Result of Service
The consultant will be providing technical support to the implementation of the joint project by UN-Habitat and its Chinese counterparts on the Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) and its related activities, including the Shanghai Manual 2024 and 2025 Annual Report. This includes undertaking project coordination with project partners, technical input such as research and analysis, report writing and events.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) the agency for human settlements and sustainable urbanization mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable places with better opportunities. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector. UN-Habitat repositions itself as a Centre of Excellence and innovation, which acts as a multiplier in the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices in getting cities and sustainable urbanization right. In this context, UN-Habitat and its counterparts in China have agreed to work together to strengthen the international cooperation and experience sharing among cities in China and other countries, including the Belt and Road partner countries. This consultancy position is located in the Coordination Office in the Regional Programme Division (CO/RPD) at the Headquarters of UN-Habitat in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the CO/RPD, UN-Habitat cooperates with the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government on the publication, the Shanghai Manual: A Guide For Sustainable Urban Development In The 21st Century; and the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award). Both the Shanghai Manual and Shanghai Award seek to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA), focusing on advancing Sustainable Development Goal 11, promoting the localization of SDGs, and incentivizing cities to find systematic solutions for sustainable urban development. 2. Description of Responsibilities. The overall role of this urban development consultant is to provide technical support to the implementation of the joint project by UN-Habitat and its Chinese counterparts on the Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) and its related activities, including the Shanghai Manual 2024 Annual Report. This includes leading project coordination with project partners, technical input such as research and analysis, report writing, events organization, etc. Responsibilities: The overall role of this urban development consultant is to provide technical support to the implementation of the joint project by UN-Habitat and its Chinese counterparts on the Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) and its related activities, including the Shanghai Manual 2024 and 2025 Annual Report. This includes undertaking project coordination with project partners, technical input such as research and analysis, report writing, events organization, etc. The incumbent will be required to perform the following duties: Prepare written outputs including best practice case studies and inputs into the development of chapters and sections of the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report. Coordinate the finalisation of the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report, including edited formatted, and designed content and cooperation with delivery partners. Coordination of events regarding the Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities and its related activities including the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report. Organize the dissemination of best practices from the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report e.g. onto the Urban Agenda Platform. Syntheses a case database from previous iterations of the Shanghai Manual Annual Report and establish collaboration channels with partner cities. Identify project opportunities and support resource mobilization efforts and partnership building. Collect and analyses data and emergent trends, challenges and opportunities in global urban development. Provide technical oversight and cooperation with project partners to establish thematic scope for the Shanghai Manual 2025 annual report. Develop a work plan for the Shanghai Manual 2025 Annual Report and facilitate the implementation of the work plan in line with the proposed timeline. Formulate work plan proposing core report theme, methodology, research sources and timeline for the completion of the 2025 report. Liaise with case focal points and facilitate technical exchange between UN-Habitat and counterparts, organize any relevant technical workshops, seminars, expert group meetings or other knowledge dissemination methods to advance technical content development. Coordinate case study peer review, final selection and case development processes. Ensure the project holds the necessary resources for smooth implementation. Perform any other tasks as required by the supervisor.
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban planning or social sciences, such as international development, sociology, communications, or equally relevant areas, or a first level degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying and very specifically relevant experience may be accepted instead of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in urban research and international development fields is required. Experience working for an international organization and project development is required. Experience working with a Chinese government partner or working in the Chinese context is strongly preferred. Knowledge of contemporary issues and emerging trends in urban development and urban best practices methodologies is a strong advantage and Experience in policy analysis and policy advice is desirable and Experience in publication development on urban best practices and guidelines for sustainable urban development related areas is preferred. Experience in coordinating with various partners and stakeholders is desirable and Experience within the UN system is a strongly desired
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.
