Portfolio Support and Knowledge Management Associate Consultant at UN-Habitat

Job Description

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the UN agency for human settlements. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant’s main responsibility will be to support the activities of the Local Coalition Secretariat, specifically in terms of support the roll-out and implementation of the SDG Localization Portfolio and Marker support the implementation of the Global Component of the Local Coalition Knowledge and Scientific Network (KSN) coordinate the Youth Engagement strategy within the Local Coalition, coordinate the Local Coalition Report of activities and general support of the Local Coalition Secretariat.

Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Support the roll-out and implementation of the SDG Localization Portfolio and Marker: Support the evaluation process of the funding rounds of the SDG Localization Portfolio and the use of the SDG Localization Marker, promoted together with the Joint SDG Fund, by assigning UN and non-UN experts to revise joint programme proposals and the marker’s self-assessment; acting as the Local Coalition Secretariat focal point with UN and non-UN experts, sending communications and clarifying questions of the process; ensuring evaluators complete their reviews promptly; Liaise with UN Country Teams during the implementation phase of the first call for seed funding proposals for SDG localization to clarify questions and connect the teams with UN experts. Support the implementation of the Global Component of the Local Coalition Knowledge and Scientific Network (KSN): Support the growth of the KSN by identifying universities and research institutes to join the network, sending invitations to potential new members, and clarifying questions about the network. Keep the information available for members of the KSN and the Local Coalition by creating and maintaining a shared folder with concept notes, membership, ToRs, events, etc. Disseminate the knowledge developed by the Knowledge and Scientific Network with the Local Coalition and its members and vice-versa, to ensure they are connected. Support the development of concept notes and detailed proposals for events and workshops organized by the KSN. Support the Scientific Coordinator to manage the global network by a) organizing meetings; b) creating partnership opportunities for members. Act as the Local Coalition Secretariat focal point for liaising the Knowledge and Scientific Network with the members of the Local Coalition (Local Coalition co-chairs, UN Directors Group, Steering Committee, Local Coalition and other partner organizations where relevant). Act as the Local Coalition Secretariat focal point for connecting the advancement of the global component with the implementation of the pilot countries by; attending bi-weekly coordination meetings; and sending materials. Coordinate the Youth Engagement strategy within the Local Coalition: Coordinate the engagement with civil society and youth by supporting the design of a survey; organizing focus groups; conducting data analysis; drafting an outreach and youth engagement strategy plan. Act as the Local Coalition Secretariat focal point for youth engagement and coordinate these efforts with focal points of the Local Coalition co-chairs (UN-Habitat and FAO), Steering Committee UN Entities, Local Hubs and other partner organizations where relevant, by connecting youth with the Local Coalition members; attending Local Coalition meetings and presenting progress on the youth engagement; and sending communications and materials. Organize bi-weekly coordination meetings with the youth representative of the Steering Committee. Coordinate the Local Coalition Report of activities: Coordinate the Local Coalition Annual Report of activities against the Local Coalition Annual Workplan in collaboration with the Local Coalition Secretariat by creating an outline/structure; collecting information; developing the first draft. Coordinate the annual donor report in collaboration with the Local Coalition Secretariat by creating an outline/structure; collecting information; developing the first draft. General support of the Local Coalition Secretariat Provide general support to the meetings set up of the Local Coalition UN Directors Group and the Steering Committee Support the Local Coalition Secretariat in coordinating event-related tasks and activities effectively. Reporting Line The position is located in the Local Coalition Secretariat, as part of the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) within the Global Solutions Division. The incumbent will be supervised by the Head of the Secretariat and the Officer in Charge of the Local Coalition Secretariat. The expert will work in proximity to the other members of the Secretariat and of the Local Coalition and key partners.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in public affairs, political science, social sciences, urban studies, social sciences, communications, development studies, or other relevant areas is required. A minimum of five years of relevant working experience in programme support. Required. Working experience on the Agenda and the local implementation of the SDGs and issues related to sustainable development, urban planning, local development and project management will be highly valued