Technical Assistant

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. The organization operates globally, with a strong 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 has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, working with multiple government tiers to formulate and implement effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. The agency emphasizes partnerships to tackle urban poverty and integrate marginalized populations into urban development processes.

Job Overview:
The Technical Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Social Territories Programme in Rio de Janeiro, which aims to assist vulnerable urban populations by integrating them into public services and improving their living conditions. The position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, as well as local authorities and community organizations. The Technical Assistant will be responsible for providing support and guidance to families selected for monitoring under the city's social policies, conducting household visitations, and ensuring that the programme's activities align with the agency's quality expectations. This role is vital for the successful execution of the programme's objectives and for fostering community engagement and support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: 1) Providing support and orientation to families and individuals selected for monitoring under Rio de Janeiro’s social policies. 2) Conducting household visitations in designated territories to offer guidance and support. 3) Accessing and utilizing information from Integrated Assistance Protocols and public databases to refer families to appropriate public agencies. 4) Researching additional information about families to facilitate their access to services. 5) Collaborating with civil servants across various municipal secretariats to enhance service access for monitored families. 6) Identifying and addressing bottlenecks within the Integrated Assistance Protocols. 7) Maintaining professional relationships with programme counterparts. 8) Disseminating updated information about the programme within designated territories. 9) Ensuring that technical activities meet the agency's quality standards. 10) Completing required training and courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from UNDSS, during the first month of employment. 11) Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring all activities are documented and reported appropriately.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or an equivalent qualification, with an additional two years of relevant experience considered as a substitute for formal education. A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of four years of experience assisting families in situations of social vulnerability, with a strong understanding of the National Social Assistance Policy and experience working with the programme's target communities. Previous experience in a United Nations context is advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in technological tools and possess good computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and Excel.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a High School Diploma as a minimum. However, candidates with a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Social Work, Psychology, or Education will be preferred. Additional relevant experience can substitute for formal education, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge and skills in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in assisting families facing social vulnerability. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the National Social Assistance Policy and experience working with the communities targeted by the programme. Previous experience in a United Nations environment is desirable, indicating familiarity with international standards and practices in social assistance and urban development.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with the programme's target population. Additionally, knowledge of English and French, which are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, is beneficial. Proficiency in Spanish is also advantageous, given that it is the working language of the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is expected to last for three months, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding availability. The appointment is on a local basis, and only Brazilian nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract extension is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds. The remuneration for this position follows the SB-2/4 UNDP Brazil Salary Scale. 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, and all applications will be treated confidentially.