SDG Localization Expert Consultant

Result of ServiceUnder the guidance and supervision of Human Settlements Officer and the Chief of the Urban Practices Branch, the consultant will contribute to the following objectives: (i) technical support to project development and implementation; (ii) tool development and implementation and (iii) SDG Cities methodology and windows development. Work LocationHome Based Expected duration15days Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) works in over 90 countries to advance the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the local level, in accordance with the commitments and principles set out in the New Urban Agenda. The support provided by UN-Habitat ensures that the innovative characteristics of universality, interconnectedness, and indivisibility of the Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are localized. The work on SDG localization is guided by a partnership-based territorial approach and its core principles are to leave no one and no territory behind, multilevel governance, and multistakeholder partnerships. These principles are translated into practice through innovation-based and action-oriented initiatives, following UN-Habitat's corporative three-pronged approach: (i) Global Urban Monitoring Framework; (ii) Voluntary Local Review; (iii) SDG Cities Flagship Programme. Through this integrated approach, UN-Habitat provides support throughout all stages of the SDG localization process: from data innovation to strategic planning, policy formulation, capacity development, supporting the delivery of high-impact projects, monitoring, reporting, and certifying exceptional achievements of cities towards the SDGs. UN-Habitat has also been working to advance SDG localization by providing technical expertise to partners across the globe, leading the development of cutting-edge research, capacitating local and regional governments on SDG localization, and strengthening the voice of local governments and local actors within the main international and UN-led fora on SDGs. Within UN-Habitat, and located at the Urban Practices Branch, the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team is helping the agency in advancing the work on these fronts, leading the corporative narrative of UN-Habitat on SDG localization, and providing high-level advocacy support. Moreover, since 2019, the team has been assisting local governments across Latin America, Europe, and Asia to develop their Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and enhanced their links with Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). This experience was a crucial learning process to create and consolidate a fully-fledged methodology on VLRs that is now being applied to more than 20 new city cooperation schemes worldwide. In addition, two projects were launched in the past year focused on: (a) Voluntary local reviews: evidence for greener, resilient, and sustainable urban recovery in Eastern European and Central Asian countries in transition, and (b) Fostering COVID-19 recovery and SDG implementation through local action in Asia-Pacific, Arab and African countries. The objective of the projects is to advance socioeconomic recovery and localization of the SDGs in selected countries and to harness the potential of VLRs for the design of local recovery plans. Duties and Responsibilities. The consultant's main responsibility will be to support the activities of UN-Habitat's SDG Localization and Local Governments team, specifically in terms of (i) technical support to project development and implementation; (ii) tool development and implementation and (iii) SDG Cities methodology and windows development. The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: • Provide technical support and expertise for the implementation of the Ghana Smart SDG Cities project • Provide technical support to the development and future implementation of the Women Led Cities Initiative • Provide technical expertise in developing and reviewing the SDG Cities methodology developed by the team • Develop relevant tools and guidance to support implementation according to the SDG Cities methodology • Provide substantive guidance in the development and implementation of trainings and capacity building on SDG Cities tools in collaboration with the Team members, specifically directed to local consultants, ROs, COs, and other interested partners • Research on a regular basis about innovative and effective tools and platforms for data analysis and management, including the attendance of relevant trainings • Identify and establish opportunities for collaboration amongst other teams working on SDG localization, local governments and multilevel governance. Reporting Line. This post is located the Urban Practices Branch of UN-Habitat and specifically within its SDG localization and local governments team. The incumbent will be supervised by Mr. Martino Miraglia, the Human Settlements Officer coordinating the work of the team, and under direct supervision of the Chief of the Urban Practices Branch. The expert will work in proximity to the other members of the team as well as other units, sections and offices across the Agency. Qualifications/special skillsBachelor’s degree in information management, business analysis, project management, international development, or other related fields is required. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant working experience on issues related to sustainable development, urban planning, local development and project management is required. Working experience on the Agenda 2030 and the local implementation of the SDGs will be highly valued. LanguagesFluency in English is required for this specific consultancy. Knowledge of another UN official language, is an 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.