Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is dedicated to promoting sustainable development of human settlements and policies that ensure adequate housing for all. Established to support central and state governments, local authorities, and various partners, UN-Habitat works towards implementing the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda. The organization aims to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, providing better opportunities for all. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been expanding its portfolio in the country by collaborating with government tiers to formulate and implement effective urban policies. In 2023, UN-Habitat initiated a project to assist the Municipality of São Gonçalo in reducing social inequalities, focusing on improving local administration capacities for sustainable urban policy development.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of project activities related to environmental preservation, climate resilience, and sustainable drainage. This position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, focusing on the Periferia Viva Action Plan, which aims to address urbanization challenges in informal settlements. The consultant will conduct environmental assessments, flood risk analyses, and provide technical guidance for urbanization projects, ensuring that all activities align with UN-Habitat’s standards and methodologies. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering organized documentation and presenting findings to stakeholders in accessible formats, thereby contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: conducting environmental assessments focusing on water bodies and preservation areas; performing flood risk analyses; reviewing and suggesting adjustments to engineering projects; preparing guidelines for urbanization projects; collaborating with team members to create necessary technical documents; systematizing documentation processes; presenting results to UN-Habitat and local partners; ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat’s standards; participating in stakeholder meetings; and completing required training courses. The consultant will also be responsible for their own security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and must familiarize themselves with UN security mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or related fields. A postgraduate degree in relevant areas or four additional years of experience beyond the basic requirement is also acceptable. The position requires a minimum of four years of experience in drainage projects and urban stormwater management, with a focus on sustainable urban drainage design. Experience with nature-based solutions, informal settlements, and previous work within the UN System is desirable. Proficiency in technological tools and GIS software is required, along with strong communication, planning, and teamwork skills.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or related fields is mandatory. A postgraduate degree in Sustainable Urban Drainage, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related fields is preferred. Alternatively, candidates with four additional years of relevant experience beyond the basic educational requirement may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in drainage projects and urban stormwater management, particularly in sustainable urban drainage design. Experience in using nature-based solutions and working in informal settlements is advantageous. Previous experience within the UN System is also desirable, indicating familiarity with international standards and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Working knowledge of English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, while Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is expected to be four months, and the position is part-time at 60% workload. The consultant will receive a total net amount of BRL 22,000, distributed across three payments based on the delivery of specific project outputs. The appointment is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The possibility of contract extension is subject to funding availability and performance. All applications must be submitted in English, and only complete applications will be considered. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.