Technical Assistant

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, focusing on urban development and housing issues, and has a significant presence in Brazil through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro. UN-Habitat collaborates with various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector to implement the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient environments. The organization has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, working with local authorities to formulate and implement effective urban policies, particularly through initiatives like the Social Territories Programme, which addresses urban poverty and integrates vulnerable populations into the urban fabric.

Job Overview:
The Technical Assistant position is crucial for supporting the implementation of the Social Territories Programme in Rio de Janeiro. This role involves working closely with the UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to assist families and individuals in situations of social vulnerability. The Technical Assistant will engage in household visitations, provide guidance to selected families, and facilitate access to public services. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of the urban poor, ensuring that the programme's activities align with the quality expectations of UN-Habitat and its partners. The Technical Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining professional relationships with various stakeholders and disseminating information about the programme within designated territories. This role is expected to contribute significantly to the overall mission of UN-Habitat in promoting sustainable urban development and improving living conditions for marginalized communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: 1) Providing support and orientation to families and individuals selected for monitoring under Rio de Janeiro’s social policies; 2) Conducting household visitations in designated territories to offer guidance and support; 3) Accessing and utilizing information from Integrated Assistance Protocols and public databases to refer families to appropriate public agencies; 4) Researching additional information about families to enhance their access to services; 5) Collaborating with municipal secretariats (Education, Social Assistance, Health, etc.) to improve service access; 6) Identifying and mitigating bottlenecks within the Integrated Assistance Protocols; 7) Maintaining professional relationships with programme counterparts; 8) Disseminating updated programme information within designated areas; 9) Ensuring that technical activities meet the quality expectations of UN-Habitat; 10) Completing required training and courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course; 11) Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a High School Diploma as a minimum, with an additional two years of relevant experience considered equivalent to the diploma. A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields is desirable. Candidates must have a minimum of four years of experience assisting families in social vulnerability situations, knowledge of the National Social Assistance Policy, and experience working with the programme’s target communities. Previous experience with the United Nations is also desirable. Candidates should possess good technological skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and Excel, and demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and teamwork competencies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a High School Diploma. A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Work, Psychology, or Education is preferred. Additional relevant experience may substitute for formal education requirements, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge and skills in the field.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of relevant work experience is required, particularly in assisting families facing social vulnerabilities. Experience with the target communities of the programme is essential, and familiarity with the National Social Assistance Policy is necessary. Previous work experience within the United Nations system is considered an asset, highlighting the importance of understanding the organization's operational context and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with the programme's target population. Knowledge of English and French, which are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, is beneficial. Additionally, working knowledge of Spanish is desirable, given that it is the working language of the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding availability. The role is local, meaning only Brazilian nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The remuneration for this position is set at SB-2/4, amounting to BRL 4,465.88 net per month. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring procedure.