Early Childhood Participatory Processes Consultant

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 operates globally, focusing on urban development and the improvement of 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 located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been actively expanding its portfolio in the country to support effective urban policies. UN-Habitat aims to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient environments, particularly addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including children, women, and marginalized communities.

Job Overview:
The Early Childhood Participatory Processes Consultant will play a crucial role in implementing a project aimed at improving public spaces for children and caregivers in urban areas of Brazil, specifically in São Paulo and Curitiba. The consultant will work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to develop and execute a Technical Work Plan that aligns with the project timeline. The position requires participation in various meetings, workshops, and training sessions, as well as the preparation of reports and supporting materials. The consultant will ensure that the project adheres to UN-Habitat standards and methodologies, particularly focusing on early childhood development and the inclusion of caregivers in the design of public spaces. The consultant's work will directly impact the quality of public spaces available to children and their caregivers, promoting their well-being and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: developing and implementing the Technical Work Plan; participating in project-related meetings and workshops; preparing periodic reports on project activities; creating supporting materials for various activities; maintaining communication with the UN-Habitat technical team; ensuring compliance with Brazilian technical standards; coordinating the preparation of workshops; managing project documentation; presenting interim outputs; and ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards. The consultant will also be involved in the design and implementation of in-person activities related to the project, such as seminars and public hearings, and will be responsible for completing required training courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism, along with a postgraduate degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences or Geography. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of experience in urban development and public space planning, with a proven track record in project design and implementation related to urban planning and early childhood development. Experience in facilitating participatory processes and preparing technical reports for international organizations is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, and a commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in urban development projects.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism is required, along with a postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Architecture and Urbanism, Social Sciences, Geography, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor's degree and an additional four years of relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience in urban development, specifically in public spaces planning and urban design within Brazil. Experience in coordinating participatory processes and engaging with stakeholders is crucial, as is the ability to manage project timelines and deliverables effectively. Previous work with vulnerable populations and familiarity with UN agencies or international organizations is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, given the local context of the project. 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 consultancy position is part-time (94%) and is based locally in Brazil. Only Brazilian nationals or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract duration is eleven months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The total remuneration for the consultant is BRL 171,827, distributed across four payments tied to the delivery of specific project outputs. All applications must be submitted in English, and only complete applications will be considered. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.