Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project)

Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project)

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)

January 12, 2026January 17, 2026Rio 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 operates globally, focusing on improving living conditions in urban areas. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where it has expanded its portfolio to support effective urban policies and practices. UN-Habitat's mission is to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and connected places, particularly for the urban poor, by implementing projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

Job Overview:
The Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project) will play a crucial role in the implementation of drainage projects aimed at improving urban infrastructure in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This position requires collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that drainage systems are effectively designed and integrated with existing sewage and water networks. The engineer will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing drainage projects, preparing technical assessments, and providing guidance to project teams. The role emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban drainage solutions, particularly in informal settlements, and aims to enhance the living conditions of vulnerable populations. The engineer will report to the Head of the Brazil Office and will be expected to deliver high-quality technical outputs within specified timelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:
  • Analyzing and reviewing drainage basic projects to ensure compatibility with sewage and water network designs.
  • Preparing detailed reports and technical assessments on drainage projects.
  • Proposing adjustments to technical drawings to meet quality standards.
  • Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, and engineers involved in the project.
  • Collaborating with team members to prepare necessary technical documentation.
  • Participating in meetings with the technical team to discuss project progress and challenges.
  • Completing all required training and courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from UNDSS, within the first month of employment.
  • Ensuring compliance with United Nations security mechanisms and maintaining personal safety during project activities.
  • Evaluating projects for two occupations in the Izidora neighborhood, divided into three areas, and assisting in the implementation of the project according to the stated responsibilities. 1
  • Delivering specific products related to drainage projects, including project reviews and technical reports, within established deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Civil Engineering or related fields, or have an additional four years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields is also mandatory. The position requires at least six years of professional experience in sanitation engineering, particularly in drainage and sustainable urban drainage design. Experience with nature-based solutions and work in informal settlements is desirable, as is previous experience within the UN System. Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD Civil 3D, are essential for this role. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and teamwork competencies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree (Lato or stricto sensu) in Civil Engineering or a related field. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, supplemented by relevant work experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of urban drainage systems and sustainable infrastructure development.

Experience:
The Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project) is expected to have a minimum of six years of professional experience in sanitation engineering roles, with a strong focus on drainage and sustainable urban drainage design. Candidates with experience in informal settlements and those who have previously worked within the UN System will be given preference. This level of experience is crucial for effectively managing the technical aspects of the drainage projects and ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat's standards and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Additionally, working knowledge of English or Spanish is desirable, given that English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, while Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate collaboration with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to last for eleven months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The consultant will be appointed on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates holding a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The remuneration for this position is set at LICA 3 (13% part-time), totaling BRL 18,251, with payments structured based on the delivery and approval of specific project outputs. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required for project activities, with travel expenses covered by UN-Habitat according to United Nations travel rules and guidelines. 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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
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