Housing Expert (National)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable urban development and adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat collaborates with governments, civil society, and the private sector to enhance urban planning, governance, and financing. This role supports Ethiopia's rapid urbanization and its National Housing Policy, focusing on improving housing affordability, inclusivity, and climate resilience.

Job Purpose

This role is crucial for strengthening the implementation of Ethiopia's National Housing Policy (2025) by providing evidence-based support for housing investments. The purpose is to develop a bankable in-situ rehousing pilot project, establish a replicable methodology for city housing diagnostics, and foster partnerships to promote affordable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban housing. The position will contribute to UN-Habitat's mandate of ensuring adequate shelter for all by addressing the significant housing deficit and improving the unregulated rental market in Ethiopia, thereby supporting sustainable urbanization and economic development.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include supporting the affordable housing investment case by reviewing and responding to government and funder queries, conducting ground verification, and tracking policy developments. The role involves co-developing a fundable proposal for an in-situ rehousing pilot in Addis Ababa, including site selection, community engagement, and financial structuring. Additionally, the consultant will co-develop and pilot a city housing diagnostic template covering demand, stock, rental markets, land, costs, finance, and delivery capacity, applying it in Addis Ababa and a secondary city. This includes documenting the methodology and identifying further partnership opportunities to enhance UN-Habitat's housing portfolio and contribute to policy implementation.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Ethiopia’s housing, construction, urban development, or finance sector is required. Demonstrated experience engaging senior government officials at federal and city levels is essential. Practical knowledge of the construction sector and housing finance in Ethiopia is also necessary. Experience with the UN system or international development partners is desirable.

Skills

Housing market analysis, construction cost verification, housing finance knowledge, stakeholder engagement, urban planning, policy implementation support, project development, data analysis, partnership building, Amharic and English fluency.

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