Urban Heat Resilience Research and Knowledge Management Support

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) promotes sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in its region. ESCAP supports member states through policy research, analysis, normative guidance, and capacity building. The region faces increasing challenges from extreme heat, impacting public health, infrastructure, and vulnerable populations. ESCAP is actively engaged in initiatives to enhance urban heat resilience, including risk assessments, action plans, and fostering a Community of Practice for knowledge exchange.

Job Purpose

This assignment aims to support ESCAP in strengthening urban heat resilience across the Asia-Pacific region. The Online Volunteer will contribute to consolidating and translating knowledge and experiences into practical resources for ESCAP's Urban Heat Resilience Community of Practice. The core objective is to prepare a draft Resource Package that compiles city experiences, tools, case studies, and lessons learned, making them accessible to policymakers and practitioners. This initiative will facilitate peer learning, connect city-level work with broader regional and international efforts, and build a stronger foundation for continued knowledge exchange on urban heat resilience, ultimately supporting cities in addressing the impacts of extreme heat.

Responsibilities

The Online Volunteer will conduct desk-based research, organize information, and prepare draft knowledge resources on urban heat resilience under ESCAP's guidance. Key duties include mapping relevant organizations, city networks, initiatives, and resources globally and within Asia and the Pacific. The volunteer will identify and document practical city examples related to heat action planning, early warning systems, cooling centers, occupational heat protection, nature-based solutions, and heat-responsive urban planning. Synthesizing lessons from ESCAP-supported activities and pilot interventions, focusing on implementation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability, is crucial. The role also involves identifying financing approaches, organizing findings into practitioner-oriented materials for city-to-city learning, and suggesting topics for future knowledge-exchange activities. Recommendations for strengthening the Community of Practice and its resources will also be developed.

Work Experience

While specific years of experience are not detailed, candidates should possess a background in relevant fields such as urban planning or climate change. Experience in climate resilience or sustainable urban development is required. Desirable experience includes work related to urban heat, climate adaptation, urban resilience, climate-risk assessment, working with governments, familiarity with Urban Heat Action Plans, synthesizing research into practical knowledge products, and experience with knowledge management or professional networks.

Skills

Essential skills include strong research, analytical, and synthesis capabilities. The ability to translate technical or academic information into concise and accessible materials for policy and practitioner audiences is crucial. Strong written English proficiency is required. The volunteer must be able to work independently, organize information systematically, and meet deadlines. Good interpersonal and communication skills are needed for collaborative work in a remote, multicultural environment. Desirable skills include data visualization, GIS, graphic design, and presentation development.

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