Housing Economist
Organizational Context
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Canada Office, based in Montreal, focuses on sustainable and inclusive towns and cities, aiming to provide adequate shelter for all. It serves as a hub for partnerships, research, and policy engagement in North America, aligning with UN-Habitat's strategic plan and global housing objectives.
Job Purpose
This role supports UN-Habitat's housing program in Montreal by providing evidence-based inputs on housing and land policy and finance markets. The consultant will conduct applied research, assess housing finance systems, and evaluate innovative financing mechanisms. The purpose is to strengthen the office's research and knowledge management activities, contributing to the global exchange of expertise on sustainable and inclusive housing and urban development, and informing intergovernmental dialogue on adequate housing.
Responsibilities
Conduct applied research on housing markets, supply-demand dynamics, affordability, and economic drivers. Assess housing finance systems, including mortgage markets, credit access, and investment flows. Evaluate innovative financing mechanisms for affordable, inclusive, and climate-smart housing. Examine the effectiveness of governance, land-use regulation, and policy instruments. Develop research outputs, technical notes, and policy briefs. Prepare case studies on innovative housing finance and market reforms. Contribute to applied research on trade policies' impact on housing costs and affordability. Engage with stakeholders to validate research and promote evidence-based solutions. Support workshops, consultations, and intergovernmental dialogues. Assist in preparing inputs for major global events and resource mobilization efforts.
Work Experience
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in applied economic, financial research, housing market analysis, or policy evaluation is required. Experience in designing and implementing quantitative/qualitative research, survey design, and communicating research outputs is essential. Experience analyzing housing finance and policy frameworks in OECD and global contexts is required.
Skills
Applied economic and financial research, housing market analysis, policy evaluation, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data management, knowledge management, report writing, communication, stakeholder engagement, comparative research, policy analysis, housing finance systems, urban development.