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, with a focus on urban development and poverty reduction, 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 stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and the private sector, to implement the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization emphasizes participatory approaches and social equity in urban planning and development, aiming to transform cities into inclusive, resilient, and sustainable environments. UN-Habitat has been actively involved in Brazil, particularly in addressing urban poverty and integrating marginalized communities into the urban fabric, through initiatives like the Social Territories Programme.

Job Overview:
The Technical Assistant position is crucial for supporting the implementation of the Social Territories Programme in Rio de Janeiro, which aims to assist vulnerable urban populations by integrating them into public services and improving their living conditions. The role involves close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, as well as local government agencies. The Technical Assistant will be responsible for providing guidance and support to families selected for monitoring under social policies, conducting household visitations, and facilitating access to public services. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of the community, ensuring that the programme's activities align with the quality expectations of UN-Habitat and its partners. The Technical Assistant will also play a key role in disseminating information about the programme and maintaining professional relationships with various stakeholders.

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 information about the programme within designated territories; 9) Ensuring that technical activities meet quality expectations; 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:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, with an additional two years of relevant experience considered as a substitute for formal education. A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields is desirable. Applicants should have a minimum of four years of experience working with families in situations of social vulnerability, a solid understanding of the National Social Assistance Policy, and experience with the programme’s target communities. Previous experience in a United Nations environment is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in technological tools and possess good computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and Excel.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma. However, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Work, Psychology, or Education will be preferred. Additionally, candidates with two years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience, particularly in assisting families facing social vulnerability. Candidates should have a strong understanding of social assistance policies and experience working with the communities targeted by the programme. Experience in a United Nations context is considered a plus, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices in social development.

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:
This 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 appointment is on a local basis, and only Brazilian nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract extension is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds. The Technical Assistant will receive a monthly allowance based on the approval of activity reports by the Head of Brazil Office. 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.