Flora Specialist

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 focus on supporting governments and local authorities in implementing the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. UN-Habitat has a significant presence in Brazil, particularly through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to enhance urban development and address issues faced by the urban poor. UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, working with multiple tiers of government to formulate and implement effective urban policies.

Job Overview:
The Flora Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a project aimed at improving urban infrastructure and social housing in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, ensuring that the project aligns with the principles of sustainability and resilience. The Flora Specialist will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing tree inventories, restoration plans, and environmental degradation analyses, as well as providing technical guidance to project designers and planners. The role is essential for ensuring that the urbanization projects in Izidora meet quality standards and effectively address the needs of the local population, particularly in areas facing extreme poverty and lack of infrastructure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Flora Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Analyzing and reviewing tree inventories and restoration plans, suggesting necessary adjustments; 2) Preparing technical reports and opinions regarding flora specifications for urbanization projects in Izidora; 3) Proposing changes to technical drawings to ensure adherence to quality standards; 4) Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, and engineers involved in the project; 5) Collaborating with team members to prepare necessary technical documents; 6) Participating in meetings with the technical team; 7) Completing all required training, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course; 8) Ensuring compliance with United Nations security mechanisms; 9) Performing any additional technical support tasks as required by the project team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Biology, Agronomy, Forest Engineering, or related fields, or have an equivalent of four years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in flora analysis roles is essential. Training in nature-based solutions and experience working in informal settlements are desirable. Previous experience within the UN System is also advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate good computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and familiarity with AutoCAD, QGIS, or ArcGIS.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in relevant fields such as Biology, Agronomy, or Forest Engineering. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with four additional years of relevant experience in lieu of the degree. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of flora management and urban planning in the context of sustainable development.

Experience:
The Flora Specialist is expected to have at least four years of progressively responsible experience in roles related to flora analysis. This experience should encompass a range of responsibilities that demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage and analyze environmental data, contribute to urban planning projects, and engage with various stakeholders in the field of sustainable urban development. Experience in informal settlements and familiarity with the UN System will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Additionally, working knowledge of English or 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. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication within the diverse team and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is part-time (40%) and is expected to last for 75 days, with a total net remuneration of BRL 7,00

• Payment will be made in two installments upon the delivery and approval of specified project outputs. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required by the Head of the Brazil Office, with travel expenses covered by UN-Habitat according to UN travel guidelines. This position is open only to nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil. The contract may be extended based on performance and availability of funds, but extensions are not guaranteed. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information.