Result of Service

The consultant will be responsible for providing support in all the steps of the data management process and preparing evidence-based inputs on urban and housing adequacy, and climate-smart housing, as well as supporting applied research and knowledge management activities. Under the guidance of the UN-Habitat Canada Office team, the consultant will consolidate research outputs and knowledge products that strengthen the office’s housing programme in Montreal and contribute to the global exchange of Canadian expertise on sustainable and inclusive housing and urban development.

Work Location

Montreal

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UN-Habitat is the 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. The Canada Office of UN-Habitat strengthens the organization’s mission by serving as a focal point for partnerships, applied research, and policy engagement in Canada and across North America for the implementation of UN-Habitat’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan. Operating from the City of Montreal, the Canada Office plays a central role in four domains: partner engagement and resource mobilization; research-policy-action interface; advocacy and communication; and the advancement of sustainable urbanization agendas within the Canadian and North American context. The Canada Office places particular emphasis on knowledge and innovation with a view to accelerating housing solutions that are affordable, adequate, resilient, and compatible with national and global commitments. UN-Habitat Canada Office is seeking motivated, highly skilled, and experienced professionals to join the team. The position is initially offered as a six-month contract, with the possibility of extension based on a positive performance evaluation. This on-site position is full-time and is based in Montreal, Canada. This position is under the overall guidance of the Head of Office of the UN-Habitat Canada Office and reports directly to the Programme Management Officer (P4), Human Settlements. Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will carry out the following tasks and responsibilities: 1. Work under the general supervision of the Head of the UN-Habitat Canada Office and in close coordination with staff and partners. 2. Provide substantive support to the office’s urban and housing-focused research and knowledge management agenda. 3. Participation in events, meetings, and consultations as requested by the Head of Office. 4. Provide technical support in the conceptualization, production, and dissemination of research and data products on urban and housing adequacy, climate-smart housing, and inclusive housing innovation. 5. Design and implement strategies for research and data analysis on urban and housing matters, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, and provide support and/or inputs for the development of structures and platforms for effective knowledge capture and sharing. 6. Support the development of knowledge management tools, policy briefs and webinar materials, and capacity-building resources related to urban and housing policy, finance, and community-led models. 7. Support monitoring and reporting on urban and housing-related initiatives and knowledge outputs in collaboration with the Canada Office team. 8. Provide support and advice on strategic partnerships and alliances with Canadian and international research institutions, related housing data entities, and knowledge networks. 9. Draft technical notes, policy briefs, and research documents on housing and sustainable urban development in coordination with the Canada Office team. 10. Provide technical support and advice on the development of activities and outputs related to Sustainable Development Goal 11 on ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’, in support of the Canada Office’s contributions to its’ global review by the High Level Political Forum in 2026. 11. Contribute to resource mobilization activities related to housing research and knowledge management as requested by the Head of Office.

Qualifications/special skills

A Master’s degree in Economics, Urban Studies, Geography, Housing Policy, International Development, Statistics, Econometrics, Urban Economy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 2 years of experience in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative analysis tools, survey design and methods, and documenting and communicating research outputs is required. Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research on housing adequacy, and climate-smart housing, and to synthesize and present complex information in formats accessible to policymakers, practitioners, and diverse audiences is required. Strong report writing, reviewing, and editorial skills are highly desirable. Progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in the field of housing systems, sustainable urban development, and knowledge management is desirable. Experience working in the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Proficiency and/or fluency in French is highly desirable, and knowledge of another official UN language is considered an additional asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.