Senior Strategic Advisor

Enhanced strategic decision-making and organizational effectiveness within the Regional Programme Division through high-level strategic advisory support, strengthened programme governance, institutional alignment and improved programme development and implementation approaches, contributing to coherent and effective delivery of RPD priorities and the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

Home-based

6 months

UN-Habitat is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities and to advance adequate housing, land and basic services for all. RPD serves as UN-Habitat’s primary delivery platform for translating the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 into results at regional and country levels. As implementation of the Strategic Plan progresses, RPD is strengthening organizational effectiveness through an integrated business model that reinforces the nexus between normative and operational work, strengthens programme governance, improves institutional alignment across HQ, ROs and COs, and promotes a unified approach to programme delivery. The Division is also advancing continuous improvement in strategy realization, programme quality, strategic prioritization, knowledge management and organizational learning. Objectives •Support realization of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029 through implementation and continuous refinement of the integrated RPD business model. •Strengthen organizational alignment and operational coherence across HQ, ROs and COs. •Strengthen programme development, programme quality, strategic positioning and resource mobilization readiness across the Division. •Reinforce programme governance, organizational effectiveness, accountability and implementation discipline. •Support prioritization, sequencing and realization of strategic corporate and divisional initiatives. •Develop practical implementation frameworks, management tools and guidance that strengthen strategy realization. •Foster continuous improvement through organizational learning, knowledge management and cross-regional collaboration. •Provide executive-level strategic advice and decision support to the Director, RPD. Duties and Responsibilities A. Executive Advisory Support to the Director •Provide strategic advice and analytical support on divisional priorities, organizational performance and emerging opportunities. •Prepare executive briefing notes, discussion papers, strategic analyses and decision-support materials. •Support prioritization and sequencing of strategic corporate and divisional initiatives. •Support engagement with RDs, senior management, HQ divisions and strategic partners. B. Integrated Business Model and Strategy Realization •Support implementation and continuous refinement of the integrated RPD business model. •Translate strategic priorities into practical institutional frameworks, operational approaches and implementation roadmaps. •Strengthen clarity on governance arrangements, roles, responsibilities and accountability across HQ, ROs and COs. •Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness and operational performance. C. Programme Development and Strategic Positioning •Strengthen programme development methodologies, quality, design and strategic positioning across ROs and COs. •Support integrated programme approaches that reinforce the nexus between normative and operational work. •Provide strategic inputs into priority programme concepts, pipelines, partnerships, donor positioning and resource mobilization opportunities. •Develop practical guidance that strengthens programme quality, results articulation and implementation consistency. D. Programme Governance and Institutional Alignment •Strengthen programme governance frameworks, quality assurance and implementation oversight. •Develop practical management and implementation frameworks and institutional guidance. •Facilitate structured leadership consultations and alignment processes across HQ, ROs and COs. •Support targeted organizational realignment or reset processes where required. E. Continuous Improvement, Knowledge and Organizational Learning •Identify opportunities to strengthen business processes, programme delivery and organizational performance. •Develop standardized tools, templates and operational guidance that promote consistency and continuous improvement. •Capture and synthesize lessons learned and strengthen cross-regional knowledge-sharing. •Strengthen internal communication, alignment messaging and shared understanding of priorities and ways of working.

Advanced university degree in international development, public administration, governance, organizational development, management, public policy, communications or a related discipline. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible international experience in strategy realization/operationalization, organizational effectiveness, institutional strengthening, programme development or organizational performance is required. Demonstrated experience providing strategic advisory support to senior executives and facilitating complex alignment processes is desirable. Proven experience developing and implementing organizational business models, institutional frameworks and implementation strategies is desirable. Extensive experience strengthening programme development, programme governance, strategic positioning and donor-facing narratives is desirable. Extensive experience strengthening programme development, programme governance, strategic positioning and donor-facing narratives is desirable. Experience in fragile or politically complex contexts is highly desirable. Experience in humanitarian, development or United Nations environments is desirable.

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an 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.