BACKGROUND

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the lead United Nations agency for cities and human settlements. The agency is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate housing for all and sustainable development. The main documents outlining the mandate of the organization are the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements, the Habitat Agenda, the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements, the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the New Millennium, and UN General Assembly Resolution A/56/206. UN-Habitat, being the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system, works across multiple levels of governance, including all spheres of government from national to local, civil society, and the private sector, to build, manage, plan, and finance sustainable urban development. It has a role in delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, adopted by Member States in 2015, specifically goal 11: make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat's mandate on adequate housing stems from its role as the United Nations entity responsible for promoting sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Anchored in global frameworks like the New Urban Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 11.1: ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing), UN-Habitat works to address housing challenges worldwide. The agency supports governments in developing inclusive housing policies, strengthening legal frameworks, and fostering innovative financing mechanisms. Its interventions include technical assistance for social and affordable housing, capacity building for urban governance, promoting climate-resilient and energy-efficient housing, and advocating for housing as a human right. Through partnerships with stakeholders at all levels, UN-Habitat aims to advance equitable access to housing, improve living conditions for vulnerable populations, and integrate housing solutions within broader urban development strategies. UN-Habitat's Land, Housing and Shelter Section (LHSS) is located in the Global Solutions Division and supports governments and key stakeholders in developing and implementing progressive housing sector reforms, policies, and legislation to create inclusive and sustainable cities that align with international law and the right to adequate housing. Through its expertise, the LHSS provides technical support for analysing housing sectors, reviewing legislation, and identifying barriers to affordable housing, while promoting sustainable construction practices and contributing to socio-economic development. The Inter-Regional Advisor for Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia plays a key role in advancing UN-Habitat's mandate in the region by supporting governments and stakeholders in addressing urban challenges, including housing, urban governance, and sustainable development. The Advisor provides strategic advice, facilitates partnerships, and promotes capacity building to help cities and communities navigate complex socio-economic and environmental transformations. UN-Habitat's Strategic Plan 2026 – 2029 focuses on delivering transformative change in cities and human settlements through a people-centered approach that prioritizes access to adequate housing, land, and basic services for all. Recognizing that sustainable urbanization is key to achieving the 2030 Agenda and other global commitments, the plan addresses global challenges across three impact areas: equitable and inclusive prosperity for poverty eradication; preparedness, response, recovery, and reconstruction; and environment and climate action. The overarching goal is to improve the lives of people, particularly those in informal settlements and slums and those impacted by crises and climate change, by increasing their access to housing, land, and services. This will be achieved through five key means of implementation: integrated urban and territorial planning and finance; participatory multi-level governance and SDG localization; enhanced knowledge, data, and capacity development; strengthened partnerships and advocacy; and effective resource mobilization. Each of these levers supports targeted outcomes and outputs designed to accelerate impact and drive sustainable, inclusive development in urban areas globally.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Land, Housing and Shelter Section (LHSS) and with guidance from the international Inclusive Housing and Urban Development Expert, the Inter-Regional Advisor for Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia, and the Research and Advocacy Officer for Housing Rights, Diversity and Inclusion, the national consultant will contribute to the development of localized housing profiles and policy recommendations for Uzbekistan. The assignment aims to support the development of a localized housing profile for a pilot city in Uzbekistan, with a focus on marginalized populations and migrants. The national consultant will contribute to data collection, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement and consultations to ensure the profile aligns with local needs and national priorities. The consultant will also support the integration of housing priorities into national planning frameworks, contribute to capacity-building and regional knowledge exchange activities, and enhance the project's visibility through communication and advocacy efforts.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (master's or similar) in urban planning, public administration, economics, urban management, housing policy, architecture, sociology, or other fields related to sustainable urban development is required. Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience of experience in housing policy, urban development, or research at the local level. Proven ability to lead research independently and produce high-quality written reports. Strong understanding of housing delivery systems, informality, land management, urban/territorial planning, and local governance. Experience working with municipal authorities and local stakeholders.

Languages

English is a working language of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English and Russian, both oral and written, is required. Knowledge of other regional language is an added asset.

• Contribute to the development of localized housing profiles and policy recommendations for Uzbekistan
• Support the development of a localized housing profile for a pilot city in Uzbekistan, with a focus on marginalized populations and migrants
• Contribute to data collection, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement and consultations to ensure the profile aligns with local needs and national priorities
• Support the integration of housing priorities into national planning frameworks
• Contribute to capacity-building and regional knowledge exchange activities
• Enhance the project's visibility through communication and advocacy efforts

• Proven ability to lead research independently and produce high-quality written reports
• Strong understanding of housing delivery systems, informality, land management, urban/territorial planning, and local governance
• Experience working with municipal authorities and local stakeholders
• Fluency in English and Russian, both oral and written

• Advanced university degree (master's or similar) in urban planning, public administration, economics, urban management, housing policy, architecture, sociology, or other fields related to sustainable urban development
• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in housing policy, urban development, or research at the local level