Geotechnical 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 in implementing the Habitat Agenda and the 2030 Agenda, UN-Habitat works towards transforming cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places. The organization operates globally, with a significant focus on Latin America and the Caribbean through its Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to enhance urban development policies and practices. The agency has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, working closely with government tiers to formulate effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable.

Job Overview:
The Geotechnical Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of urban development projects in Brazil, particularly in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte. This position requires collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure the successful execution of geotechnical engineering projects. The engineer will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing geotechnical engineering projects, preparing technical reports, and providing guidance to other team members. The role emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban development and aims to address the challenges faced by informal settlements in Brazil, particularly in areas with significant socio-economic vulnerabilities. The engineer will also be involved in various project phases, from initial analysis to final project approval, ensuring that all activities align with UN-Habitat's mission and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Geotechnical Engineer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Analyzing and reviewing geotechnical engineering projects related to soil investigation and stabilization of slopes and streets. 2) Preparing detailed reports and technical opinions on geotechnical engineering projects. 3) Proposing changes to technical drawings to meet quality standards. 4) Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, and engineers involved in the project. 5) Collaborating with team members to prepare necessary technical documents. 6) Participating in meetings with the technical team to discuss project progress and challenges. 7) Completing required training and courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course. 8) Ensuring compliance with United Nations security mechanisms and maintaining personal safety during project activities. 9) Evaluating projects for the Izidora neighborhood and assisting in the implementation of the project according to specified responsibilities and deliverables.

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 related fields is also required. Furthermore, candidates should have a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in geotechnical engineering roles. Training in nature-based solutions and experience working in informal settlements are desirable. Previous experience within the UN System is also considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate good computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD, and possess strong organizational and communication skills.

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 essential for understanding the complexities of geotechnical engineering and urban development projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in geotechnical engineering. Candidates should have a solid track record of working on projects that involve soil investigation, slope stabilization, and urban infrastructure development. Experience in informal settlements and familiarity with the challenges they present is highly desirable. Additionally, prior experience within the UN System will be advantageous, as it demonstrates an understanding of the organization's operational frameworks and standards.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language 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 effective communication within the diverse teams and stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for eleven 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 may apply. The remuneration for this position is set at LICA 3 (9.5% part-time), totaling BRL 13,337, with payments structured based on the delivery and approval of specific project products. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required for project activities, and all travel will be coordinated and financed by UN-Habitat according to United Nations travel guidelines. Applications must be submitted in English and include all required documentation, as only complete applications will be considered.