Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and 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, providing better opportunities for all. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has expanded its portfolio in Brazil to support effective, sustainable, and socially fair urban policies. In 2023, UN-Habitat launched a project to reduce social inequalities in São Gonçalo, focusing on improving local administration's capacity to monitor urban conditions and trends, thereby building sustainable urban policies.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant will report to the Head of the Brazil Office and will work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams. The consultant's primary role is to support the implementation of project activities related to environmental preservation, climate resilience, and sustainable drainage. This includes conducting environmental assessments, flood risk analyses, and reviewing engineering projects to ensure they align with climate resilience and sustainable drainage solutions. The consultant will also prepare guidelines for urbanization projects and collaborate with team members to produce necessary technical documents. The position requires a detailed approach to drainage solutions, particularly in areas prone to flooding, and involves presenting findings to UN-Habitat and local partners in accessible formats. The consultant must adhere to UN-Habitat’s standards for visibility, data protection, and ethics, ensuring compliance with all relevant protocols.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: conducting environmental assessments focusing on water bodies and preservation areas; performing flood risk analyses; reviewing and suggesting adjustments to engineering projects; preparing guidelines for urbanization projects; collaborating with team members to create technical documents; organizing documentation of the project process; presenting results to stakeholders; ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat standards; participating in meetings with relevant stakeholders; and completing required training courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course. The consultant will also be responsible for maintaining organized records and ensuring that all produced materials meet the required technical standards for decision-making and implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or related fields. A postgraduate degree in Sustainable Urban Drainage, Environmental Engineering, or similar fields is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of four years of experience in drainage projects and urban stormwater management, with a focus on sustainable urban drainage design. Experience with nature-based solutions and work in informal settlements is also desirable, as is previous experience within the UN System. Proficiency in technological tools, particularly Microsoft Office, and familiarity with GIS software such as QGIS, MapInfo, and ArcGIS are required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or related fields is required. A postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in relevant fields is desirable. Candidates with additional relevant experience beyond the educational requirement may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in drainage projects and urban stormwater management, particularly in sustainable urban drainage design. Experience in using nature-based solutions and working in informal settlements is advantageous. Previous experience within the UN System is also desirable, indicating familiarity with international standards and practices.

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

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be appointed on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is expected to last for two months, with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance. The consultant will receive a total remuneration of BRL 2,200, with payment contingent upon the delivery and approval of specified project outputs. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.