Legal Consultant in Urban Planning Law

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 central and state governments, local authorities, and various partners, UN-Habitat focuses on implementing the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda. The organization has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, working with multiple tiers of government to formulate and implement effective, sustainable, participative, and socially equitable urban policies. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and emphasizes developing and managing activities within the host country. UN-Habitat collaborates with organizations at all levels, including government, civil society, and the private sector, to build, manage, plan, and finance sustainable urban development.

Job Overview:
The Legal Consultant in Urban Planning Law will report to the Head of the Brazil Office and will work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams. The consultant is expected to perform their obligations diligently and in a timely manner. The main focus of this position is to support the preparation of the Master Plan and the Urban Mobility Plan for the municipality of Congonhas, Minas Gerais. This project aims to revise the Master Plan and develop the city's Municipal Urban Mobility Plan, enhancing public capacity and promoting transparent decision-making based on data and information. The consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the plans are developed with community participation, thereby improving the quality of life for the population. The consultant will be responsible for maintaining communication with the project team, ensuring that deliverables are met according to the established timeline, and participating in public events related to the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Consultant in Urban Planning Law will have several key responsibilities, including: 1) Participating in at least one weekly virtual meeting with the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Coordinator to share progress and incorporate feedback. 2) Ensuring timely completion of deliverables according to a detailed timeline validated with the Technical Coordinator. 3) Engaging in public events related to the participatory process of developing the Urban Mobility Plan. 4) Developing reports using provided templates in .ppt and .indd formats. 5) Maintaining an organized and accessible information file system for all project-related data. 6) Ensuring that technical activities align with UN-Habitat's quality expectations. 7) Completing required training, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from UNDSS, during the first month of employment. 8) Conducting a legal revision of the Master Plan and Mobility Plan, ensuring legal-technical consistency, compatibility with legislation, and alignment with planning guidelines. 9) Finalizing a legally structured version of the plans based on feedback from the municipal technical team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Law or related fields, or have an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A postgraduate degree in Urban Law or related fields is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of four years of experience in preparing studies and legislative proposals related to urban planning law in Brazil, as well as knowledge and experience in formulating and writing such proposals. Experience providing legal support to parliament and government is required, and familiarity with UN or other international agencies is a plus. Excellent writing and proofreading skills in Portuguese are mandatory, along with good computer skills in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Law or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Urban Law or related fields are preferred. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles, particularly as they relate to urban planning and development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in urban planning law, specifically in Brazil. Candidates should have a proven track record in preparing legislative proposals and providing legal support to governmental bodies. Experience with international organizations, particularly the UN, is desirable but not mandatory. The consultant should demonstrate a strong understanding of urban planning legislation and its application in practice.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is the primary working language. Knowledge of English and French is beneficial, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in Spanish is also advantageous, given its relevance to the Regional Office's operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time (90%) and is classified under the LICA 2 UNOPS Salary Scale. The consultant will receive a total remuneration of BRL 14,000.00, payable upon delivery and approval of the specified product. The appointment is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract duration is two months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and performance. 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.