Technical Advisor (Architecture and Urbanism)

Organisation: UN-Habitat - United Nations Human Settlements Programme
Location: Rio De Janeiro
Contract: C
Deadline: 11 November 2026

Result of Service

The incumbent will work in close collaboration with programme, operations and project teams to contribute to the achievement of project objectives and organizational priorities.

Work Location

Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil

Expected duration

Two (2) months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The main mandate of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. Within this framework, UN-Habitat supports central and state governments, as well as local authorities and other partners for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, more inclusive, compact, integrated, resilient and connected places with better opportunities where everyone can live with dignity. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development. The Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean – ROLAC – is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Agency puts emphasis on eveloping and managing activities in the host country. Indeed, for the past years, UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil by working with the three tiers of government to support the formulation and implementation of more effective, sustainable, participative, and socially fairer urban economic, social, and environmental policies. UN-Habitat and the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro have a long history of working together, especially in the city's favelas and communities. To properly implement the UN-Habitat projects with the Municipality, a Technical Advisor (Architecture and Urbanism) is required. Report to UN-Habitat Manager The Technical Advisor (Architecture and Urbanism) reports to the Head of Brazil Office, who will evaluate him/her. Responsibilities The Technical Advisor (Architecture and Urbanism) will support the implementation of the project, and its activities, with the following responsibilities: • Collaborate with the coordination of the programme. • Contribute to the implementation according to programme documents and signed agreement. • Gather inputs to prepare work-plans and narrative progress reports. • Develop inception report, detailed work plan of the project. • Prepare Terms of Reference and develop detailed scope of services for projects’ outputs so that these provide prospective contractors/consultants with an accurate picture of what is expected of them. • Support project planning, implementation and monitoring, in collaboration with partners. • Anticipate and mitigate risks to projects, including relevant challenges or omissions and other situations that may affect development and implementation of the project. • Provide information for the systematization and exchange of successful practices. • Ensure that the technical activities are aligned with the quality expectations of the Agency and counterparts. • Contribute technically localizing international agreements and frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the New Urban Agenda, presenting ideas on how to implement these agendas in the City of Rio de Janeiro. • Record and maintain documents on relevant Programme activities, issues, and risks; • Gather and compile all information necessary for monitoring and reporting from the planning to the evaluation stages. • Document implementation process and products. • Contribute to the exchange of information and provide inputs to the development of knowledge products internally and externally of the programme. • Attend meetings and conferences promoted by UN-Habitat and the project’s partners as requested. • Have compliance with UN-Habitat quality standards and project requirements, ensuring consistency with institutional guidelines, methodologies and expected outcomes. • Develop reports following ABNT guidelines, ensuring alignment with UN-Habitat’s quality standards and project requirements. • Ensure the adoption of ethical principles in the course of the consultancy, particularly regarding active listening, respect for diversity and the promotion of safe, inclusive and participatory learning environment. • Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor, consistent with the functions of the position. The consultant will be responsible for completing all courses and training activities that are indicated to him/her by his/her supervisor. The security course BSAFE, from UNDSS, is required to be accredited during the first month of employment. The consultant will be responsible for his/her own security, so the person should get familiarized with United Nations security mechanisms and comply with them according to the Framework of Accountability for the United Nations Security Management System. Outputs/Work Assignment The Technical Advisor (Architecture and Urbanism) shall be paid a monthly allowance, upon presentation and approval by the Head of Brazil Office of monthly activities’ report.

Qualifications/special skills

Education Required: • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism is required. • Postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Architecture and Urbanism, Project Management, Geography, Urban Studies, Engineering or related fields is required, or additional four (4) years of relevant experience to the post, beyond the requirement. Work experience • Minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience in project/programme management on urban or sustainable development or related themes is required. • Experience in themes related to public policies is required. • Previous experience of working in favelas in Rio de Janeiro is required. • Experience in stakeholders' mobilization and management is desirable. • Previous experience within the UN System is desirable. Skills • Good computer skills in Windows and Office packages and Web search engines are required. • Proficiency in AutoCad, 3D modeling software (such as SketchUp), Illustrator and InDesign is required. • Good handling of technological tools and use of software and online platforms is desirable. • Good handling of online events and conference tools is desirable. • Good knowledge of project management methodologies is desirable. Competencies · Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of financial management principles and practices; applies sound judgment; shows persistence in meeting commitments and achieving results; demonstrates integrity and accountability. · Planning and organization: Develops clear goals and priorities; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work and meeting deadlines. · Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping stakeholders informed. · Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues and partners to achieve organizational goals; values diversity; contributes to an inclusive and respectful work environment. Knowledge Management · Contribute to the documentation, organization and dissemination of relevant technical knowledge and lessons learned related to the assignment. · Support the preparation of tools, templates and reference materials that facilitate that effective project implementation. · Ensure information, records and documentation produced under the assignment are properly organized and made available to authorized personnel. · Promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration among project teams while ensuring compliance with applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Spanish is the working language of the Regional Office. • For the post advertised, fluency in Portuguese and English are required. Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information