Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project)

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, with a focus on supporting central and state governments, local authorities, and various partners in implementing the Habitat Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN-Habitat aims to transform urban areas into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, working with a diverse range of stakeholders including government entities, civil society, and the private sector. 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, collaborating with all levels of government to formulate and implement effective urban policies. UN-Habitat's mission is to address urban poverty and improve living conditions, particularly in informal settlements, by promoting sustainable urban development practices.

Job Overview:
The Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a project aimed at improving municipal infrastructure and social housing options in the Izidora neighborhood of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams, ensuring that drainage projects are executed effectively and align with local sewage and water network systems. The engineer will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing drainage designs, preparing technical reports, and providing guidance to project teams. The role emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban drainage solutions and the integration of nature-based approaches to enhance urban resilience. The consultant will work remotely but must be available for travel within Brazil as needed, particularly to the project sites in Izidora.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project) will have a variety of responsibilities, including: 1) Analyzing and reviewing drainage basic projects, ensuring compatibility with local sewage and water network designs. 2) Preparing detailed reports and technical assessments on drainage projects. 3) Proposing necessary adjustments to technical drawings to meet quality standards. 4) Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, and engineers involved in the project. 5) Collaborating with team members to prepare essential technical documentation. 6) Participating in meetings with the technical team to discuss project progress and challenges. 7) Completing any additional technical support tasks as required by the project team. The consultant will also be responsible for completing mandatory training, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course, and must familiarize themselves with UN security protocols.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, along with a postgraduate degree in the same or a related area. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree may qualify if they have an additional four years of relevant experience beyond the minimum requirement. A total of at least six years of professional experience in sanitation engineering, particularly in drainage and sustainable urban drainage design, is required. Experience with nature-based solutions and work in informal settlements is desirable, as is previous experience within the UN System. Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD Civil 3D, are essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and teamwork competencies.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field is required for this position. Additionally, a postgraduate degree (either Lato sensu or stricto sensu) in Civil Engineering or a related field is necessary, or candidates must have four additional years of relevant experience beyond the basic educational requirement. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the role of Sanitation Engineer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of professional experience in sanitation engineering roles, with a strong emphasis on drainage and sustainable urban drainage design. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects that involve the use of nature-based solutions and experience in informal settlements. Previous experience within the UN System is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the organization's processes and standards.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language in Brazil. Additionally, working knowledge of English or Spanish is desirable, as 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 communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be appointed on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is part-time, with a workload of 32%, and is expected to last for four months. The total net remuneration for the position is BRL 12,269, with payments structured based on the delivery and approval of specific project outputs. The consultant must be available for travel within Brazil as required by the Head of the Brazil Office, and all travel expenses will be covered by UN-Habitat according to United Nations travel guidelines. The contract may be extended based on performance and availability of funds, but such extensions are not guaranteed. 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 instructions.