Senior Urban Solid Waste Management Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and to create policies conducive to adequate housing for all. The organization works closely with central and state governments, local authorities, and various partners to implement the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat aims to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and focuses on developing and managing activities within the host country. Over the years, UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, collaborating with all levels of government to formulate and implement effective, sustainable, and socially equitable urban policies. The organization has initiated projects aimed at strengthening urban resilience in Rio de Janeiro, particularly through the Inclusive and Sustainable Rio project, which supports the state in achieving urban prosperity while aligning with global sustainable development agendas.

Job Overview:
The Senior Urban Solid Waste Management Consultant will play a crucial role in the review and enhancement of the Rio de Janeiro State Solid Waste Plan (PERS-RJ). This position requires a deep understanding of municipal solid waste management systems and urban cleaning services. The consultant will work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, contributing to the development of a Technical Work Plan that aligns with the overall project timeline. The consultant will conduct diagnostic analyses of urban solid waste systems, identifying environmental liabilities and critical situations associated with waste management. The role also involves producing technical inputs related to the sustainability of urban cleaning services and solid waste management systems, ensuring that all outputs meet UN-Habitat standards. The consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including civil society, to promote inclusion within the climate agenda of the State of Rio de Janeiro, thereby enhancing urban resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Urban Solid Waste Management Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Developing and implementing a Technical Work Plan for the consultancy that aligns with the project timeline. 2) Preparing a Technical Diagnostic of the PERS-RJ, focusing on urban solid waste management. 3) Conducting diagnostic analyses of urban solid waste systems, including waste generation, collection, transport, treatment, and disposal. 4) Identifying environmental liabilities and critical situations related to urban solid waste. 5) Producing technical inputs on the sustainability of urban cleaning services. 6) Supporting social participation processes related to urban solid waste. 7) Collaborating with other project workstreams to ensure methodological coherence. 8) Developing strategic analyses related to urban solid waste and marine litter. 9) Participating in in-person activities related to the diagnostic phase, if required. 10) Liaising with data analysis teams to ensure consistency in information and cartographic products. 11) Ensuring technical quality and methodological consistency across all products. 12) Maintaining organized files and data related to the consultancy. 13) Presenting results and participating in technical meetings as required. 14) Completing all required training courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from UNDSS.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering (with a focus on Sanitation), Geography, Environmental Management, Environmental Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, or related fields. A postgraduate degree in relevant areas is also required, or alternatively, an additional five years of relevant experience beyond the basic requirement. Candidates must have a minimum of eight years of professional experience in municipal solid waste management, urban cleaning systems, sectoral planning, or related consultancies in Brazil. Proven experience in preparing or reviewing waste management plans and institutional coordination is essential. Desirable qualifications include experience in identifying environmental liabilities related to municipal solid waste, technical publications in the field, and previous work with international organizations or UN agencies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Management, or Urban and Regional Planning. A postgraduate degree in areas such as Sanitation, Solid Waste, Environmental Engineering, or related fields is required. If the candidate does not hold a postgraduate degree, they must have an additional five years of relevant experience in lieu of this requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of professional experience in the management of municipal solid waste, including diagnosis of urban cleaning systems and sectoral planning. Candidates should have proven experience in preparing or reviewing waste management plans and coordinating with various stakeholders, including governments and service providers. Experience in identifying environmental liabilities related to municipal solid waste is desirable, as is familiarity with international organizations and UN agencies.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is the primary working language in Brazil. Working knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Spanish is used in the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part-time (55%) and is expected to last for ten months. The total remuneration for the consultant is BRL 80,000, with payments structured based on the delivery and approval of specific products throughout the contract period. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required by the Head of the Brazil Office. The position is open to nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil. The contract may be extended based on performance and availability of funds. All applications must be submitted in English and will be treated confidentially. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.