Urban Development Consultant - Shanghai Manual at UN-Habitat

The incumbent will be required to perform the following duties:

• Prepare written outputs including best practice case studies and inputs into the development of chapters and sections of the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report.
• Coordinate the finalisation of the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report, including edited formatted, and designed content and cooperation with delivery partners. Coordination of events regarding the Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities and its related activities including the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report.
• Organize the dissemination of best practices from the Shanghai Manual 2024 annual report e.g. onto the Urban Agenda Platform.
• Syntheses a case database from previous iterations of the Shanghai Manual Annual Report and establish collaboration channels with partner cities.
• Identify project opportunities and support resource mobilization efforts and partnership building. Collect and analyses data and emergent trends, challenges and opportunities in global urban development.
• Provide technical oversight and cooperation with project partners to establish thematic scope for the Shanghai Manual 2025 annual report. Develop a work plan for the Shanghai Manual 2025 Annual Report and facilitate the implementation of the work plan in line with the proposed timeline.
• Formulate work plan proposing core report theme, methodology, research sources and timeline for the completion of the 2025 report.
• Liaise with case focal points and facilitate technical exchange between UN-Habitat and counterparts, organize any relevant technical workshops, seminars, expert group meetings or other knowledge dissemination methods to advance technical content development.
• Coordinate case study peer review, final selection and case development processes.
• Ensure the project holds the necessary resources for smooth implementation.
• Perform any other tasks as required by the supervisor.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban planning or social sciences, such as international development, sociology, communications, or equally relevant areas, or a first level degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying and very specifically relevant experience may be accepted instead of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in urban research and international development fields is required.
• Experience working for an international organization and project development is required.
• Experience working with a Chinese government partner or working in the Chinese context is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of contemporary issues and emerging trends in urban development and urban best practices methodologies is a strong advantage and Experience in policy analysis and policy advice is desirable and Experience in publication development on urban best practices and guidelines for sustainable urban development related areas is preferred.
• Experience in coordinating with various partners and stakeholders is desirable and Experience within the UN system is a strongly desired