Architect

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 closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. 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, collaborating with various government tiers to implement effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. The agency emphasizes the importance of community engagement and participatory approaches in urban development, aiming to transform cities into safer and more connected places for all residents.

Job Overview:
The Architect position is crucial for supporting the implementation of urban development projects in Brazil, particularly in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte. The role involves collaborating with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that architectural designs meet the necessary standards for sustainability and resilience. The Architect will be responsible for reviewing architectural designs, conducting technical analyses, and providing guidance to project teams. This position requires a strong commitment to improving living conditions in informal settlements and contributing to the overall mission of UN-Habitat to promote sustainable urban development. The Architect will work on various deliverables, including preliminary and basic architectural designs, and will play a key role in ensuring that the projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Architect will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing program layouts, 3D modeling, and preliminary architectural designs; analyzing basic architectural projects for compliance with urbanism, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency standards; preparing detailed reports and technical analyses; proposing modifications to technical drawings to enhance quality; applying advanced analysis techniques to address architectural challenges; providing technical guidance to designers and engineers; collaborating with team members to prepare necessary technical documentation; participating in meetings with the technical team; and performing any additional technical support tasks as required. The Architect will also be responsible for completing mandatory training, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course, and ensuring compliance with UN security protocols.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Architecture or a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture along with four additional years of relevant experience. A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in housing solutions projects in Brazil is required, with a focus on social housing. Experience in urbanistic and landscaping projects for informal settlements is desirable, as is previous experience within the UN System. Candidates should demonstrate strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and BIM software, and possess competencies in project management, communication, teamwork, and knowledge management.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a postgraduate degree (Lato or stricto sensu) in a related field. Candidates with extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the postgraduate degree. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in architectural principles and practices, particularly as they relate to urban development and housing solutions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in basic projects for housing solutions, specifically within the Brazilian context. Candidates should have a proven track record in architectural projects focused on social housing and experience working on urbanistic and landscaping projects for informal settlements. Previous experience within the UN System is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices in urban development.

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, and Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for eleven months and is based locally in Brazil. Only nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract's extension is contingent upon the availability of funds and performance, and it is not automatically granted. The consultant will receive a total net amount of BRL 13,337, with payments structured based on the successful delivery of specific project milestones. Travel may be required for project-related activities, and all missions 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.