Early Childhood Urban Design 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. It operates globally, with a significant focus on urban development and improving living conditions in cities. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been actively working to support the formulation and implementation of effective urban policies in Brazil, particularly in response to rapid urbanization and its impact on vulnerable populations, including children.

Job Overview:
The Early Childhood Urban Design Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UN-Habitat's project aimed at improving public spaces for children and caregivers in urban areas, particularly focusing on early childhood development. The consultant will work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that the project aligns with the organization's standards and objectives. The position requires the development and implementation of a Technical Work Plan, participation in various project-related activities, and the preparation of reports and materials that reflect the project's progress and outcomes. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that the design processes are inclusive and participatory, allowing for the voices of children and caregivers to be heard in urban design decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: developing and implementing the Technical Work Plan; participating in meetings, workshops, and training sessions; preparing periodic reports on project activities; creating supporting materials for various project activities; maintaining communication with the UN-Habitat technical team; ensuring compliance with Brazilian technical standards; coordinating methodological and logistical preparations for project activities; maintaining organized project documentation; presenting interim outputs; and ensuring that all deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines. The consultant will also be required to complete necessary training and familiarize themselves with UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism, with a postgraduate degree in related fields being preferred. A minimum of seven years of experience in urban development, public space planning, and urban design in Brazil is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience in project design and implementation, participatory processes, and preparing technical reports for international organizations. Skills in project planning, stakeholder engagement, and integrating gender-responsive approaches into urban development projects are also essential. Strong communication, organization, and time management skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism. A postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Architecture and Urbanism, Social Sciences, Geography, or related fields is required, or alternatively, four additional years of relevant experience beyond the basic requirement. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban design and the specific needs of early childhood development in urban settings.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in urban development and public space planning, particularly in Brazil. Experience in designing and implementing projects related to urban planning and early childhood development is essential. The consultant should also have a proven track record of coordinating participatory processes and engaging with various stakeholders, as well as preparing high-quality technical documentation for international organizations. Experience in project management, including planning, implementation, and monitoring, is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. 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.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time (97%) with a total remuneration of BRL 177,920.00, distributed across two payments upon the delivery and approval of specific project products. The consultant will be appointed on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or those with a permanent visa may apply. The contract duration is eleven months, and any extension is subject to funding availability and performance. All applications must be submitted in English and include specific documentation as outlined in the job posting. The UN-Habitat does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.