Terms of Reference

 

Post Title:                       International Housing Expert 

Duty Station:                  Home based

Duration:                        84 days (during November 2026-March 2027)

Starting date:                  November 2026

 

Advertisement Period:   Applications close on 16 November2026 11:59 Nairobi time

 

Organizational Setting 

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations 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. In October 2016, at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development – Habitat III – member states signed the New Urban Agenda.  This is an action-oriented document which sets global standards of achievement in sustainable urban development, rethinking the way we build, manage, and live in cities.  Through drawing together cooperation with committed partners, relevant stakeholders, and urban actors, including at all levels of government as well as the private sector, UN-Habitat is applying its technical expertise, normative work and capacity development to implement the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11.

 

The UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa (ROAf) established a structure of four sub-regional hubs (East/West/Central/South) to strengthen UN-Habitat presence in sub-regional/country level by engaging sub-regional/country level coordination and activities including the UNCTs, the UN AFPs initiatives, governments, donors, development partners, sub-regional entities and any other relevant dialogues.

UN-Habitat Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa covers 13 countries including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius; and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat based in Botswana; as well as Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) based in Mauritius and providing substantive assistance to the country level as well as sub-regional level. 

Background to the position

Botswana is a landlocked country, located in the Southern African region bordering South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, Botswana is an upper-middle income country with a population of approximately 2.25 million, with a relatively young population. Since its independence, Botswana has experienced steady urbanization. By 2026, 80% of Botswana’s population is estimated to live in urban centers, concentrated along the country’s eastern and northern borders. While the reality of urbanization in Botswana is not charactered by high density and large informal settlements, it has augmented the already prevalent inequality in the country. Moreover, there is limited capacity to implement the National Spatial Plan 2036 at a local and regional level. This is manifested most often in inadequate housing for the urban poor, especially in urban centers such as Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, Francistown and Lobatse.

Building on the engagement between His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana and the UN-Habitat Executive Director, the Government and UN-Habitat established the Botswana Housing Expert Working Group (HEWG) under the framework of the Africa Affordable Housing Compact (AACH). The Botswana HEWG is a multi-stakeholder advisory platform established to support the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement in addressing Botswana’s housing challenges. These challenges include the shortage of affordable housing, limited access to housing finance, high construction costs, inadequate serviced land, lengthy land-allocation processes, informal settlements, obsolete housing policies and limited housing-sector data. Rapid urbanisation and growing demand in major settlements have further increased pressure on land, infrastructure and basic services.

The Housing Expert Working Group’s Action Plan provides a practical framework for coordinated action on housing policy and legislative reforms, affordable housing finance, serviced land and infrastructure delivery, informal-settlement upgrading, housing data and monitoring, climate-resilient construction, institutional strengthening and capacity-building. It assigns responsibilities, timelines and expected outputs to the Government, UN-Habitat, financial institutions, the private sector, development partners, civil society, academia and communities. Through South–South cooperation and the Africa Affordable Housing Compact, the Working Group will also draw on regional and international experience to promote adequate, affordable, inclusive, accessible and sustainable housing for all in Botswana. 

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Sub-Regional Hub for Southern Africa, the International Housing Expert will be responsible for the following:

 

  1. Provide technical review of draft National Housing Policy 

  • Review the draft against Botswana Vision 2036, the National Spatial Plan 2036, the New Urban Agenda, SDG 11.1 and the Africa Affordable Housing Compact, and identify gaps.

  • Review compliance with existing legislation and institutional mandates.

  • Benchmark against regional and international good practice.

  • Propose policy direction for the financial structure for financing affordable housing.

  • Institutional review of key agencies and institutions mandated for financing housing (coherency, coordination and mandates)

  • Prepare a technical review report with prioritised recommendations.

 

  1. Strengthen and finalise National Housing Policy 

  • Reflect action plan of the HEWG developed in September 2026,

  • Strengthen the policy framework based on the agreed recommendations, including a costed implementation plan and a results-based M&E framework.

  • Analyse housing need, demand and affordability by income group, settlement and type of tenure. 

  • Map the current housing finance system and its constraints

  • Propose blended finance and public-private partnership models, risk-sharing tools, and better targeting of subsidies.

  • Consult financial institutions and investors, then validate the strategy and finalise it with an action plan and an implementation roadmap

  • Mainstream gender, social inclusion, the “leave no one behind” principle and climate resilience across the policy.

  • Support the facilitation of an inclusive, multi-stakeholder consultations and validation process.

  • Finalise the policy and prepare a policy brief for Cabinet consideration.

  • Propose key components of National Housing Finance Strategy

  •  

Deliverables and Timeline (Total 120 days)

 

  1. Provide technical review of draft National Housing Policy: 34 days (November- December 2026)

  2. Strengthen and finalise National Housing Policy: 50 days (December 2026-March 2027)

 

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Demonstrates understanding of UN-Habitat’s strategic priorities and approaches to partnerships and programme management; applies knowledge and expertise in resource mobilization, project formulation, and stakeholder engagement; shows pride in work and achieves high-quality results; maintains focus and perseverance even in challenging situations; promotes gender equality and social inclusion in all areas of work.

Communication: Communicates clearly, confidently, and effectively both orally and in writing; adapts language and style to different audiences; listens actively and responds appropriately; facilitates dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders; shares information openly to keep colleagues and partners informed and engaged.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear plans that are aligned with organizational goals; sets priorities and manages competing demands effectively; anticipates risks and develops contingency plans; uses time and resources efficiently; ensures proper follow-up on activities and maintains organized records for accountability and learning.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues across units, UN agencies, governments, and partners to achieve common goals; values diverse contributions and fosters an environment of respect and inclusion; willingly shares expertise and supports others to succeed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in housing and human settlement  or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with four (4) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Professional Experience 

  • A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in housing and human settlements and related areas is required.

  • Experience in implementing development programmes/projects, particularly in Africa, is desirable.

  • Experience working with the United Nations system or an international organization is an asset.

Language

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

 

Application Instructions

  • Applicants are required to submit a concise cover letter or motivation statement highlighting their relevant experience and qualifications in urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and related fields.

  • Complete and sign the Personal History Profile (P11) using the standard template available here.

  • Attach copies of relevant supporting documents, including academic qualifications and evidence of relevant professional experience. Ensure all documents are clearly labelled and submitted in PDF or clear image format.

  • Submit the complete application, comprising the cover letter/motivation statement, completed and signed P11 form, and supporting documents, by email only to agnes.mashonganyika@un.org. Use the subject line: APPLICATION_INTERNATIONAL_HOUSING_EXPERT_ [First Name].

  • Applications must be received by 16 November 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

 

Duty Station
  Home based
Post date
Deadline