Housing Sector Consultant, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

The assignment will contribute to the development of localized housing profiles and policy recommendations for Bishkek and the Kyrgyz Republic

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

6 Months

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 work on Adequate Housing 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 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. Rationale and Context Adequate housing is a fundamental human right, essential for dignity, health, and sustainable development. Yet, countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia face significant barriers to providing safe, affordable, and adequate housing for their populations. These challenges stem from a mix of socio-economic, demographic, and governance factors. Housing systems across Central Asia and Eastern Europe are at a critical stage, balancing the legacies of mass privatisation with the need for sustainable, inclusive growth. While the legacy of mass housing privatisation has led to high levels of private ownership, it has also introduced challenges such as lack of support for different types of tenure and alternative housing solutions, aging housing stock, delayed renovations, energy inefficiency, and energy poverty. Despite significant strides in policy development, gaps remain in aligning national housing strategies with local implementation, leading to uneven progress. Urbanisation, climate change, and regional displacement further complicate housing governance, particularly for marginalised groups such as migrants, women, youth, and displaced populations, who face disproportionate barriers in accessing adequate housing. However, there is growing momentum in the region to address these challenges through more integrated, participatory housing policies that prioritise sustainability, inclusivity and a vision of housing as central to urban planning and socio-economic development. Several municipalities are exploring successful strategies to localise housing policies, especially by embracing participatory town planning, where communities have a voice in shaping their urban environments. This participatory approach aligns with UN-Habitat’s “Housing at the Centre” framework, which emphasises housing as a core element of urban policy, connected to sectors such as health, education, and employment. The project scope will be of regional nature, with concrete interventions in the Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova and Uzbekistan. Each country presents unique contextual dynamics for housing interventions: • Moldova faces significant housing challenges due to population decline caused by emigration and low birth rates, which has resulted in a mismatch between housing supply and demand. Much of the existing housing stock is aging and in poor condition, dating back to the Soviet era. Additionally, high energy costs and poorly insulated homes highlight the urgent need for energy-efficient retrofitting, particularly to support vulnerable populations and reduce their financial burden. • The Kyrgyz Republic faces significant housing challenges driven by rapid urbanization, particularly in Bishkek and Osh, resulting in the growth of informal settlements with inadequate services. The region's high seismic activity underscores the critical need for resilient housing construction to ensure safety. Additionally, complex land tenure and administration systems hinder the formalization of housing developments, complicating efforts to address housing needs effectively. • Uzbekistan faces mounting housing challenges due to its young and growing population, which is driving increased demand for urban housing amidst ongoing economic transitions. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the population in rural areas continues to live in inadequate housing with limited access to basic services. Although the government has launched large-scale housing programs, there are persistent gaps in ensuring inclusivity, affordability, and quality, requiring further efforts to address diverse housing needs effectively. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Land, Housing and Shelter Section, as well as with guidance and inputs from the EECA Inter-Regional Advisor, the Research and Advocacy Officer for Housing Rights, Diversity and Inclusion, the Local Housing Working Group and the Regional Coordinator, the Consultant will be responsible for drafting the Profile, leading research, facilitating stakeholder engagement. The Consultant will undertake the following responsibilities: 1. Research and data collection • Conduct desk research and collect qualitative and quantitative data on housing, land, infrastructure, informal settlements, housing finance, and related topics in the selected locality. • Review relevant policy documents, statistical sources, municipal plans, land records, academic papers, and grey literature. • Develop and maintain a detailed housing stakeholder mapping (public, private, academic, and civil society). • Design and implement semi-structured interviews and focus groups with key local actors. • Draft brief interview protocols and produce detailed summaries of each stakeholder interaction. 2. Stakeholder engagement and coordination • Coordinate regularly with the municipal focal point, local stakeholders (including universities, CSOs, and technical departments), and the project team. • Lead consultations and facilitate participation of community groups, housing associations, and other local actors. • Organise and facilitate at least two local workshops (e.g., for data validation and policy debate). 3. Analysis and report writing • Prepare an annotated outline of the Local Housing Sector Profile based on agreed structure. • Draft the full Housing Sector Profile report (approx. 40–50 pages + Executive Summary). • Integrate feedback from stakeholders, city administration, and the project team into revised drafts. • Draft a concise Local Housing Priority Paper (5–7 pages) highlighting the most urgent housing challenges and policy options. • Participate in peer-review sessions to support or cross-check another city/municipality’s draft if requested by the project team.

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 2 years of relevant professional experience of experience in housing policy, urban development, or research at the local level is required Proven ability to lead research independently and produce high-quality written reports. Strong understanding of housing delivery systems, informality, land management, and local governance. Experience working with municipal authorities and local stakeholders. Excellent writing, facilitation, and presentation skills.

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.

Not available.

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.