Consultant (Participatory Public Spaces Design Workshops)

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, UN-Habitat works globally to transform urban areas into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places. The organization operates in numerous countries, with a significant focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, where its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN-Habitat has been active in Brazil for several years, collaborating with various levels of government to implement effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. The organization emphasizes participatory approaches in urban planning, particularly through projects like 'Weaving the city: planning with a participatory approach,' which aims to enhance urban living conditions through community engagement and sustainable practices.

Job Overview:
The Consultant (Participatory Public Spaces Design Workshops) will play a crucial role in the implementation of a project aimed at improving public spaces in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. This position involves close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure effective planning and execution of participatory design workshops. The consultant will be responsible for engaging children aged 7 to 12 in the design process, ensuring their voices are heard in urban planning. The role requires the development of a detailed work plan, coordination of workshops, and the application of innovative participatory methodologies. The consultant will also document the outcomes of the workshops and present findings to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with UN-Habitat’s standards and objectives. This position is expected to last for three months, during which the consultant will contribute to enhancing the quality of life in Juiz de Fora through inclusive urban design.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Developing a Detailed Work Plan that outlines objectives, activities, methodologies, expected results, and timelines in accordance with UN-Habitat guidelines. 2) Coordinating and facilitating three participatory urban design workshops, ensuring the inclusion of children, girls, and women. 3) Creating all necessary materials for the workshops, such as visual presentations, participatory mapping tools, and activity scripts. 4) Designing and applying innovative participatory methodologies, including Her City Toolbox and placemaking exercises. 5) Conducting a participatory diagnosis of selected public spaces to identify intervention opportunities. 6) Overseeing logistical preparations for the workshops and ensuring smooth implementation. 7) Documenting and systematizing data and results from the workshops. 8) Presenting results to UN-Habitat and local partners in accessible formats. 9) Ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat's standards for visibility and ethics. 10) Participating in meetings with stakeholders to align expectations and refine project scope. 11) Completing required training courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Psychology, Pedagogy, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement will also be considered. A postgraduate degree or specialized training in participatory methodologies, urban studies, childhood studies, gender studies, or community development is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong facilitation and communication skills, particularly with children and diverse community groups, and have a good command of technological tools such as Microsoft Office. Experience in project management and urban governance is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Education, Social Sciences, Psychology, or Pedagogy is required. A postgraduate degree or specialized training in areas related to participatory methodologies or urban studies is preferred. Candidates must also have a strong educational background that supports their ability to engage with children and communities effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of professional experience in participatory urban design projects is required. Candidates should have prior experience working with informal settlements and familiarity with the 2030 Agenda and New Urban Agenda (NUA) is desirable. Experience within the UN System is also a plus, 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 essential for engaging with local communities. Working knowledge of Spanish and English is desirable, as these languages are relevant to the UN's operational context and may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time (45%) and offers a total net remuneration of BRL 10,506, distributed across two payments based on the delivery of specified products. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required by the Head of the Brazil Office, with travel expenses covered by UN-Habitat according to UN travel guidelines. The appointment is on a local basis, and only Brazilian nationals or those with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract's extension is contingent upon performance and availability of funds, and all applications must be submitted in English through the specified platform.