Information Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and to create policies that ensure adequate housing for all. The organization works closely with various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector to foster urban development that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. UN-Habitat has a significant presence in Brazil, particularly through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) located in Rio de Janeiro. The organization has been actively involved in enhancing urban policies and addressing issues related to urban poverty, particularly through initiatives like the Social Territories Program, which aims to improve the living conditions of the urban poor in Rio de Janeiro. UN-Habitat emphasizes participatory approaches and the integration of social, economic, and environmental policies to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Information Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of various projects and activities within UN-Habitat. This position requires close collaboration with program, operations, and project teams to ensure that project objectives and organizational priorities are met. The Information Assistant will be responsible for developing and maintaining information systems, databases, and digital records that are essential for program activities. The role involves collecting, validating, and analyzing data from various sources to produce informative reports and visualizations that aid in decision-making processes. The Information Assistant will also be tasked with monitoring data quality, conducting research, and synthesizing complex information into accessible formats for diverse audiences. This position is vital for enhancing the institutional capacity of UN-Habitat in Brazil and ensuring that the organization can effectively address urban challenges and promote sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Information Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and maintaining information systems and databases; collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data; creating information products such as dashboards and visualizations; monitoring data quality and recommending improvements; producing analytical reports and summaries; conducting research from reliable sources; organizing complex information for various audiences; maintaining standardized datasets and documentation; contributing to the development of data collection and reporting tools; preparing inputs for reports and publications; documenting meetings and training events; participating in UN-Habitat forums; monitoring deliverables according to work plans; maintaining organized records of project activities; preparing reports in accordance with UN-Habitat standards; upholding ethical principles; and performing other duties as assigned by the Head of the Brazil Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Administration, Geography, Economics, Urban Studies, Statistics, or related disciplines. Alternatively, candidates with an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement will also be considered. A minimum of two years of experience in data analysis, report generation, and information management related to public policy in Brazil is mandatory. Experience working with the United Nations is desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and web search tools is required, along with a good command of programming languages such as R or Python, GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS), and data visualization tools. Knowledge of project management methodologies and experience with GitHub or GitLab is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, Administration, Geography, Economics, Urban Studies, Statistics, or related areas. Candidates with additional relevant experience may substitute for formal education. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of urban development and public policy, which are central to the role of the Information Assistant.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience, particularly in areas related to data analysis, report generation, and information management for public policy. Candidates should have experience in data visualization, data collection, and processing, specifically within the Brazilian context. Previous experience with the United Nations or similar organizations is considered a valuable asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices in project implementation and management.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and collaboration within Brazil. Additionally, knowledge of English and French is beneficial, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in Spanish is also advantageous, given that it is the working language of the Regional Office in Latin America.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is expected to last for six months. The incumbent may be required to travel within Brazil as part of the project requirements, subject to prior authorization from the Head of the Brazil Office. All travel will adhere to United Nations policies and procedures. The remuneration for this position will be determined according to the applicable UNOPS Local ICA or UNDP salary scale. It is important to note that this appointment is on a local basis, and only Brazilian nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil are eligible to apply. The contract may be extended based on performance and availability of funds, but such extensions are not guaranteed. All applications must be submitted in English and should include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information as specified in the application guidelines.