Strategic Urban Governance Consultant

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 has expanded its operations significantly in Brazil, focusing on urban development and environmental sustainability. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to create inclusive and resilient urban environments. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been actively involved in projects aimed at improving urban living conditions and addressing social inequalities, particularly in major cities like São Paulo, which is the largest city in the Americas with a population of approximately 12 million.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Urban Governance Consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Viva o Verde SP project, which aims to enhance public green spaces and promote social equity in São Paulo. The consultant will work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, focusing on developing a comprehensive Territory-Park Strategy that integrates urban planning with community engagement. This position requires a deep understanding of urban governance, public policy, and sustainable development practices. The consultant will be responsible for mapping existing policies, facilitating stakeholder meetings, and synthesizing findings into actionable strategies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. The role emphasizes collaboration with local authorities and community stakeholders to ensure the effective management and design of urban parks and green spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: 1) Developing a detailed consultancy work plan that outlines the methodology, timetable, and stakeholders involved in the project. 2) Mapping relevant initiatives and best practices related to public space and urban park policies both locally and internationally. 3) Analyzing public policies in São Paulo to identify strengths and gaps in the current urban governance framework. 4) Engaging with public managers and stakeholders through meetings and workshops to support the design of the Territory-Park Strategy. 5) Delivering organized documentation and data for the final report, ensuring all outputs are consolidated into a comprehensive synthesis document. 6) Completing required training courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course, to ensure compliance with UN security protocols. 7) Reporting to the Head of Brazil Office and participating in technical discussions to present consultancy progress and results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Geography, Political Science, Engineering, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree in these areas must have an additional five years of relevant experience. A minimum of eight years of experience in sustainable urban development public policies in Brazil is required, along with a proven track record in designing and implementing public policies at the local level. Experience in drafting urban legislation and facilitating participatory processes is desirable, as is familiarity with monitoring and evaluation of public policies. Knowledge of international best practices in sustainable urban development is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
A postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in relevant fields such as Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Geography, Political Science, or Engineering is required. A bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism, Public Administration, Geography, Political Science, or related fields is also necessary. Candidates with extensive experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of experience in sustainable urban development public policies, particularly within the Brazilian context. Candidates should have a strong background in designing and implementing public policies, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and drafting urban legislation. Experience in working with public spaces and facilitating community engagement processes is highly desirable. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation practices in public policy is also an asset, as is previous experience within the UN System.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, given the local context of São Paulo. Working knowledge of English and Spanish 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:
The consultancy is part-time (50%) and is expected to last for seven months. The total remuneration for the consultant is BRL 50,256.00, with payments structured based on the delivery of specific products throughout the consultancy period. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required by the Head of Brazil Office, with travel expenses covered by UN-Habitat according to UN travel guidelines. This position is open only to nationals from Brazil or external candidates holding a permanent visa in Brazil. The contract may be extended based on performance and availability of funds, but extensions are not guaranteed. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information.