Programme Analyst (Social Work)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and to create policies that ensure adequate housing for all. The organization works closely with various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector to facilitate sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat has a significant presence in Brazil, particularly through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro. The agency has expanded its portfolio in Brazil by collaborating with local governments to implement effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. In 2023, UN-Habitat initiated a project aimed at reducing social inequalities in São Gonçalo, focusing on improving local administration's capacity to monitor urban conditions and trends, thereby supporting the development of sustainable urban policies.

Job Overview:
The Programme Analyst (Social Work) will play a crucial role in the execution of a project aimed at urbanizing informal settlements in São Gonçalo, Brazil. This position requires the analyst to work closely with UN-Habitat's operational and technical teams to ensure the effective implementation of project activities. The analyst will be stationed at an outpost in the Ipuca Community and will be responsible for engaging with local stakeholders, ensuring compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security guidelines, and fostering community participation. The role emphasizes the importance of social work in urban development, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and promoting inclusive urban policies. The analyst will also be tasked with preparing reports, conducting community workshops, and facilitating communication between various stakeholders involved in the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Analyst (Social Work) will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: 1) Improving the mapping of local agents and initiatives within the community. 2) Developing communication strategies that promote community mobilization and social participation tailored to the local context. 3) Conducting preliminary assessments of beneficiary families and the community to identify specific needs and characteristics. 4) Summarizing and presenting information in accessible formats for community members, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups. 5) Designing training activities to engage participants in various project stages and committees. 6) Facilitating meetings and ensuring the participation of marginalized groups in project discussions. 7) Advising on intervention guidelines to prioritize actions for vulnerable populations. 8) Preparing project-related documents and collaborating with team members. 9) Performing administrative and management tasks to meet deadlines and quality standards. 10) Participating in field research, social mobilization, and community workshops as outlined in the project work plan. 11) Supporting knowledge management by contributing to documentation and sharing successful practices. 12) Identifying and mitigating project risks by addressing challenges that may affect execution. 13) Preparing monitoring reports for stakeholders at various project stages. 14) Documenting meetings and activities related to project planning and implementation. 15) Ensuring all activities align with UN principles of integrity and completing required training courses, including security training.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Sociology, or have three additional years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A postgraduate degree in related fields such as Social Work, Social Sciences, Sociology, or Urban Studies is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of four years of professional experience related to urban development in Brazil, including three years in community mobilization and social work within informal settlements. Experience in conducting participatory workshops and familiarity with informal settlement dynamics is also desirable. Previous experience within the UN System is an added advantage. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and online platforms, and possess knowledge of project management methodologies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Sociology. A postgraduate degree in relevant fields such as Social Work, Social Sciences, Sociology, or Urban Studies is preferred. Candidates with extensive experience in lieu of formal education may also be considered, particularly if they have significant relevant experience in urban development and social work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience in urban development themes in Brazil, with at least three years specifically focused on community mobilization and social work in informal settlements. Candidates should have experience in implementing participatory workshops and methodologies, as well as a background in designing or working within informal settlements. Previous experience with the UN System is considered beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication within the local community. 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:
This position is part-time (65%) and classified under the LICA 2 salary scale. The appointment is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract duration is expected to be two months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information. The UN-Habitat does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applications will be treated confidentially.