Containment 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 support governments and local authorities, UN-Habitat works towards implementing the Habitat Agenda and the 2030 Agenda, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in Brazil, where it collaborates with various levels of government to develop effective urban policies. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and emphasizes local engagement in its projects. UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, particularly in urban areas facing challenges such as informal settlements, by partnering with local governments and organizations to create sustainable urban environments.

Job Overview:
The Containment Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of urban development projects in Brazil, specifically focusing on the Izidora neighborhood in Belo Horizonte. This position requires collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure the successful execution of containment engineering projects. The engineer will be responsible for setting parameters and standards for these projects, evaluating geotechnical risks, and preparing technical reports. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively within a team to achieve project goals. The engineer will also be expected to participate in meetings and provide technical guidance to various stakeholders involved in the project.

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

• Establishing parameters, standards, and requirements for containment engineering projects.
• Evaluating and reviewing basic containment engineering projects, focusing on geotechnical risks associated with buildings, bridges, and roads.
• Preparing detailed reports and technical analyses on geotechnical and containment engineering projects.
• Applying advanced analysis techniques to propose effective solutions for containment-related issues.
• Analyzing and proposing modifications to technical drawings to meet quality standards.
• Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, engineers, and architects 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.
• Performing additional technical support tasks as required by the project team. 1
• 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.

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 progressively responsible experience in containment projects, with a preference for candidates who have experience in urbanization of informal settlements and previous work within the UN System. Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, AutoCAD, and web search engines, are essential. Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D is desirable.

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 or a related field, combined with additional relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of containment engineering and urban development.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least six years of progressively responsible experience in containment engineering projects. Experience in the context of urbanization of informal settlements is highly desirable, as is previous experience working within the UN System. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the engineer can effectively contribute to the project and navigate the challenges associated with urban development in complex environments.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Additionally, working knowledge of English or Spanish is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Spanish is used in the Regional Office. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate communication with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based on a local contract, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is expected to last for seven months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The consultant will be compensated according to the UNOPS Salary Scale, with a total net amount of BRL 29,036, distributed across several payment milestones tied to project deliverables. 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 any fees during the recruitment process.