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 works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to transform urban areas into safer, more inclusive, and resilient environments. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been expanding its portfolio in the country by collaborating with local governments to implement effective urban policies. UN-Habitat's mission is particularly relevant in the context of rapid urbanization, which has led to increased challenges for vulnerable populations, especially children.

Job Overview:
The Early Childhood Participatory Processes Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UN-Habitat's 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 implement a Technical Work Plan that aligns with the project's objectives. This position requires a strong focus on participatory design processes that engage children and caregivers, ensuring their voices are heard in urban planning. The consultant will be responsible for preparing reports, facilitating workshops, and maintaining communication with stakeholders to ensure the project's success. The role emphasizes the importance of creating child-friendly public spaces that promote well-being and development, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Developing and implementing the Technical Work Plan for the consultancy, ensuring alignment with the project timeline; 2) Participating in meetings, workshops, and training sessions as required; 3) Preparing periodic reports detailing activities and deliverables; 4) Creating supporting materials for project activities; 5) Maintaining continuous communication with the UN-Habitat technical team; 6) Ensuring all documents meet the standards of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT); 7) Coordinating the methodological and logistical preparation of activities; 8) Organizing and facilitating workshops with children and caregivers; 9) Presenting interim outputs and ensuring compliance with deadlines; 10) 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 or have an equivalent level of experience. A minimum of four years of relevant work experience in urban development, public space planning, and urban design in Brazil is required. Experience in project design and implementation, particularly related to public spaces and early childhood development, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in facilitating participatory processes and preparing technical reports for international organizations. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders are necessary, along with a commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in urban development.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism is required. Alternatively, candidates with three additional years of relevant experience beyond the degree requirement may also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban design and planning, particularly in relation to public spaces for children and caregivers.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience in urban development, specifically in public space planning and urban design within Brazil. Candidates should have a proven track record of coordinating and facilitating participatory processes, including workshops and stakeholder engagement activities. Experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring is essential, as is the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and manage coordination among various stakeholders.

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, as these languages are used within the United Nations and its regional offices. Proficiency in these languages will enhance communication with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based with in-person activities required in Brazil, specifically in São Paulo and Curitiba. The expected duration of the consultancy is eleven months, with a total remuneration of BRL 125,494.00, distributed across three payments based on the delivery of specific project outputs. The position is open only to nationals from Brazil or external candidates holding a permanent visa in Brazil. The contract's extension is contingent upon the availability of funds and performance. All applications must be submitted in English and will be treated confidentially. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.