Biologist

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 in implementing the Habitat Agenda and the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, UN-Habitat focuses on transforming urban areas into safer, more inclusive, and resilient spaces. The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in Brazil, where it collaborates with various government tiers to enhance urban policies and practices. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been actively expanding its portfolio in the country to address urban challenges and promote sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Biologist will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Viva o Verde SP project, which aims to improve access to public green spaces in São Paulo. This position involves collaborating closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to develop management and financing plans for ten parks assessed in the project's first phase. The Biologist will be responsible for conducting fieldwork, analyzing existing data, and developing environment-related content for the park management plans. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with civil society and specialists through workshops and meetings, ensuring that the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The consultant will also need to complete necessary training and adhere to UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Biologist's responsibilities include planning consultancy activities, reviewing and analyzing documents related to the ten parks, participating in workshops, conducting fieldwork, evaluating secondary data, collecting and analyzing primary data, and developing content for the management plans. The consultant will produce several key outputs, including a detailed workplan, pilot assessments of environmental aspects for selected parks, comprehensive assessments for the remaining parks, and environmental action plans that respond to the findings from previous assessments. Each product must adhere to specific timelines and quality standards, ensuring that the proposed actions are evidence-based and can be monitored effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field, with a postgraduate degree in Biology or social and environmental issues being highly desirable. A minimum of seven years of experience in urban biology, environmental assessment, or park management in Brazil is required. Experience in leading fieldwork and implementing participatory workshops is essential, along with a background in environmental public policies and urban sustainability. Familiarity with UN processes and standards is advantageous, as is proficiency in technological tools for data analysis.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor's degree in Biology or a closely related field. A postgraduate degree (either Lato or stricto sensu) in Biology or a relevant area concerning social and environmental issues in protected areas is preferred. Alternatively, candidates with four additional years of relevant experience beyond the basic requirement may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in urban biology, environmental assessment, or park management, specifically within Brazil. Candidates should have a proven track record in organizing and leading fieldwork, as well as experience in participatory workshop methodologies. Desirable experience includes professional or academic involvement in environmental public policies, urban sustainability, and green public spaces, with previous work within the UN System being a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, given the local context of the work. Additionally, working knowledge of Spanish and English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, while Spanish is used in the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is part-time (85%) with a total remuneration of BRL 82,000, distributed across four payments based on the delivery of specific 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 candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract's extension is contingent upon funding availability and performance, and all applications must be submitted in English through the Inspira system, including a cover memo, educational background, and professional experience.