Technical Advisor (Architecture and Urbanism)

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. The organization 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 levels of government, civil society, and the private sector to foster sustainable urban development. The agency has expanded its portfolio in Brazil over the years, focusing on effective, sustainable, participative, and socially equitable urban policies, particularly in the favelas and communities of Rio de Janeiro.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor (Architecture and Urbanism) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of projects in partnership with the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro. This position requires close collaboration with UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams to ensure that projects align with international agreements and frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda. The advisor will be responsible for developing work plans, preparing reports, and ensuring that technical activities meet the quality expectations of the agency and its counterparts. The role also involves documenting the implementation process, contributing to knowledge products, and attending meetings to strengthen the project's presence in the city.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: supporting the coordination and implementation of the programme according to signed agreements; gathering inputs for work-plans and progress reports; developing inception reports and detailed work plans; preparing Terms of Reference for project outputs; supporting project planning, implementation, and monitoring; anticipating and mitigating risks; ensuring alignment of technical activities with quality expectations; providing technical support for localizing international agreements; maintaining documentation on programme activities; compiling information for monitoring and reporting; contributing to knowledge exchange; attending relevant meetings; and performing other duties as assigned by supervisors. The advisor will also be required to complete necessary training, including a security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course, and must familiarize themselves with UN security mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Architecture and Urbanism, Project Management, Geography, Urban Studies, Engineering, or related fields, or have an additional four years of relevant experience beyond the educational requirement. A bachelor's degree in Management in Architecture and Urbanism is also required. The position demands a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in project/programme management related to urban or sustainable development, with experience in public policies being essential. Previous work in favelas in Rio de Janeiro and experience within the UN System are desirable. Proficiency in computer skills, particularly in Windows and Office packages, as well as software like AutoCad and 3D modeling tools, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree (Lato or Stricto Sensu) in relevant fields such as Architecture and Urbanism, Project Management, Geography, Urban Studies, or Engineering. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with a bachelor's degree in Management in Architecture and Urbanism along with additional relevant experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in project or programme management, particularly in urban or sustainable development. Candidates should have a strong background in public policies and experience working in favelas in Rio de Janeiro is highly desirable. Familiarity with stakeholder mobilization and management, as well as previous experience within the UN System, will be advantageous for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese and English is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary working languages. A working knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable, particularly given the regional context of the role and the languages used within the UN-Habitat's Regional Office.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is expected to last for a duration of seven months. The consultant will receive a monthly allowance upon approval of their activity reports by the Head of Brazil Office and OiC for Southern Cone Office. The contract is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with 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 guaranteed. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information. The UN-Habitat does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.