Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project)

Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project)

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT)

October 16, 2026November 17, 2026Rio De JaneiroBrazil
Job Description
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, with a focus on urban development and improvement of living conditions in cities. UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 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 to support effective urban policies and sustainable development initiatives.

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 various teams to ensure project objectives are met. The engineer will be responsible for analyzing and reviewing drainage projects, ensuring compatibility with existing sewage and water networks, and providing technical guidance to project teams. The role emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban development and aims to address the urgent needs of communities facing extreme poverty and inadequate infrastructure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sanitation Engineer (Drainage Project) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Analyzing and reviewing drainage basic projects, suggesting necessary adjustments to ensure compatibility with local sewage and water network designs. 2) Preparing detailed reports and technical assessments on drainage projects. 3) Proposing changes to technical drawings to maintain quality standards. 4) Providing technical guidance to designers, planners, and engineers involved in the project. 5) Collaborating with team members to prepare essential technical documents. 6) Attending meetings and conferences organized by UN-Habitat and project partners. 7) Ensuring compliance with UN-Habitat quality standards and project requirements. 8) Developing reports in accordance with ABNT guidelines. 9) Upholding ethical principles throughout the consultancy, particularly in promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity. 10) Completing all required training and courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from UNDSS, within the first month of employment. 11) Performing any additional duties assigned by the supervisor that align with the position's functions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, or related fields. A postgraduate degree in the same areas is required, or alternatively, four additional years of relevant experience beyond the basic requirement. Candidates should have at least six years of professional experience in sanitation engineering, particularly in drainage and sustainable urban drainage design within Brazil. Experience with nature-based solutions and work in informal settlements is desirable, as is previous experience within the UN System.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, or related fields. Additionally, a postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in the same fields is required, or candidates may substitute this with four years of relevant experience beyond the basic educational requirement.

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 specifically in Brazil. Experience in utilizing nature-based solutions and working within informal settlements is considered an asset. Previous experience working with the United Nations or similar organizations is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language in Brazil. Additionally, a working knowledge of English or Spanish is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, while Spanish is used in the Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
This position is home-based and is expected to last for three months. The consultant will be required to undertake official travel within Brazil as necessary, subject to project requirements and prior authorization. The remuneration for this consultancy is determined according to the UNOPS Local ICA or UNDP’s salary scale, with a total amount of BRL 12,269, distributed across five payments based on the delivery and approval of specific project outputs. The appointment is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The contract's extension is contingent upon the availability of funds and performance, and all applications must be submitted through the Inspira system.
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