overview of UN-Habitat substantive and strategic engagement in various countries of Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia; including outline of key priority areas of governments. • Partnership Database: in close cooperation with UN-Habitat country and project focal points and UNRCOs, establish partnership database for all Habitat Agenda Partners in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focusing on local, national and regional stakeholders. • National and Regional Urban Fora: support and promote organization of National and Regional Urban for a in coordination with key urban counterparts in each country. • Word Urban Forum 12: encourage and facilitate participation of key stakeholders at WUF12, including women and youth, and civil society. • Final Report: derive partnership strategy, including lessons learnt from mobilization towards WUF12 participation, attendance, and way forward towards WUF13 and other relevant regional events.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced 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. 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, South Caucasus and Central Asia. International experience is an asset, especially within the United Nations System.

Languages

English and Russian 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 an added advantage. Other skills: Proficient in website, internet applications and email marketing tools (e.g. Mailchimp), online/offline document and database management, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), image and publishing software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).

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.

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Added 4 hours ago - Updated 4 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org