Civil Engineer (Technical Support)

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 towards implementing the Habitat Agenda and the 2030 Agenda, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The organization operates globally, with a significant focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to foster sustainable urban development and improve living conditions for the urban poor. The agency has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, working with multiple levels of government to formulate and implement effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable.

Job Overview:
The engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Civil Engineer (Technical Support) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a project aimed at improving municipal infrastructure and social housing options in the Izidora region of Belo Horizonte. This position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, ensuring that project objectives are met in terms of deadlines, budget, and quality. The engineer will provide technical advice, evaluate engineering projects related to slope stabilization and drainage, and coordinate the overall implementation of the project’s work program. The role also involves maintaining communication with local partners, conducting technical activities, and participating in various meetings and field visits to ensure effective project execution. The consultant will be responsible for documenting project activities and preparing reports for stakeholders, thereby contributing to the successful realization of the project’s goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Civil Engineer (Technical Support) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Providing technical advice and support for project activities. 2) Evaluating engineering projects related to slope stabilization, retaining structures, and drainage. 3) Coordinating the implementation of the project’s work program, ensuring adherence to deadlines, budget, and quality standards. 4) Maintaining communication with local partners, including government entities and civil society organizations. 5) Performing technical and administrative tasks to meet project objectives. 6) Supporting capacity building and development initiatives. 7) Managing data collection, analysis, and urban indicators. 8) Contributing to public policy development and strategic planning. 9) Ensuring effective advocacy and partnership engagement. 10) Conducting risk assessments and identifying challenges that may impact project implementation. 11) Participating in meetings, conferences, and field visits. 12) Documenting project activities and preparing reports for various stakeholders. 13) Completing required training and courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course. 14) Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. A postgraduate degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering is required, or alternatively, four additional years of relevant experience beyond the basic requirement. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical skills and a solid understanding of urban engineering principles, particularly in relation to informal settlements and sustainable urbanization.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. Additionally, a postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Geotechnical Engineering or Sanitary Engineering is mandatory. Candidates lacking this postgraduate qualification must have four years of relevant experience in lieu of the degree.

Experience:
A minimum of six years of progressively responsible engineering experience in urban-related themes within Brazil is required. Candidates should have experience in drainage or slope containment projects, as well as in nature-based solutions for such projects. Experience in sustainable urbanization for informal settlements is essential, along with project/program management experience. Familiarity with social housing policies and urban infrastructure budgeting is desirable, and previous experience within the UN System is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is the primary working language in Brazil. Additionally, working knowledge of English or Spanish is desirable, given that 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 on a local contract, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is expected to last for 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 missions will be coordinated and financed by UN-Habitat in accordance with United Nations travel guidelines. Applications must be submitted in English and include all required documentation. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.