Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is the global partnership promoting the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels and supported by a Secretariat, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership which has come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader, with a strong track record in grant-making to support strategic citywide planning, slum upgrading and access to basic services; urban climate action and resilience; the inclusion of forcibly displaced populations in cities; women empowerment and gender equality in cities; inclusive urban economies and investment pathways that improve livelihoods and reduce urban poverty. Through UNOPS, the Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund supported by an efficient, flexible grant-making mechanism with global reach.
The Cities Alliance has established an international reputation for its role in promoting coherence of effort in international development, identifying critical policy and knowledge gaps, convening members and partners, and delivering high-quality programmes. The context of its work is that of rapidly urbanising economies, the growth of cities of all sizes, and promoting the interests of the urban poor in general, and women in particular. Adopting a long-term and programmatic approach that recognises the catalytic nature of development assistance, the Cities Alliance seeks to work with and support local expertise and institutions, ensure citywide and nationwide approaches to development, and facilitate follow-up investments and impacts.
The Cities Alliance undertakes regular independent evaluations, as well as programme and financial audits. The Secretariat has recently embarked on a decentralisation strategy, with an empowered and effective management team and staff operating from three global hubs.
The Management Board (on which UNOPS is represented ex officio) is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction, priorities and budget of the Cities Alliance. The Secretariat is responsible for the implementation of the work programme and related activities, and shall report to the Management Board on these, through the Director.
The Director of the Cities Alliance is a UNOPS Director, subject to UNOPS policies and procedures.
