Sanitation Engineer (Hydrological Studies)

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 agency collaborates with local authorities and partners to enhance urban infrastructure and promote resilience in urban planning.

Job Overview:
The Sanitation Engineer (Hydrological Studies) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of urban development projects in Brazil, specifically focusing on hydrological studies and drainage systems. This position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that projects align with sustainable development goals. The engineer will be responsible for analyzing drainage projects, preparing technical assessments, and providing guidance to project teams. The role is essential for addressing urban challenges in areas like Izidora, where significant socio-economic vulnerabilities exist. The engineer will ensure that the projects contribute to improved infrastructure and housing conditions for marginalized communities, thus promoting dignity and sustainability in urban living.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sanitation Engineer (Hydrological Studies) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Analyzing and reviewing drainage basic projects, ensuring compatibility with sewage and water network designs.
• Preparing detailed reports and technical assessments on drainage projects.
• Proposing changes 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.
• Ensuring compliance with United Nations security mechanisms and maintaining personal safety during project execution.
• Evaluating hydrological studies for different areas of the Izidora Neighborhood and assisting in project implementation. 1
• Reviewing technical reports related to drainage projects across multiple areas, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project goals.

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 basic requirements. A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is also necessary. The position requires a minimum of 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 requirements for this position include 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 along with additional relevant experience. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of urban infrastructure and sanitation engineering, particularly in the context of sustainable development and urban resilience.

Experience:
The Sanitation Engineer (Hydrological Studies) is expected to have at least six years of professional experience in sanitation engineering roles. This experience should specifically relate to drainage systems 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. The role requires a strong understanding of urban planning and infrastructure development, particularly in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory 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 enhance collaboration with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based locally in Brazil, and only nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is for eleven months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and performance. The consultant will receive a total net amount of BRL 8,423, distributed across five payments tied to the delivery 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 UN travel 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.