Urban Strategy and Project Support Consultant (Nairobi based)

Result of ServiceUnder the guidance and supervision of the Human Settlements Officer (SDG Localization and Local Government), the consultant will contribute to the following objectives: (i) Provide project support to the implementation of the Finland-UN-Habitat SDG Localization Strategic Partnership on SDGs, including the Everyone Can Flourish initiative. (ii) Contribute to the refinement and innovation of the SDG Cities Global Initiative methodology, ensuring quality, clarity, and alignment with strategic goals. (iii) Develop and support the production of effective visual and communication materials to promote the SDG Cities Flagship and its methodologies. (iv) Design and deliver training sessions, workshops, and supporting materials to build capacity of local and regional governments and UN-Habitat country offices in advancing SDG localization. Work LocationNairobi Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. Based in Nairobi (Kenya), it 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. UN-Habitat is the lead agency within the UN system for coordinating activities in the field of human settlement development and the UN leading the collaboration with local and regional governments and their networks. During the second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in June 2023, Member States endorsed the Resolution on Localizing the SDGs mandating UN-Habitat to strengthen the capacities of local and national governments on SDG data, planning and reporting as well as on multilevel governance for SDG localization. UN-Habitat’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan also identifies Participatory Multilevel Governance and SDG Localization as one of the five Means of Implementation to deliver on the corporate strategic focus on adequate housing, land, and basic services for all, and the transformation of informal settlements and slums. The position is located in UN-Habitat’s SDG Localization and Local Governments Team within the Global Solutions Division (GSD). The Global Solutions Division is responsible for providing programmatic direction for UN-Habitat and is responsible and accountable for the programmatic delivery of the Strategic Plan. The Division leads the tools and methodology production and the integration of the various substantive competencies towards the effective delivery of the Strategic Plan and the mandate of UN-Habitat. It provides substantive training and supports capacity development of Member States and partners. The Global Solutions Division hosts the Local 2030 Coalition’s Secretariat and coordinates UN-Habitat’s work on SDG Localization through the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team. UN-Habitat’s SDG Localization and Local Governments Team coordinates UN-Habitat’s corporate offering and global portfolio on SDG Localization, including the SDG Cities Global Initiative (Flagship 5). The SDG Cities Initiative supports cities in creating integrated solutions that drive progress across multiple SDGs, ensuring cohesive and scalable urban development addressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It does so by leveraging the potential of data for evidence-based decision-making, fostering cities’ access to finance, while building their overall institutional capacities. Building on the Agency’s operational capacities and technical leadership, the SDG Localization and Local Governments Team coordinates UN-Habitat’s delivery across three levels: 1) advancing city-level transformation through SDG Cities; 2) supporting national governments to develop SDG Localization Country Frameworks, through the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs; 3) advancing the global dialogue on SDG Localization through the SDG Cities Global Community and direct engagement within the main UN fora. UN-Habitat's vison on SDG Localization aims to impact the lives of 1 billion people by promoting transformative change in 50 countries and 1000 cities. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant's main responsibility will be: 1) Advance the SDG Localization strategic partnership on the SDGs with Finland by providing strategic support for its implementation, focusing on technical and capacity building components. Additionally, provide transversal project support and prioritize the implementation of the Everyone Can Flourish project; 2) To support the development of the methodology for the SDG Cities Global Initiative to help and guide cities through the process; 3) To prepare and deliver trainings on SDG Localization, the Action Oriented VLR Methodology, and the SDG Cities Process. Additionally, provide key messages and updates to the SDG Localization narrative by conducting research; Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Project support • Provide support for the implementation of the Finland-UN-Habitat SDG Localization Strategic Partnership on the SDGs, advancing through various components, including the technical and capacity building component. • Support the implementation of the Everyone Can Flourish project. Specifically, by supporting the development of the white paper. • Provide advice on the linkages between the Everyone Can Flourish project and the SDG Cities Methodology. 2. Methodology Development • Collaborate with technical experts to support the development of the updated methodology for UN-Habitat's Flagship Program SDG Cities Global Initiative, ensuring quality and improvements. • Provide technical support to ensure the SDG Cities Flagship is communicated effectively and successfully, including the creation of visual materials. 3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Development • Support the preparations and delivery of trainings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions for regional/country offices and local governments to strengthen SDG localization efforts and SDG Cities implementation. • Create training materials to support these activities including presentations, games and guides. • Support the development of a coherent offer on capacity building on SDG localization. • Provide Key messages and update narrative on SDG Localization by conducting regular research. Reporting Line This post is located in the Global Solutions Division and specifically within its SDG localization and Local Governments Team. The incumbent will be supervised by the Human Settlements Officer coordinating the work of the Team and under direct supervision of the Directors of the Global Solutions Division. The expert will work in proximity to the other members of the team as well as in coordination with other units, sections and offices across the Agency. Qualifications/special skillsUniversity Degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Urban Studies, Development Studies, Architecture, or other relevant areas is required. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant working experience on issues related to sustainable development, urban planning, local development, field research, capacity building, workflow management and project management, is required. Working experience within UN-Habitat and the local implementation of the SDGs will be highly valued. Experience in field research on the local level is considered an asset for this role. Please explain how you meet this criteria. 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.