Urban and Migration Advisor - Informality, Municipal Finance, and Social Cohesion

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) delivers impactful projects worldwide, with hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna. It leads multi-regional initiatives for sustainable development and peacebuilding. UNOPS Geneva specifically supports global programmes and hosts secretariats for various partnerships, including Cities Alliance, a global alliance focused on urban development and poverty reduction. Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund through UNOPS, supporting strategic city planning and inclusive urban policies.

Job Purpose

This role provides on-demand, high-level advisory support to Cities Alliance, acting as a technical anchor at the intersection of forced displacement, human mobility, and rapid urbanization. The primary purpose is to assist secondary cities in upgrading informal settlements, strengthening municipal finance, and fostering social cohesion. By leveraging specialized regional expertise, the advisor will contribute to Cities Alliance's thought leadership and its role as a trusted partner for global donors and local governments. The position aims to enhance program coherence and drive impactful urban development strategies in challenging environments, ensuring cities can effectively manage demographic shifts and promote inclusive growth.

Responsibilities

The Urban and Migration Advisor will provide strategic and technical inputs to Cities Alliance's programming, knowledge, and advocacy efforts on an as-needed basis. Key responsibilities include delivering high-level technical advisory and peer reviews for urban development and migration programs, advising governments on slum upgrading, informal settlement regularization, and inclusive housing policies. The role involves providing strategic guidance on municipal finance frameworks, including capital investment, revenue mobilization, and PPPs, to ensure sustainable urban infrastructure financing. Additionally, the advisor will contribute to knowledge production by guiding the development of policy briefs and urban diagnostics, and lead policy development on social cohesion and civic inclusion amidst migration. The role also entails facilitating peer learning exchanges, representing Cities Alliance in international forums, and contributing to project formulation and resource mobilization through concept notes and funding proposals.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in sustainable, inclusive urban development and international development in low-income countries is required. Previous experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and proven experience in applied international development assignments on urban and migration are essential. Experience in research and policy work, particularly in urban migration contexts in specific African countries, is highly desirable.

Skills

Urban Planning, Municipal Finance, Policy Analysis, Migration Studies, Social Cohesion, Infrastructure Development, Public Finance, Diversity & Inclusion.

Explore related opportunities