Stakeholder Engagement Consultant

Result of ServiceEnhanced and inclusive stakeholder engagement strategy for WUF13 is developed and implemented, leading to increased participation, relevance, and ownership of the WUF by diverse stakeholder groups. Work LocationHomebased-Remote Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote social 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. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The World Urban Forum (WUF) is a premier conference on housing and sustainable urban development and UN-Habitat’s largest platform for stakeholder consultation. As per the General Assembly mandates of WUF, it serves as a platform where experts convene and deliberate on matters of sustainable urban development. The thirteenth session of WUF (WUF 13) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan (17-22 May 2026) on the theme of “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities”. UN-Habitat is launching a Stakeholder Engagement Initiative for WUF13 that seeks to mobilize diverse actors, co-create meaningful contributions, and strengthen follow-up and sustained engagement between sessions of WUF. For this, UN-Habitat seeks the services of an expert to support stakeholder mobilization and engagement towards WUF 13. The consultancy position is located in the External Relations Strategy Knowledge and Innovation Division and will support UN-Habitat’s stakeholder engagement roadmap toward WUF13 and beyond. Under the overall supervision of the Director of the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge & Innovation Division (ERSKID) the consultant will be required to perform the following functions, with a focus on stakeholders, among others, the consultant is expected to undertake the following responsibilities: 1. Stakeholder mapping, outreach and mobilization • Identify and engage key stakeholders, including to take part in the preparations towards WUF 13 • Coordinate targeted outreach and onboarding efforts for inclusive stakeholder participation in collaboration with relevant UN-Habitat focal points and teams • Collaborate with specific partners to maximize global stakeholder mobilization towards WUF 13 2. Substantive and content support for stakeholder consultations • Support the strategic content and scope development for the stakeholder consultations • Prepare substantive content inputs to inform the stakeholder consultations effectively aligned with the scope and priorities of WUF 13 • Design tools and instruments to capture and report on the substantive contributions and recommendations from stakeholders to WUF 13 preparations and outcomes 3. Facilitation of stakeholder consultations and preparatory processes • Organize and facilitate consultations, dialogues, and preparatory meetings with key stakeholders • Align stakeholder engagement with ongoing global and regional urban policy processes such as the mid-term review of the New Urban Agenda and global progress report on SDG 11 in 2026 • Support the participation of stakeholders in national and regional urban forums on issues relevant to WUF 13 • Support logistical and content coordination for stakeholder events ahead of WUF13, including preparatory briefings and technical sessions 4. Consolidation of Stakeholder Inputs to WUF13 and UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029 implementation • Consolidate the inputs of stakeholders various WUF 13 related outcomes and processes including the concept, agenda and expected outcomes of WUF 13 stakeholder events/sessions; WUF 13 dialogue deliberations; WUF 13 solutions and practices on adequate housing; the 2026, NUA mid-term review; and the 2026 global SDG 11 progress reporting • Ensure stakeholder priorities are reflected in WUF13 outcomes including the WUF Call to Action. • Consolidate the inputs and recommendations of stakeholders on effective stakeholder engagement in the implementation of UN-Habitat’s strategic plan 2026-2029 5. Post-WUF13 Follow-Up • Support post-WUF 13 assessments and feedback of stakeholders in line with overall WUF evaluation and assessment framework of UN-Habitat • Ensure stakeholder inputs are captured in WUF outcome documents namely the Call to Action, WUF Report, WUF Perspectives • Present a performance report on the stakeholder engagement clear performance and impact indicators defined at the beginning of the stakeholder consultations • Submit key recommendations and proposals for sustained stakeholder collaboration in WUF including institutionalization options 6. Support the formulation of a new UN-Habitat Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism 2026-2029 • Provide inputs and substantive contributions for UN-Habitat’s stakeholder engagement mechanism 2026-2029 • Provide tangible proposals and recommendations for a multi-year guide on enhancing the role of WUF for high-impact UN-Habitat stakeholder and partnerships engagement Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree in business administration, management, economics, international relations, business administration, research, urban planning and architecture, mass media and communication, sociology, project management or related field is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience in partnership engagement and programme management or administrative is required. Knowledge and experience in urban and housing development and planning is required. Experience working with urban stakeholders on policy and practice is desirable. Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and partnership building at the international level is desirable. Proven track record in dealing with different constituencies and delegations, member states, civil society organizations, the private sector, etc is desirable. Proven track record in dealing with different urban related challenges within the context of partnership engagement is desirable. Knowledge of digital media platforms and innovative communications tools is desirable. Knowledge of sustainable urban development and related issues is desirable. Experience in the context of the UN system is desirable. Ability to work effectively in a team, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced multicultural environment is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is required. 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.