Technical Supervisor (Engineering/Architecture) – Housing Improvements

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. It operates globally, focusing on urban development and housing issues, and has a significant presence in Brazil, particularly through its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) based in Rio de Janeiro. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and the private sector, to implement the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places.

Job Overview:
The Technical Supervisor (Engineering/Architecture) will play a crucial role in the implementation of the 'Vida Nova no Morro' project, which aims to support sustainable urban development in informal settlements in Niterói. This position involves providing technical supervision and quality assurance for housing assessments and improvement proposals. The incumbent will work closely with field teams to ensure that methodologies and technical criteria are consistently applied, and will be responsible for reviewing and validating technical information, conducting quality control, and providing guidance on housing improvement interventions. The role requires a strong understanding of both architectural and civil engineering principles, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Supervisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: providing technical supervision and guidance to Field Agents; reviewing and validating technical information and housing assessments; conducting quality control of field data; ensuring consistency between identified housing deficiencies and proposed solutions; collaborating on technical criteria for prioritization of interventions; reviewing preliminary designs for compliance with project standards; preparing technical reviews and reports; monitoring the quality of work performed by Field Agents; participating in training sessions and project activities; and ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat quality standards. The role also involves developing technical guidelines and contributing to the continuous improvement of field activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism or Civil Engineering, with a postgraduate degree in relevant fields being highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a strong background in residential construction, building rehabilitation, and housing improvement, with specific experience in technical assessments and architectural or engineering reviews. Proficiency in relevant software and tools, as well as a solid understanding of building codes and safety requirements, is essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism or Civil Engineering is required. A postgraduate degree in related fields such as Housing, Building Rehabilitation, or Technical Assistance for Housing is preferred. Candidates with additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degrees.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as residential construction, building rehabilitation, and housing improvement is required. Experience in building inspection and technical assessment of residential buildings in Brazil is essential, along with a background in supervising or providing technical guidance to field teams. Previous experience within or with the United Nations System is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Working knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Brazil and is open only to nationals or permanent residents. The contract is expected to last for six months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The consultant will be responsible for their own security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and must complete required training courses, including the BSAFE security course from UNDSS. Remuneration will be determined according to UNOPS Local ICA or UNDP salary scales, and all applications must be submitted through the Inspira system, including detailed information about educational background, professional experience, and language proficiency.