Hydro Sanitarian 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 collaborates 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 focus on Latin America and the Caribbean 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, working with local governments to formulate and implement effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. The agency emphasizes the importance of transforming cities into inclusive and resilient spaces, particularly for the urban poor, by providing better opportunities for dignified living.

Job Overview:
The Hydro Sanitarian Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of urban development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and housing in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This position involves close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that projects meet the required standards for safety, sustainability, and community needs. The engineer will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing architectural and engineering projects, setting parameters for hydro sanitarian systems, and providing technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to enhancing the living conditions of vulnerable populations in urban settings. The consultant will work remotely but will be expected to travel to project sites as necessary, ensuring that all activities align with UN-Habitat’s mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Hydro Sanitarian Engineer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Analyzing and reviewing basic architectural and engineering projects, focusing on hydraulics, sewerage, drainage facilities, and safety measures for fire and panic prevention.
• Establishing parameters, standards, and requirements for hydro sanitarian projects.
• Setting guidelines for evaluating technical studies related to hydro sanitarian systems.
• Evaluating and reviewing preliminary designs and basic projects concerning structural systems and materials specifications.
• Preparing detailed reports and technical analyses on architectural and engineering projects.
• Applying advanced analysis techniques to propose innovative solutions to architectural and engineering challenges.
• Collaborating with team members to prepare necessary technical documentation.
• Participating in meetings with technical teams and stakeholders.
• Completing required training and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security courses as mandated by UN-Habitat. 1
• Ensuring compliance with UN security protocols and maintaining a high standard of professionalism throughout the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Sanitarian Engineering or a related field, or have an additional four years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirements. A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline is also required. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in hydro sanitarian or fire prevention projects, with a preference for experience in urbanization of informal settlements and familiarity with the approval processes in Minas Gerais. Previous experience within the UN System is considered an asset. Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and familiarity with BIM, are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a postgraduate degree (lato or stricto sensu) in Sanitarian Engineering or a related field. Additionally, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline. This educational background is critical to ensure that the engineer possesses the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the projects undertaken by UN-Habitat.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in hydro sanitarian or fire and panic prevention projects. Candidates with experience in the context of urbanization of informal settlements will be preferred, particularly those who have worked on projects in Minas Gerais. 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, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Additionally, a 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 used in the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to last for six 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 candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil are eligible to apply. The remuneration for this position is set at LICA 3 (8% part-time), with a total net amount of BRL 6,126, distributed across two payments based on project deliverables. The consultant must be available for travel related to project activities, and all travel will be coordinated and financed by UN-Habitat according to UN travel guidelines. Applications must be submitted through the Inspira system, and only complete applications in English will be considered. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.