Programme Management Consultantnew

Functional title: Programme Management Consultant

Duty station of assignment: Istanbul, Türkiye

Contract modality: International ICA

Grade: IICA-2 equivalent

Duration of assignment: 6 months

Closing date for applications: 30 October 2026

Background

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.

The Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ROEECA) leads UN-Habitat’s efforts to promote sustainable urban development across the region by supporting national and local governments in advancing inclusive, resilient, and resource-efficient cities. ROEECA is being established to facilitate regional cooperation, policy development, and capacity building to strengthen urban systems, including sustainable solid waste management and circular economy approaches. Through technical assistance, project development, and partnerships, ROEECA will support the transition towards zero-waste systems that integrate social inclusion, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, while mobilizing investments and scaling innovative solutions aligned with regional priorities and global commitments.

Urban Basic Services, including zero-waste is a core pillar of UN-Habitat’s work on sustainable urban basic services, promoting waste prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery while avoiding disposal practices that harm health and the environment. In line with the United Nations General Assembly resolution 77/161 and the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste, UN-Habitat supports cities and regions in transitioning towards zero-waste systems that are inclusive, re-source-efficient, and socially just.

Purpose of the assignment

To support programme and project development and provide technical expertise on zero waste and social inclusion in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with a specific focus on circularity and integrating gender equality and disability inclusion into waste management policies, data systems, and programmes. The assignment will include coordination of regional zero-waste initiatives, development of technical publications, project proposals and engagement with United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs).

Duties and main responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the ROEECA Regional Director and in close coordination with the Chief, Urban Basic Services Section (UBSS), the incumbent will undertake the following duties:

• Facilitate coordination between ROEECA, UBSS, and relevant regional and country-level initiatives related to zero-waste and social inclusion.
• Coordinate the development of project concepts and proposals and support the regional roll-out and contextualization of zero-waste approaches and circularity, aligned with UN-Habitat regional priorities and the strategic plan.
• Provide technical expertise on zero waste and social inclusion, including waste prevention, organic waste management, recycling systems, and recovery solutions.
• Identify policy, institutional, and infrastructure gaps hindering the transition to zero-waste systems, with particular attention to impacts on women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.
• Represent ROEECA, as required, in technical meetings, webinars, and knowledge exchanges related to Urban Basic Services, zero-waste and inclusion.
• Support the integration of social inclusion and gender equality into project development, implementation and related technical outputs.
• Support partnership development and resource mobilization by identifying funding opportunities, engaging relevant partners and contributing to the preparation of project concepts and funding proposals.
• Perform other related duties as required.

The assignment will focus on the development of zero-waste technical publications, coordination of relevant global and regional initiatives, preparation of project concepts and funding proposals, and technical support to priority country engagements. Detailed deliverables, timelines and payment arrangements will be established in accordance with the applicable contractual procedures.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge in the project management cycle and of project lifetimes, from resource mobilization and inception to implementation, evaluation and audit. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning and Organising: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international development, international affairs, environmental management, urban planning, public policy or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in project management, programme coordination, municipal solid waste management or a related field, including experience in project development, is required. Candidates holding a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) must have a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in sustainable solid waste management, zero-waste initiatives or circular economy approaches is desirable.
• Experience in programme management in Eastern Europe and Central Asia is desirable.

Language

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.