Social Participation and Mobilization Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. It operates globally, with a significant focus on urban development and resilience, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and the private sector, to implement the Habitat Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization emphasizes participatory governance and social equity in urban planning and development, aiming to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient environments.

Job Overview:
The Social Participation and Mobilization Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Inclusive and Sustainable Rio project, which aims to enhance urban resilience in the State of Rio de Janeiro. This position involves structuring and operationalizing participatory processes for the review of the State Solid Waste Plan (PERS-RJ). The consultant will work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and participation throughout the project. The role requires a strong focus on mobilizing civil society and other stakeholders to promote inclusion within the climate agenda, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and integrated into the planning process. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing technical reports and maintaining organized records of participatory activities, contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include planning and providing technical support for the implementation of activities related to the PERS review process, such as organizing regional workshops, public consultations, and seminars. They will develop methodologies for stakeholder engagement, support the mobilization of key stakeholders, and ensure the functioning of the PERS-RJ Monitoring Committee. The consultant will also organize participatory activities, manage public consultations, and systematize contributions received from these processes. Additionally, they will prepare technical reports detailing methodologies, participant profiles, and key contributions, while maintaining organized records and databases related to social participation activities. The consultant is expected to work collaboratively with other consultants and participate in technical meetings, field missions, and other activities as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, International Relations, Social Sciences, Social Communication, Public Relations, Social Work, Urban and Regional Planning, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement will also be considered. A postgraduate degree in relevant fields is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of four years of experience in projects related to social participation, participatory governance, or public policy management, particularly in Brazil. Experience in designing and facilitating participatory processes, preparing technical reports, and working with solid waste management or urban sustainability projects is essential. Familiarity with international organizations and UN agencies is a plus.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields is required, with a preference for candidates holding a postgraduate degree in public policy, social participation, or urban planning. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in social sciences and governance, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and contribute to participatory processes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in social participation, participatory governance, or public policy management, particularly within the context of Brazil. Candidates should demonstrate experience in organizing and facilitating participatory processes, including workshops and public consultations, as well as preparing technical reports and analyzing contributions from these activities. Experience in solid waste management and urban sustainability projects is also required, along with a background in working with international organizations or UN agencies being highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Additionally, working knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable, given that English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Spanish is used in the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be based in Rio de Janeiro for the duration of the twelve-month contract, which may be extended based on performance and availability of funds. The position is local, and only Brazilian nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The consultant must be available for travel related to project activities, with travel coordinated and financed by UN-Habitat according to UN travel guidelines. The consultant will receive a monthly allowance upon approval of activity reports by the Head of Brazil Office. All applications must be submitted in English, and only complete applications will be considered. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.