Civil Engineer (Urban Infrastructures)

Civil Engineer (Urban Infrastructures)

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)

February 4, 2026February 12, 2026Rio De JaneiroBrazil
Job Description
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, civil society, and the private sector, to foster 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, working closely with local authorities to implement effective urban policies and projects that address socio-economic disparities and promote sustainable urban development.

Job Overview:
The engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Civil Engineer (Urban Infrastructures) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of urban infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions in informal settlements, particularly in the Izidora region of Belo Horizonte. This position requires collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. The engineer will be responsible for providing technical advice, managing project activities, and ensuring that all work meets quality standards, deadlines, and budgetary constraints. The role emphasizes the importance of sustainable urbanization and aims to transform urban areas into safer, more inclusive, and resilient environments for all residents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Civil Engineer (Urban Infrastructures) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Providing technical advice and support for ongoing and new projects, ensuring adherence to best practices in urban infrastructure. 2) Evaluating and supervising slope stabilization, retaining structures, and drainage projects. 3) Coordinating with consultants and local partners, including government entities and civil society organizations. 4) Managing the overall implementation of the project’s work programme, including planning, monitoring, and reporting. 5) Conducting technical activities to ensure projects meet quality objectives and deadlines. 6) Supporting capacity building and development initiatives. 7) Engaging in data collection and analysis to inform urban planning and policy development. 8) Documenting meetings and preparing reports for stakeholders. 9) Participating in missions and training as required, including completing mandatory security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security courses. 10) Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering, or a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields, along with a minimum of six years of relevant experience in urban-related themes in Brazil. Experience in drainage or slope containment projects, sustainable urbanization for informal settlements, and project management is essential. Familiarity with social housing policies and budget management for urban infrastructure projects is desirable. Proficiency in computer skills and project management methodologies is also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Geotechnical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering, or a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields. Candidates with additional relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in engineering principles applicable to urban infrastructure.

Experience:
A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in urban-related themes in Brazil is required. Candidates should have experience in drainage or slope containment projects, as well as in sustainable urbanization for informal settlements. Experience in project/programme management and familiarity with social housing policies is desirable. Previous experience within the UN System is also an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language in Brazil. 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.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Brazil and is subject to local hiring regulations. The contract duration is six months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funds. The consultant will be compensated according to the UNOPS Salary Scale (LICA 3). Travel may be required for project-related activities, and all travel expenses will be covered by UN-Habitat in accordance with United Nations travel rules. Applications must be submitted in English and include all required documentation. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates should be cautious of fraudulent recruitment claims.
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