Flora Specialist

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 support governments and local authorities, UN-Habitat has expanded its operations significantly in Brazil, focusing on effective, sustainable, participative, and socially equitable urban policies. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to enhance urban development and improve living conditions for the urban poor. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been instrumental in implementing projects that address urban challenges, particularly in informal settlements. UN-Habitat's mission is to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient environments, thereby improving the quality of life for all residents.

Job Overview:
The Flora Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of urbanization projects in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This position involves close collaboration with UN-Habitat's operational and technical teams to ensure the successful execution of various flora-related tasks. The Flora Specialist will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing tree inventories, restoration plans, and environmental assessments, as well as providing technical guidance to project teams. The role requires a strong understanding of nature-based solutions and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. The consultant will also be expected to participate in meetings, prepare technical documents, and complete required training courses, including a security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from the United Nations. This position is home-based but may require travel to project sites as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Flora Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Analyzing and reviewing tree inventories and restoration plans, proposing necessary adjustments; 2) Preparing reports and technical opinions regarding flora specifications for urbanization projects in Izidora; 3) Reviewing and proposing changes to technical drawings to ensure quality standards; 4) Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, and engineers; 5) Collaborating with team members to prepare necessary technical documents; 6) Participating in meetings with the technical team; 7) Performing additional technical support tasks as required; 8) Completing all training activities as indicated by the supervisor, including the mandatory BSAFE security course; 9) Evaluating projects for two occupations in Izidora and assisting in the implementation of the project according to the stated responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Biology, Agronomy, Forest Engineering, or related fields, or have an additional four years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A bachelor's degree in the same fields is also required. The position demands a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in flora analysis roles, with training in nature-based solutions being desirable. Experience in design or work in informal settlements and previous experience within the UN System are also advantageous. Candidates should have good computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with AutoCAD, QGIS, or ArcGIS.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree in relevant fields such as Biology, Agronomy, or Forest Engineering. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree in these fields and additional relevant experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on having a strong academic foundation that supports the technical requirements of the role.

Experience:
The Flora Specialist is expected to have at least four years of progressively responsible experience in flora analysis roles. This experience should include practical knowledge of environmental assessments, tree inventories, and restoration projects. Familiarity with nature-based solutions and experience working in informal settlements are considered desirable. Previous involvement with the UN System is also beneficial, as it demonstrates an understanding of the organization's operational context and standards.

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.

Additional Notes:
This position is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is expected to last for eleven months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The consultant will receive a total net amount of BRL 20,066, with payments structured based on the delivery and approval of specific project outputs. The consultant must be available for travel related to project activities, 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.