Regionalization and Intermunicipal Arrangements 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 various levels of government and local authorities, UN-Habitat works towards implementing the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda. The organization operates globally, with a significant focus on urban development, resilience, and inclusion, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, collaborating with government tiers to formulate and implement effective urban policies that are sustainable, participative, and socially equitable. The agency's mission is to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, thereby improving the living conditions of urban populations, especially the urban poor.

Job Overview:
The Regionalization and Intermunicipal Arrangements Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening urban resilience in the State of Rio de Janeiro. This position involves working closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to review the State Solid Waste Plan (PERS-RJ) and develop strategies for solid waste management systems. The consultant will be responsible for conducting territorial and institutional diagnostics, analyzing existing intermunicipal arrangements, and proposing regionalization strategies that align with the principles of the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders, including civil society, government agencies, and the private sector, to ensure a comprehensive approach to urban resilience and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include developing and implementing a Technical Work Plan, preparing territorial and institutional diagnostics, conducting analyses of solid waste management systems, mapping waste generation and treatment infrastructure, assessing intermunicipal arrangements, and identifying potential regional groupings for solid waste management. The consultant will also analyze the Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Plan and its interactions with state dynamics, assess the feasibility of regionalization models, and produce technical inputs for guidelines, targets, and monitoring mechanisms. Additionally, the consultant will ensure methodological consistency across project components, provide technical support for participatory processes, and present findings and recommendations to project coordination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography, Urban Planning, or related disciplines. A postgraduate degree in areas like Territorial Planning or Environmental Engineering is required, or alternatively, candidates may have an additional five years of relevant experience. Strong analytical and technical writing skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate experience in institutional environments, project management, and technical advisory roles related to environmental governance and public policy.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields is required, along with a postgraduate degree in areas related to territorial planning or environmental management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of solid waste management and urban planning in the context of Brazil's regulatory and institutional frameworks.

Experience:
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in projects related to territorial planning, sanitation, solid waste management, or intermunicipal governance is required. Candidates should have proven experience in preparing strategic planning instruments in Brazil, particularly in solid waste management, and familiarity with the institutional and regulatory conditions in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Experience in geospatial analysis and working with international organizations is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the local context. Working knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable, as these languages are relevant to the broader UN context and may facilitate communication with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for ten months, with a part-time commitment of 56%. The total remuneration for the consultancy is BRL 80,000, distributed across four payment milestones tied to the delivery of specific products. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required by the project. This position is open to nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa. The contract extension is contingent upon performance and availability of funds. All applications must be submitted in English, and only complete applications will be considered.