Field Agent

Result of ServiceThe Field Agent reports to the Head of Brazil Office and OiC for Southern Cone Office. He/She shall duly and timely perform his/her obligations, under these Terms of Reference. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams. Work LocationSão Gonçalo, Brazil Expected durationSix (6) months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground 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. In 2023, UN-Habitat launched a project with the aim of supporting the Municipality of São Gonçalo to reduce social inequalities based on the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda. This project is dedicated to improving the capacities and conditions of the local administration in monitoring urban conditions and trends at the local level, providing evidence-based information to build sustainable and locally integrated urban policies. In 2024, UN-Habitat was invited to contribute to the development of the participatory Action Plan for a project under the Periferia Viva Programme, aimed at the urbanization of an informal settlement, with resources already secured for its implementation. To implement this project in São Gonçalo, a Field Agent is required to ensure the effective execution of the work program. This role will be performed in person at an outpost established in the Ipuca Community in São Gonçalo. The Field Agent, who must be a resident of the community, will be responsible for executing the project activities, ensuring compliance with security guidelines, and fostering engagement with local stakeholders to support the initiative’s sustainable urban development. Report to UN-Habitat Manager The Field Agent reports to the Head of Brazil Office and OiC for Southern Cone Office, who will evaluate him/her. Responsibilities The Field Agent will support the implementation of the project, and its activities, with the following responsibilities: a) Under the guidance of the Programme Coordinator, actively participate in the project activities, especially in field operations, performing specific functions in different areas, such as communication, reception and research. b) Support the organization and promotion of the Programme within the community. c) Work directly with the local community, providing support and information needed during field activities. d) Apply questionnaires at the request of the Programme Coordinator. e) Conduct information visits to families living in the communities, at the request of the Programme Coordinator. f) Support the organization of local events. g) Participate in local meetings when requested. h) Under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator, develop activities to strengthen community resilience, reducing disaster risk. i) Be responsible, within his/her competences, for ensuring that technical activities are aligned with the quality expectations of UN-Habitat and its counterparts. j) Perform other tasks requested by supervisors. k) Prepare and deliver the Monthly Activity Report in a timely manner. 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 be 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 Field Agent will support the implementation of project activities according to the responsibilities indicated above. The consultant shall be paid a monthly allowance, upon presentation and approval by the Head of Brazil Office and OiC for Southern Cone Office of monthly activities’ report. Qualifications/special skillsEducation Required: • High school diploma is required, or additional two (2) years of relevant experience to the post, beyond the requirement. Work experience: • Minimum of one (1) year of experience in research, data collection and/or conducting interviews/questionnaires, preferably in vulnerable communities is required. • Previous experience within the UN System is desirable. Skills: • Good handling of technological tools is required. • Knowledge and experience with data collection applications, such as Survey123, is desirable. • Good computer skills in Windows, such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel, is desirable. Competencies • Professionalism: Experience working in an inter-institutional environment, project management, monitoring-evaluation; approaches and strategies regarding good urban governance and local and regional development. • Planning and organization: Professional approach to work, strong sense of responsibility, operate with minimal supervision; proven organizational skills and ability to manage a workload efficiently and within set deadlines. • Communication: Ability to write clearly and effectively; listen to others, interpret messages correctly and respond appropriately; show openness in information sharing and keep everyone informed; solid abstract reasoning skills together with a proven capacity to write documents for diverse audiences. • Teamwork: Ability to work with teams, demonstrate leadership, conflict management and consensus facilitation skills; ability to work in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment, and to respect diversity; sensitivity to the main streaming of vulnerability; willingness and ability to work in difficult environments. Knowledge Management • The person must know the processes, procedures, and norms of UN-Habitat, to guarantee an adequate quality of the activities described above, following the standards of the organization. • The person will propose formats and procedures that allow the efficient implementation of the activities related to the project development. • The person must know the file of the Office, work with it, and ensure its proper maintenance, accessibility for all staff, and due updating. • The person will prepare databases related to the project running. • The person will make sure that all relevant technical information will be adequately shared with the correspondent staff. • The person will ensure that all produced material will be fit-for-purpose and delivered, in an organized way, for posterior consultation and use of the Agency. • The person will only share the information produced with the team agency, assuring the privacy of the content. 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 is required. Additional InformationTravel details: Not Applicable. Remuneration SB-1/3 – BRL: 2.603,97 (net amount) UNDP Brazil Salary Scale Notes Appointment against this post is on local basis and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates who hold a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The extension of this contract is subject to availability of funds and/or performance. Any contract extension is not automatic. It is required for all the curricular information to be inserted in the system, which may take a few hours. Only complete applications in English will be considered. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications should be submitted through INSPIRA and must include all documents required at the system, please be ready to include the following information at the “Candidate Profile” (CP) at Inspira: • Cover memo (maximum 1 page) • Educational Background (incl. dates) • Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months) • Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments • Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)* * Please note that Internships, self-employment and part-time count as 50%. In addition to it, note experience not relevant to the position will not be considered. All applications should be submitted to: Inspira UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning people or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.