Index development consultant

The Shanghai adapted index and framework in rolled out in selected cities.

Kenya

12 Months

BACKGROUND The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable cities, towns and other human settlements. It is the focal point for urbanization and human settlements matters within the UN system. As part of UN-Habitat's efforts to provide technical support to countries worldwide for efficient monitoring and reporting on urban development agendas, the Data and Statistics Unit (DSU - formerly known as Global Urban Observatory (GUO) under the Knowledge and Innovation branch, is currently leading SDG 11 and the NUA monitoring at the global level. This task involves development of methodologies which are globally applicable and adaptable to the country level for urban data generation, their piloting, building the capacity of countries to use these methods and undertake continuous reporting on the urban related indicators, and supporting countries and cities to generate accurate and up to date data which is used for national and global reporting on the progress towards sustainable cities and human settlements. In line with UN-Habitat's mandate, the Data and Statistics Unit is working to a) Improve the capacity of countries and cities to access relevant information, setting global standards in the design analysis and collection of urban data, and supports the translation of data/information into policy formulation; b) Guide methodological developments of the urban related indicators and targets used by the international development community to monitor global progress towards implementation of the NUA and the urban SDGs; c) Improve worldwide urban knowledge base by supporting governments, local authorities and civil societies in the development and application of policy-oriented urban indicators, statistics and other urban information. The unit plays a vital role in developing the Global Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF) with internal and external experts. The consultancy aims to support the development of the Global Urban Monitoring Framework – Shanghai Adapted Index ("SAI"), which is one of the outcomes of a joint project by UN-Habitat, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of China, and Shanghai Municipal Government. SAI aims to help cities to apply the universal framework of UMF, to measure their overall sustainability in specific contexts and their level of sustainability in various thematic areas. The index then provides a tool for cities to identify their gaps in implementing SDGs and the NUA. The consultant will be involved in the development of the SAI and support the technical discussions, research and analyses of the SAI, including developing the framework of the Index, refining the indicators, developing the methodology of the Index application, selection pilot cities, coordinating data collection, facilitating the testing of the draft SAI, drafting related reports, etc. The consultant will also be responsible for the coordination between the Data and Statistics Unit, the data experts and related internal UN-Habitat stakeholders and external donors and partners. In addition, it is also the responsibility of this consultant to organise SAI Event during UN-Habitat international event, such as World Urban Forum (WUF), World Cities Day (WCD) celebration etc., including event planning, drafting session agenda, coordinating speakers and guests invitation and event implementation. Beyond that, other relevant workshops, experts group meetings, technical exchange as well as communications and publicity events are included as well. RESPONSIBILITIES The Index development project consultant will work in the Knowledge and Innovation Branch, under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Data and Statistics Unit. She/he will be responsible for the following tasks: • Implement the SAI Work workplan 2025-2026 and draft the work plan 2026-2027, and facilitate the timely delivery of activities and outputs in accordance with the proposed timeline. • Lead the development and delivery of SAI capacity-building activities, including the design and development of the SAI Digital Capacity Development Toolkit and related learning materials. • Support the development of SAI application scenarios and thematic research by conducting analyses, contributing to technical discussions, and drafting technical and knowledge products. • Facilitate technical exchanges and collaboration between UN-Habitat and Chinese partners on the refinement, testing, and application of the SAI. • Coordinate collaboration among UN-Habitat teams and external partners, including the Regional Programme Division, Global Solutions Division, Chinese counterparts, and other relevant stakeholders. • Coordinate research and technical activities related to the integration and synergies between the SAI, the Shanghai Award, the Shanghai Manual, the SDG Cities Programme, and other relevant initiatives. • Organize and support SAI-related events and outreach activities, including sessions at the SDG Cities Global Conference (SCGC), World Cities Day (WCD), expert group meetings, technical workshops, knowledge-sharing events, and communication and advocacy activities. • Contribute to strengthening the integration of SAI-related work within the Data and Statistics Unit and support its effective implementation across relevant programmes and initiatives. • Contribute to the drafting, review, and finalization of SAI research reports, technical papers, guidance documents, and other knowledge products. • Provide technical, coordination, and programmatic support to the UMF team and undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

A master's degree in urban studies, statistics, mathematics, demography, economics, actuarial sciences, environmental sciences, monitoring and evaluation, or any other closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with seven additional years of qualifying experience in the fields of report writing, scientific writing, data management, quantitative research or monitoring may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience in data analytics, indices, development of methodologies for measurement frameworks, research on a broad range of urban and human settlements issues or any closely related area is required. Good interpersonal skills and ability to foster communication among teams is required. Familiarity with the UN system, including experience working in international settings is highly desirable Some level of knowledge of and experience working with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the New Urban Agenda is highly desirable. Previous work experience in organizing technical workshops or publicity events is desirable Previous work experience in promotion materials design and capacity building digital course design is desirable. Proven experience in working in teams, creativity, taking responsibility for project completion, delivering under tight deadlines is desirable.

Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Fluency in Chinese Mandarin is strongly desired. Although not a requirement, knowledge of any other UN language will be an advantage.

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.