Context
In 2023, the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter at Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) developed the study «Sustainable Progressive Construction in the Vulnerable Population of Metropolitan Lima,» which identified, through a methodology based on design thinking and fieldwork with families and construction workers, the main challenges and opportunities for incorporating sustainability in progressive construction processes. This study proposed Technological Solutions for Sustainable Progressive Construction (STCPS) with high adoption potential for social interest housing and progressive growth typologies A, B, C, and D, prioritizing low-cost, minimally disruptive, and culturally compatible measures.
This framework serves as a strategic input and reinforces the design and implementation of the international project Passive Solutions in Self-build and Incremental Housing (PSSI), led by HafenCity Universität Hamburg in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the NGO Kota Kita. The PSSI project, to be implemented in Lima and Semarang/Solo, seeks to explore, co-design, and validate passive and sustainable solutions for incremental housing in vulnerable urban contexts.
Both initiatives share the following:
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A comprehensive vision of housing as a driver of socio-environmental transformation.
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A co-design approach with communities and actors in the local ecosystem.
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The goal of developing scalable and locally applicable interventions with affordable materials and replicable techniques.
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The interest in translating sustainability into tangible benefits for vulnerable families: energy savings, thermal comfort, emission reduction, and improved quality of life with minimally disruptive, high-impact solutions.
Thus, the local implementation of the PSSI pilot in Peru builds on the previous experience from Knowledge Product #5: Sustainable Solutions in Progressive Construction (2023) and aims to deepen its impact through an applied research platform that will validate, monitor, and scale the identified passive solutions through inter-institutional, academic, and community alliances.
Position Objective
To design, implement, and monitor sustainable and passive solutions in progressive housing, with an emphasis on rural and peri-urban areas, integrating participatory approaches, local knowledge, and criteria of energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic viability, aligned with the goals of the PSSI project.
Functions and Responsibilities
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Project coordination and reporting
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Coordinate participatory diagnostics on building conditions, climate risks, and local capacities.
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Co-design ad hoc solutions for progressive housing with allied partners.
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Participate in the execution and monitoring of pilot interventions.
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Contribute to manuals and training materials.
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Train local actors (families, builders and allied partners).
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Systematize lessons learned, evaluate and measure impact.
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Coordinate with local governments and NGOs.
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Work with national and international multidisciplinary research teams.
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Availability to travel domestically for field data collection and internationally for project representation.
Consultant Profile
Academic Background:
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Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related fields.
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Desirable: proven specialization in:
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sustainability, energy efficiency, rural habitat
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Bioclimatic design
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Sustainability
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Energy efficiency
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Sustainable urban planning in peri-urban and rural environments
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Experience:
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Minimum 3–5 years in the design and implementation of sustainable solutions in social or progressive housing.
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Experience in environmental conditioning in diverse climates (especially urban-rural).
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Prior work in construction contexts within vulnerable populations.
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Experience in pilot or applied research projects (ideally with a co-design or participatory action focus).
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Practical knowledge of using sustainable local materials, passive systems for ventilation, lighting, water harvesting, among others.
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Desirable: experience working with NGOs, local governments, or international cooperation agencies.
Duration of the Consultancy
The consultant will be contracted for an initial period of twelve (12) months, starting on June 18, 2025 (dates to be coordinated with CTIV). The contract may be renewed on an annual basis, subject to satisfactory performance, continued funding and organizational needs.
You can view the Terms of Reference at the following link: TOR – Specialist Sustainability in the Incremental Housing Sector