Early Childhood Strategy and Project Implementation Consultant

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 address the challenges of urbanization, UN-Habitat works with various stakeholders, including governments at all levels, civil society, and the private sector, to foster urban development that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. UN-Habitat's mission is to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and connected places, particularly focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations, including children, women, and marginalized communities. The agency has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, working closely with local governments to implement effective urban policies that promote social equity and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Early Childhood Strategy and Project Implementation Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a project aimed at improving public spaces for children and caregivers in urban areas of Brazil, specifically in São Paulo and Curitiba. This position requires the consultant to work closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, ensuring that the project aligns with the broader goals of the organization, including the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The consultant will be responsible for developing and executing a Technical Work Plan that adheres to the project timeline, participating in various project-related activities, and maintaining continuous communication with the UN-Habitat technical team. The role emphasizes the importance of participatory design tools to create child-friendly public spaces, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of children and caregivers are integrated into urban planning processes. The consultant will also be tasked with preparing reports and documentation that reflect the progress and outcomes of the project, ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat standards and methodologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Developing and implementing a detailed Technical Work Plan aligned with the project timeline; 2) Participating in meetings, workshops, and training sessions as required; 3) Preparing periodic reports detailing activities and deliverables for monitoring; 4) Creating supporting materials for project activities, including presentations; 5) Maintaining communication with the UN-Habitat technical team; 6) Ensuring all documents meet Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) requirements; 7) Coordinating the preparation of activities, including research and stakeholder consultations; 8) Organizing and filing project documentation; 9) Presenting interim outputs and ensuring quality assurance across deliverables; 10) Participating in the design and implementation of in-person project activities; 11) Addressing feedback to meet quality standards; 12) Ensuring compliance with deadlines and deliverables; 13) 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, Social Sciences, Geography, or related fields, or have an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A minimum of four years of experience in urban development, public space planning, and urban design in Brazil is essential. The consultant should have experience in designing and implementing projects related to public space and early childhood development, as well as in facilitating participatory processes and stakeholder engagement activities. Proficiency in preparing high-quality technical reports for international organizations is required, along with experience in project planning and monitoring. Familiarity with gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in urban development is desirable, as is experience working with vulnerable populations.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Architecture and Urbanism, Social Sciences, Geography, or related disciplines is required. Candidates with additional relevant experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding urban development and public space planning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience in urban development, public space planning, and urban design, specifically within the Brazilian context. Candidates should have a proven track record in project design and implementation, particularly in areas related to public space and early childhood development. Experience in coordinating participatory processes and engaging with diverse stakeholders is essential, as is the ability to manage project timelines and deliverables effectively. Previous experience with UN agencies or international organizations is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language in Brazil. Additionally, working knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable, given the multilingual context of UN-Habitat's operations and the need for effective communication with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is part-time (95%) and is based locally in Brazil. The total remuneration for the consultant is BRL 116,613.00, with payments structured upon the delivery and approval of specific project products. The contract duration is expected to be eleven months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and performance. Only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information as specified in the application guidelines. The UN-Habitat does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.