Foundation Engineer

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 implement the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, focusing on sustainable urban development and social equity, particularly in informal settlements. The organization emphasizes collaboration with local authorities and communities to create inclusive urban environments.

Job Overview:
The Foundation Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of urban development projects in Brazil, particularly in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte. This position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure the successful execution of foundation engineering projects. The engineer will be responsible for setting parameters and standards for foundation projects, evaluating technical studies, and providing guidance to various stakeholders involved in the project. The role is essential for addressing the urgent needs of communities living in precarious conditions and ensuring that urban development initiatives are sustainable and equitable. The Foundation Engineer will also be expected to apply advanced analysis techniques to propose innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, contributing to the overall mission of improving living conditions for the urban poor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Foundation Engineer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Setting parameters, standards, and requirements for foundation engineering projects; 2) Establishing guidelines for evaluating technical studies and foundation projects for buildings and bridges; 3) Reviewing basic projects of foundation engineering, focusing on structural systems, sizing, techniques, materials specifications, and technological tests; 4) Preparing reports and technical analyses on architectural and engineering projects; 5) Applying advanced analysis techniques to propose solutions to architectural and engineering problems; 6) Analyzing and proposing changes to technical drawings to ensure quality standards; 7) Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, engineers, and architects; 8) Collaborating with team members to prepare necessary technical documents; 9) Participating in meetings with the technical team; 10) Performing additional technical support tasks as required; 11) Completing all required training and courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course; 12) Ensuring compliance with United Nations security mechanisms; 13) Evaluating projects for two occupations in Izidora Neighborhood and assisting in project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Structural Engineering or a related field, or have an additional four years of relevant experience beyond the basic requirement. A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is also required. Candidates should have a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in foundation projects, with experience in urbanization of informal settlements being desirable. Previous experience within the UN System is also a plus. Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and specialized software for modeling and simulation of structures, are essential. Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and BIM is desirable. 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 Structural Engineering or related fields. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields, combined with additional relevant experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of foundation engineering and urban development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in foundation projects. Candidates with experience in the context of urbanization of informal settlements will be preferred, as this aligns with the organization's mission to improve living conditions in vulnerable communities. Previous experience within the UN System is also desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the organization's processes and standards.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, given the local context of the projects. Additionally, working knowledge of English or Spanish 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:
This position is based locally in Brazil, and only nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract duration is expected to be eleven months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and performance. The consultant will receive a total net remuneration of BRL 15,443, distributed across five payments tied to the delivery and approval of specific project outputs. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required by the Head of the Brazil Office, with travel expenses covered by UN-Habitat according to United Nations travel rules. 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.