Technical 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 central and state governments, local authorities, and various partners to implement the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat aims to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, providing better opportunities for all individuals to live with dignity. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and focuses on developing and managing activities within the host country. Over the years, UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, collaborating with all levels of government to formulate and implement effective, sustainable, and socially equitable urban policies. The second phase of the Social Territories Program is particularly aimed at addressing multidimensional urban poverty in Rio de Janeiro by enhancing institutional capacity and promoting social participation.

Job Overview:
The Technical Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the program and its activities. This position requires close collaboration with program, operations, and project teams to achieve project objectives and organizational priorities. The Technical Assistant will be responsible for guiding and orienting families and individuals selected for monitoring, utilizing integrated Assistance Protocols and public databases to access relevant information, and referring individuals to appropriate public agencies. The role also involves researching additional information about the selected families, working in partnership with civil servants from various municipal secretariats, and maintaining professional relationships with program counterparts. The Technical Assistant will ensure that the program's technical activities align with UN-Habitat's quality expectations and will be involved in disseminating information about the program within designated territories. Additionally, the Technical Assistant will be required to develop reports following ABNT guidelines and ensure compliance with UN-Habitat's quality standards and project requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Providing guidance and orientation to families and individuals selected for monitoring during household visitations; 2) Utilizing integrated Assistance Protocols and public databases to access information about selected families and referring them to appropriate public agencies; 3) Researching complementary information about families and forwarding it to relevant agencies; 4) Collaborating with civil servants from various municipal secretariats to enhance access to public services; 5) Identifying and mitigating bottlenecks within the Integrated Assistance Protocols; 6) Maintaining professional relationships with program counterparts; 7) Disseminating up-to-date information about the program; 8) Ensuring that technical activities align with quality expectations; 9) Attending meetings and conferences as requested; 10) Complying with UN-Habitat quality standards and project requirements; 11) Developing reports in accordance with ABNT guidelines; 12) Adopting ethical principles in consultancy; 13) Completing all required courses and training activities; 14) Familiarizing oneself with United Nations security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security mechanisms; 15) Performing any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields, or an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A minimum of two years of experience in assisting families in situations of social vulnerability in Brazil is essential. Knowledge of the National Social Assistance Policy is required, along with experience working with the program's target communities. Previous experience with the United Nations is desirable. The candidate must possess good computer skills in Windows and Office packages, as well as proficiency in using technological tools and online platforms. Familiarity with project management methodologies is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with three additional years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the social dynamics and challenges faced by vulnerable families in Brazil.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in assisting families in situations of social vulnerability within Brazil. This experience is vital for effectively engaging with the program's target communities and understanding the complexities of social assistance policies. Previous experience working with the United Nations is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with the program's target communities. Additionally, English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, while Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office. Proficiency in these languages can be beneficial but is not required for this specific role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract is six months, and the position is based locally in Brazil. Only nationals from Brazil or external candidates holding a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract's extension is subject to the availability of funds and performance, and it is important to note that any extension is not automatic. The remuneration for this position will be determined in accordance with the applicable UNOPS Local ICA or UNDP’s salary scale, based on the level established through the official classification process. All applications must be submitted through INSPIRA, and candidates are required to include all necessary documents in their application. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and all applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.