Consultant on Cultural Policies

Consultant on Cultural Policies

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)

February 9, 2026February 13, 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 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 (SDGs), and the New Urban Agenda. The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in Brazil, where it has expanded its portfolio to work with all 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, emphasizing the development and management of activities within the host country. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to transform urban areas into safer, more inclusive, and resilient spaces that provide better opportunities for all individuals to live with dignity.

Job Overview:
The Consultant on Cultural Policies will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Fortalece São Gonçalo initiative, which aims to strengthen urban management and public policy formulation in the Municipality of São Gonçalo, Brazil. This position involves working closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure the effective execution of a Thematic Analysis Booklet on Cultural Policies. The consultant will be responsible for defining a detailed work plan, participating in stakeholder meetings, collecting and analyzing data related to cultural initiatives, and proposing indicators for monitoring and evaluation. The consultant's work will contribute to evidence-based policymaking and align local governance with global sustainable development agendas, particularly the SDGs. The role requires a combination of quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights to assess the impact of cultural policies and provide strategic recommendations for enhancing cultural governance in the municipality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant on Cultural Policies will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Defining a detailed work plan that outlines objectives, activities, timelines, and methodologies for the consultancy. 2) Participating in meetings with UN-Habitat teams, the Municipality of São Gonçalo, and other stakeholders to align expectations and refine the analysis scope. 3) Collecting, systematizing, and analyzing data from São Gonçalo’s cultural initiatives, focusing on public funding instruments. 4) Assessing the social profile and territorial distribution of beneficiaries, identifying gaps and opportunities for inclusive cultural governance. 5) Exploring resources and methodologies from the Public Policy Observatory of São Gonçalo. 6) Proposing measurable indicators and a monitoring framework for ongoing evaluation of cultural initiatives. 7) Developing the Thematic Analysis Booklet, integrating quantitative and qualitative data. 8) Proposing strategic recommendations to enhance cultural governance in alignment with the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. 9) Delivering organized documentation of the research process, including datasets and analytical notes. 10) Presenting results to UN-Habitat teams and local partners through reports and presentations, ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat standards and confidentiality protocols.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Cultural Management, Cultural Production, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Arts, Social Communication, Economy, or related fields. A postgraduate degree in these areas is desirable, or alternatively, an additional four years of relevant technical experience beyond the basic requirement. Candidates should possess a minimum of six years of experience in policy analysis, public administration, or cultural project management in Brazil. Experience with research and publications related to the thematic areas of this position is also desirable, as is previous experience within the UN System. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in technological tools, particularly Microsoft Office, and have professional or academic experience in data analysis, with a preference for skills in data visualization tools such as Excel, Power BI, or GIS platforms. Experience in conducting research aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Cultural Management, Cultural Production, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Arts, Social Communication, or Economy. A postgraduate degree in these areas is preferred, or candidates may substitute this requirement with four additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of cultural policies and their implementation within the context of sustainable urban development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in policy analysis, public administration, or cultural project management specifically within Brazil. This experience should include a strong background in research, with a focus on cultural policies and public funding instruments. Candidates with previous experience in the UN System will have an advantage, as familiarity with international standards and practices is beneficial for this role. The consultant should also have experience in producing evidence-based reports and conducting thorough data analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders. Working knowledge of English is desirable, as it may facilitate communication within the broader UN context. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, given that it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in Spanish is advantageous, particularly since it is the working language of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is part-time (40%) and is classified under the LICA 3 UNOPS Salary Scale. The consultant will receive a total remuneration of BRL 8,000, distributed in two payments: 20% upon delivery and approval of the initial work plan and report outline, and 80% upon delivery and approval of the final thematic analysis report. The appointment is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or 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 automatic. 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.
Similar Jobs