Field Supervisor

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 urbanization challenges, UN-Habitat works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to foster inclusive and sustainable urban development. 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 has expanded its portfolio in Brazil by collaborating with multiple levels of government to formulate and implement effective urban policies that are socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. The agency's mission is to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, ensuring that no one is left behind in the urban development process.

Job Overview:
The Field Supervisor position is crucial for the successful implementation of the 'Vida Nova no Morro' project, which aims to support sustainable urban development in informal settlements in Niterói, Brazil. This role involves working closely with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that project activities are executed effectively and in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The Field Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing fieldwork, managing data collection teams, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. The position requires a proactive approach to engage with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate the project's objectives. The Field Supervisor will also be tasked with preparing periodic reports on project progress, challenges faced, and recommendations for improvement, thereby playing a key role in the project's success and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Supervisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Implementing active search work plans in the field, ensuring compliance with and quality in the application of questionnaires. 2) Providing support in entering new territories and closing ongoing research in designated areas. 3) Overseeing Field Agents and ensuring proper execution of fieldwork activities. 4) Managing the day-to-day activities of the data collection team. 5) Supporting meetings with state public agencies and ensuring all measures needed to optimize fieldwork are executed according to their instructions. 6) Preparing and submitting periodic activity reports, including progress updates, challenges, and recommendations. 7) Overseeing fieldwork compliance with safety protocols and the proper use of electronic equipment, uniforms, and PPE. 8) Reporting any issues encountered in the field and implementing safety protocols as outlined in the Programme’s guidelines. 9) Assessing the quality of data entry and the number of administered questionnaires daily, reporting any issues that might impact research progress. 10) Supporting the design of strategies to implement the Programme’s fieldwork methodology. 11) Providing logistical, organizational, and personnel support in local events and visits to individuals and families. 12) Maintaining professional relationships with the Programme’s counterparts. 13) Disseminating updated information about the Programme within designated territories. 14) Ensuring that the Programme's technical activities align with the Agency's quality expectations. 15) Performing other duties as requested by the supervisor. The consultant will also be required to complete all courses and training activities indicated by the supervisor, including the mandatory BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from UNDSS during the first month of employment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Architecture, Territorial Planning, Engineering, Geography, Project Management, Statistics, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement will also be considered. The position requires a minimum of three years of experience in research, data collection, and conducting interviews/questionnaires in Brazil, preferably within vulnerable communities. Experience in fieldwork supervision is desirable, as is previous experience within the UN System. Candidates should demonstrate good people skills, effective communication abilities, and proficiency in technological tools and computer applications, including the Microsoft Office suite and Google applications. Knowledge of data collection applications, such as Kobo, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Architecture, Territorial Planning, Engineering, Geography, Project Management, Statistics, or related disciplines. Candidates with additional relevant experience may substitute for formal education, with three years of experience being equivalent to one year of education. This flexibility allows for a broader range of applicants to be considered for the role, ensuring that those with practical experience in the field can also qualify for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in research, data collection, and conducting interviews or questionnaires, specifically within Brazil. Candidates should have experience working in designated or vulnerable communities, which is essential for understanding the context and challenges faced by these populations. Experience in supervising fieldwork is desirable, as it indicates the ability to manage teams effectively and ensure the quality of data collected. Previous experience within the UN System is also 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 essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. Additionally, English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, while Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office. Proficiency in English or Spanish would be advantageous, as it may facilitate communication with international teams and enhance collaboration on projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is based locally in Brazil, and only nationals or candidates holding a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract is expected to last for six months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The remuneration for this position is based on the LICA 1 UNOPS Salary Scale. It is important to note that the appointment against this post is on a local basis, and candidates should be prepared to submit a complete application in English, including a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applications will be treated confidentially. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.