Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant

Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)

December 10, 2025December 18, 2025Rio De JaneiroBrazil
Job Description
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 address urbanization challenges, UN-Habitat works with various stakeholders, including governments and civil society, to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in Brazil, where it has expanded its portfolio to support local governments in implementing effective urban policies. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and focuses on addressing urban issues through collaborative projects and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UN-Habitat's initiatives in Brazil, particularly in São Gonçalo. This position involves working closely with the Head of the Brazil Office and the technical teams to implement project activities aimed at environmental preservation, climate resilience, and sustainable drainage solutions. The consultant will be responsible for conducting environmental assessments, flood risk analyses, and providing technical guidance for urbanization projects. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban drainage systems and the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives. The consultant will also be expected to deliver organized documentation and present findings in accessible formats to ensure transparency and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include conducting environmental assessments focusing on water bodies and preservation areas, analyzing flood risks, reviewing engineering projects for climate resilience, preparing guidelines for urbanization projects, collaborating with team members to produce technical documents, and ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat standards. The consultant will also be tasked with systematizing documentation, presenting results to stakeholders, and participating in meetings to align project expectations. Additionally, the consultant must complete required training and adhere to UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols, ensuring personal safety while working in the field.

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. Familiarity with nature-based solutions and experience working in informal settlements are desirable. Previous experience within the UN System is an advantage. Strong technological skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and GIS software, are essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or related fields is required. A postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Sustainable Urban Drainage, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or related fields is preferred. Alternatively, candidates with four additional years of relevant experience beyond the 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 desirable. Previous experience within the UN System is also considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the organization's processes and standards.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders. A working knowledge of English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in Spanish is also beneficial, given that it is the working language of the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is part-time (60%) and is expected to last for four months. The consultant will receive a total remuneration of BRL 22,000, distributed across three payments based on the delivery of specific project outputs. The position is open to nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil. The contract's extension is contingent upon the availability of funds and performance. All applications must be submitted in English and include detailed information about educational background and professional experience. The UN-Habitat does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants are advised to be cautious of any fraudulent recruitment claims.
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