Field Agent (Engineering/Architecture)
United Nations · Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
Result of Service The consultant shall duly and timely perform his/her obligations, under these Terms of Reference, and will work in close collaboration with the UN\-Habitat’s operational and technical teams. Work Location Niterói (RJ), Brazil Expected duration Six (6\) months, with possibility of extension 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 in developing 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. The “Vida Nova no Morro – Supporting Sustainable Urban Development in Informal Settlements in Niterói” project is being implemented by UN\-Habitat in partnership with the Municipality of Niterói, through the Municipal Secretariat of Housing and Land Regularization. The initiative aims to strengthen the Municipality’s data systems and institutional capacities to develop social housing policies responsive to the needs of vulnerable territories and populations, while promoting sustainable, inclusive, and integrated urban development through evidence\-based planning, housing assessments, and community engagement in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The project proposes a set of interventions to improve housing and urban conditions in favelas and urban communities through housing mapping, community mobilization, and innovative participatory methodologies. Through these actions, the initiative seeks to reduce socio\-spatial inequalities, strengthen local capacities, and support sustainable urban development that leaves no one and no territory behind. To properly implement the above\-mentioned project, a Field Agent (Engineering/Architecture) is required. Report to UN\-Habitat Manager The Field Agent (Engineering/Architecture) reports to the Head of Brazil Office, who will evaluate him/her. Responsibilities The Field Agent (Engineering/Architecture) will support the implementation of the project and its activities, with the following responsibilities: a) Conduct architectural inspections, assessments, and technical diagnoses of dwell\-ings through active fieldwork in favelas, including the assessment of building condi\-tions and habitability, ensuring compliance with questionnaire protocols and the quali\-ty of data collection. b) Collect and generate data from architectural surveys, including building measurements, photographs, and technical sketches, ensuring its quality, consistency, accuracy, and integrity. c) Provide support in clarifying questions and verifying the collected data. d) Elaborate and/or support the creation of reports. e) Facilitate communication with residents regarding the subsequent stages of pro\-gramme implementation, ensuring alignment with the guidance and protocols estab\-lished by the Programme Coordination. f) Contribute to the design of effective strategies for implementing the Programme’s fieldwork methodology, particularly the technical diagnosis of dwellings. g) Report any intercurrences in the field and implement safety protocols as outlined in the Programme’s guidelines. h) Ensure adherence to safety protocols and the proper use of electronic equipment, uniforms, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). i) Ensure that assigned tasks are completed within the established deadlines and in accordance with the required quality standards, contributing to the achievement of project objectives within the approved budget. j) Attend project meetings and local meetings as requested. k) Participate in training sessions on fieldwork approaches, methodologies, data collection tools, and ethical standards, as requested. l) Provide inputs for the identification of project risks. m) Maintain professional and cordial relations with the Programme’s counterparts. n) Ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with the principles