Technical Manager

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 resilience and sustainable development. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to enhance urban living conditions and implement the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the New Urban Agenda. 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 policies and practices in the region, particularly in the State of Rio de Janeiro, where it has been working on initiatives to strengthen urban resilience and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Technical Manager position is crucial for the successful implementation of a project aimed at enhancing urban resilience in the State of Rio de Janeiro. This role involves close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that project activities align with the goals of the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. The Technical Manager will be responsible for coordinating urban and climate resilience awareness activities, preparing deliverables, and ensuring effective communication with local partners. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and challenges, as well as the ability to provide technical support for localizing international agreements. The Technical Manager will also play a key role in capacity building and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and contributes to sustainable urban development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Manager will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: 1) Technically coordinating urban and climate resilience awareness activities; 2) Preparing and reviewing project deliverables; 3) Gathering inputs for workplans and progress reports; 4) Ensuring program implementation aligns with the work plan; 5) Establishing systems for planning, implementation, and monitoring; 6) Anticipating and mitigating risks; 7) Providing information for successful practices exchange; 8) Ensuring technical activities meet quality expectations; 9) Supporting the localization of international agreements; 10) Maintaining documentation on program activities; 11) Building relationships with local partners; 12) Identifying capacity building needs; 13) Monitoring activity implementation and fund expenditure; 14) Documenting product implementation; 15) Contributing to knowledge product development; 16) Organizing trainings and workshops; 17) Attending meetings to strengthen project presence; 18) Performing additional duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism, Environmental Engineering, Geography, or related fields. A postgraduate degree in Civil Protection, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation, or related fields is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in project coordination, technical advisory roles, or community mobilization related to urban development or disaster risk management. Experience in public policies, sustainability, and stakeholder coordination is also required, with a preference for candidates who have experience in climate change and disaster risk reduction. Previous experience within the UN System is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Architecture and Urbanism, Environmental Engineering, or Geography. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in related areas will be given preference. The educational background should demonstrate a strong foundation in urban development, environmental sustainability, or disaster risk management, which are critical for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in project coordination, technical advisory roles, or community mobilization, specifically in the context of urban development or disaster risk management in Brazil. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with public policies and sustainability initiatives, as well as experience in stakeholder engagement and project implementation. Experience related to climate change and disaster risk reduction is highly desirable, and familiarity with the UN System is an added advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Additionally, working knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable, given that English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Spanish is used in the Regional Office. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance collaboration on international projects.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to last for six months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The position is local, and only Brazilian nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The consultant will be responsible for their own security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and must comply with United Nations security protocols. The role may require travel within Brazil, which will be coordinated and financed by UN-Habitat according to UN travel guidelines. The salary for this position is based on the SB-3/2 UNPD Brazil Salary Scale. 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 any fees during the recruitment process.