Urban Strategy Consultancy Roles Open at UCLG ASPAC

United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) operates as a key knowledge hub for local governments across the region, representing over 7,000 cities and local authorities. Its strategic direction is guided by multi-year plans called "Manifestos," which have consistently focused on promoting democratic self-government, localizing global agendas like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enhancing city resilience. The upcoming 2026-2030 Manifesto will prioritize digital transformation, climate action, and economic growth. Consultancy roles at UCLG ASPAC are deeply embedded in projects that aim to translate these high-level strategies into actionable plans for local governments. A significant initiative is the "Urban-Act" project, which supports cities in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand to develop low-carbon and resilient urban development strategies. Consultants on this project focus on improving institutional environments for climate-sensitive planning and developing investment-ready project concepts. For professionals transitioning from enterprise strategy, the core tasks will feel familiar but with a public sector focus. A consultant's day-to-day could involve conducting comprehensive reviews of municipal development plans, facilitating stakeholder consultations with city officials and community groups, and developing policy briefs with actionable recommendations. This work directly mirrors the diagnostic, data collection, and solution design phases of corporate strategic planning. Operational improvement expertise is highly valued in projects like the Climate Resilient and Inclusive Cities (CRIC) program, which assists cities in developing and implementing Climate Action Plans (CAPs). This involves analyzing and designing more effective systems for public services such as water and sanitation, disaster management, and sustainable resource use. The emphasis is on building local capacity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these operational improvements. The work environment differs from a typical boutique firm in its emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration and capacity building. Consultants frequently partner with a wide array of organizations, from UN bodies and the European Union to national development agencies and local academic institutions. The ultimate goal is not just delivering a project but empowering local governments to drive their own development agendas. To position a corporate strategy background for these roles, it is crucial to frame experience in terms of public sector challenges. For example, "business systems thinking" can be presented as the ability to analyze and navigate the complexities of urban governance. Similarly, "process optimization" skills are directly applicable to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal service delivery and project implementation. The consultancy roles at UCLG ASPAC often involve working with diverse, international teams on a remote basis. A strong understanding of the Asia-Pacific region's urban development challenges is a significant asset, as is experience working in multicultural environments. Past projects have included developing training modules on gender-responsive budgeting, supporting disaster rehabilitation programs, and creating knowledge-sharing platforms for city-to-city cooperation.