Technical Assistant

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 works closely with central and state governments, local authorities, and various partners to implement the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat aims to transform urban areas into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, providing better opportunities for all residents. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and focuses on developing and managing activities within the host country. Over the years, UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil, collaborating with all levels of government to formulate and implement effective, sustainable, and socially equitable urban policies. The organization is currently involved in the second phase of the Social Territories Program, which aims to strengthen the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro’s strategy for addressing urban poverty through enhanced institutional capacity and community engagement.

Job Overview:
The Technical Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UN-Habitat's programs and activities in Brazil. This position requires close collaboration with program, operations, and project teams to achieve project objectives and organizational priorities. The Technical Assistant will be responsible for guiding families and individuals selected for monitoring under Rio de Janeiro’s social policies, utilizing integrated Assistance Protocols and public databases to access information, and referring individuals to appropriate public agencies. The role also involves researching additional information about the selected families, working in partnership with municipal secretariats to improve access to public services, and identifying bottlenecks within the Integrated Assistance Protocols. The Technical Assistant will maintain professional relationships with counterparts, disseminate information about the program, ensure compliance with UN-Habitat quality standards, and develop reports according to established guidelines. The position requires a commitment to ethical principles, particularly in promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Providing guidance and orientation to families and individuals selected for monitoring during household visitations; 2) Utilizing integrated Assistance Protocols and public databases to access information about selected families and referring them to appropriate public agencies; 3) Researching complementary information about families and forwarding it to relevant agencies; 4) Collaborating with civil servants from various municipal secretariats to enhance access to public services; 5) Identifying and mitigating bottlenecks within the Integrated Assistance Protocols; 6) Maintaining professional relationships with program counterparts; 7) Disseminating up-to-date information about the program within designated territories; 8) Ensuring that technical activities align with quality expectations; 9) Attending meetings and conferences as requested; 10) Complying with UN-Habitat quality standards and project requirements; 11) Developing reports following ABNT guidelines; 12) Upholding ethical principles in consultancy; 13) Completing all required courses and training activities; 14) Familiarizing oneself with United Nations security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security mechanisms and complying with them; 15) Performing any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with an additional three years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement will also be considered. A minimum of two years of experience in assisting families in situations of social vulnerability in Brazil is required. Knowledge of the National Social Assistance Policy is essential, along with experience working with the program’s target communities. Previous experience in the United Nations system is desirable. Candidates should also have good computer skills, proficiency in Windows and Office packages, and familiarity with web search engines. Knowledge of project management methodologies is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related fields. Candidates who do not meet the educational requirement must have three additional years of relevant experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the social dynamics and challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Brazil.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in assisting families in situations of social vulnerability within Brazil. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to navigate social assistance frameworks and work effectively with diverse communities. Familiarity with the National Social Assistance Policy and previous engagement with the program’s target communities are also essential. Experience working in the United Nations system is considered an asset, as it indicates familiarity with international standards and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with the program's target population. 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 these languages, particularly English and Spanish, is considered beneficial but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is expected to last for six months. The contract is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates holding a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The extension of the contract is contingent upon the availability of funds and performance, and it is not automatic. Candidates are required to submit their applications through the INSPIRA system, including a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, language proficiency, and other relevant information. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applications will be treated confidentially. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.