Index development consultant

The consultant will support the development of the Global Urban Monitoring Framework – Shanghai Adapted Index (SAI) by leading technical discussions, research, and analyses, coordinating data collection and pilot testing, and organizing related events. The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to enhance urban sustainability monitoring and capacity building.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge of any other UN language will be an advantage.

Skills

• Data Analytics
• Index Development
• Measurement Frameworks
• Quantitative Research
• Data Management
• Report Writing
• Scientific Writing
• Urban Studies
• Demography
• Economics
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Sustainable Development Goals
• New Urban Agenda
• Workshop Organization
• Publicity Event Management
• Promotion Materials Design
• Capacity Building
• Digital Course Design

Languages

English, Chinese Mandarin