Cities and Climate Change Consultant – Multilevel Climate Action and Housing

About the role

UN-Habitat is seeking a consultant in Nairobi to support the Climate Change and Urban Environment Section in advancing the analysis of urban content in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and their implementation through global and regional tools. The consultancy works under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator Climate Change and Urban Environment and collaborates with colleagues in the section and climate focal points across the agency. It focuses on housing, informal settlements and the housing-climate nexus.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the housing elements of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, translating global analysis into policy, programmatic and country-level applications, and support the Innovate4Cities conference.
• Lead the development and country-level application of NDC implementation capacity building, strengthen urban content in NDCs and capture lessons learned.
• Produce the NDC3.0 Housing Spinoff report by November 2027, with a summary methodology in February 2027, a draft for internal review in March 2027 and a draft for expert review in May 2027.
• Produce a summary report on the housing dimensions of the IPCC Special Report and a summary report on NDC3.0 implementation through capacity development, including training materials at global, regional and country levels.
• Develop a database of lessons learned from NDC implementation approaches and a summary report on resource mobilization, with emphasis on the housing-climate nexus.
• Provide regular summaries on engagement on the Housing and Climate Nexus and associated partnerships.
• Develop the housing-climate portfolio through resource mobilization and strategic partnerships, and act as focal point for housing and slum upgrading, including programme development.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in urban planning, architecture, environmental management, public policy or a relevant field; a first degree with two additional years of experience may be accepted.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in architecture and urban planning and design, project management and stakeholder engagement, ideally at international level, including urban climate change mitigation and/or adaptation.
• Proven experience in green-building solutions, climate-resilient housing and urban design.
• Proven experience in communicating and visualizing urban climate change knowledge.
• Proven experience with NDC development and implementation; familiarity with international capacity development is desirable.
• Fluency in written and oral English; French and English are the working languages of the UN Secretariat, and knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of the housing-climate nexus, NDC development and implementation strategies.
• Data analysis and data communication / visualization skills.
• Experience developing and delivering capacity development tools and trainings.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to integrate information from diverse multimedia and digital sources.