Functional title: Senior Programme Advisor (National Position)

Duty station of assignment: Ankara, Türkiye

Contract modality: Local ICA

Duration of assignment: 12 months (part time)

Closing date for applications: 22 June 2026

Background

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting sustainable urbanization and human settlements. Through its programmes and partnerships, UN-Habitat supports governments and communities in building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

The Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ROEECA), based in Istanbul, Türkiye, supports national and local governments and other partners in advancing the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities. The office promotes sustainable urban development through policy support, capacity building, programme development, and regional knowledge exchange.

The advisor will be based in Ankara, Türkiye, and will provide support to programme development, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement activities in Türkiye and the wider Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. The Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Director, ROEECA.

Responsibilities

The Advisor will support programme development, partnerships and resource mobilization and regional engagement in Türkiye and across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Under the supervision of the Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ROEECA), the incumbent will:

• Provide strategic support to strengthening partnerships and resource mobilization, including coordination and facilitation of meetings with key stakeholders.

• Support the preparation of briefing materials, concept notes and engagement approaches aligned with UN-Habitat's strategic priorities.

• Contribute to stakeholder engagement, follow-up and identification of partnership and programme opportunities in Türkiye and the wider region.

• Support the identification and development of project ideas and partnership opportunities aligned with regional priorities.

• Provide advice and analytical inputs on urban development, urban resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable urbanization issues.

• Contribute to programme development, donor engagement and strategic discussions, including the preparation of concept notes and project proposals.

• Support collaboration with national and local authorities, development partners, international financial institutions and other stakeholders to advance sustainable urban development initiatives.

• Contribute to the preparation of partnership initiatives, events and related activities associated with urban resilience and climate action agendas, including COP31.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Expected Duration

• 12 months (part-time)

Competencies

Planning and organization: Ability to work independently with a high degree of responsibility, in a flexible manner, and under pressure. Communication: Excellent inter-personal communication and networking skills. Professionalism: Strong programme management and monitoring skills. Good coordination skills, with ability to handle multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to undertake complex research independently. Teamwork: Ability to participate effectively in teams of various expertise as well as organizations. The candidate should share credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings and should have a positive approach to work with consistent energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced University Degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Urban Studies, Development Studies, or other relevant areas.

Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant working experience on issues related to sustainable development, urban planning, local development, and project management.

• Working experience on the New Urban Agenda and Agenda 2030 in the region is highly desired. Professional experience in the UN or a reputable international institution is highly desirable.

• Experience working with the United Nations, an international organization, or a reputable international institution is highly desirable.

Language

• Fluency in English and Turkish is required for this specific consultancy.

• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit an email quoting in the email subject the post title and the duty station to the UN-Habitat ROEECA, email address: unhabitat-roeeca.recruitment@un.org

with the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. Cover letter addressing precisely how the applicant meets the qualifications and requirements.

2. Completion of a CV in P11 Form which can be downloaded at**:** https://t.ly/pdZjU

The CV shall include information on the past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.

3. Diplomas and copy of Passport or ID Card

Deadline for applications: 22 June 2026

Please note that applications received after the closing date stated below, will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for an interview.