Technical Project Assistant (CITinova II Project)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) is located in Panama City and works closely with 33 countries in the region. UNEP's activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The UNEP Country Office in Brazil is a key development partner of the Brazilian government, supporting national and sub-national public and private sector institutions and civil society to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive society. The GEF-7 CITinova II Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to promote integrated metropolitan planning and innovative investments in urban technologies in Brazil. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) and involves collaboration with various stakeholders across three pilot metropolitan regions in Brazil.

Job Overview:
The Technical Project Assistant (CITinova II Project) will play a crucial role in supporting the execution of technical and administrative routines related to the CITinova II project, which focuses on promoting integrated metropolitan planning and innovative urban technology investments in Brazil. The assistant will be stationed at the headquarters of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Brasília and will work under the supervision of the UNEP Brazil Office Representative. The position requires collaboration with the Project Management Unit and the National Directorate to implement, coordinate, report, monitor, and evaluate project activities. The assistant will also contribute to organizing meetings, seminars, workshops, and other events, as well as assist in procurement processes and stakeholder engagement activities. The role demands a proactive approach to documenting lessons learned, drafting technical documents, and ensuring effective communication within the project team and with external stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Project Assistant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: collaborating with the Project Management Unit and National Directorate on project implementation; aiding in the coordination of planning and governance activities; organizing and reporting on meetings, seminars, and workshops; managing official travel arrangements; participating in procurement processes; drafting, translating, and reviewing documents and presentations; documenting lessons learned and best practices; organizing project information and documentation; conducting research and developing technical content; supporting stakeholder engagement activities; attending capacity building activities; and contributing to communication operational activities as needed. The assistant will also be responsible for other actions required for effective project execution, ensuring that all tasks align with the project's objectives and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Biology, International Relations, Political Science, Law, or a related field. Additionally, two years of professional experience in project management or project assistance is required, preferably in areas related to integrated urban planning, urban public policies, climate, biodiversity, or territorial management. Experience in supporting project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting is desirable, as is experience working with national governments or international organizations. Knowledge of gender issues in Brazilian cities is also a plus.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Biology, International Relations, Political Science, Law, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of urban planning and environmental management, which are critical to the success of the CITinova II project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in activities related to project management and/or project assistance. Candidates should have experience in integrated urban planning, urban public policies, climate, biodiversity, or territorial management. Experience in supporting the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of projects is highly desirable, as is demonstrated experience working with national governments and/or international organizations. Familiarity with gender issues and knowledge of relevant gender issues in Brazilian cities will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required, as it is the primary language of communication within the project and with local stakeholders. Additionally, fluency in English is required to facilitate communication with international partners and to engage with global best practices and resources. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work per week, from Monday to Friday. The expected duration of the contract is 12 months. The Technical Project Assistant will be stationed at the headquarters of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Brasília. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.