Geotechnical Engineer Consultant

The Geotechnical Engineer Consultant reports to the Head of Brazil Office. He/She shall duly and timely perform his/her obligations, under this Term of Reference. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the UN-Habitat’s operational and technical teams.

Mauá, Brazil

Four (4) months

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 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 Periferia Viva Program was launched by the Federal Government as part of the New Growth Acceleration Program for Favela Urbanization. The objective of the Program is to coordinate public policies and strengthen grassroots initiatives in peripheral territories, aiming to improve living conditions, particularly in the program’s key areas: urban infrastructure, social facilities, social and community empowerment, innovation, technology, and opportunities. The chosen territory for intervention in Mauá is part of “Chafick-Macuco”. A settlement that emerged on unplanned, undeveloped land and now has about 26,835 residents. Though mostly residential, it lacks basic services: the streets are unpaved with no drainage, there’s no public water or sewage system, and no proper community facilities or public spaces. The Periferia Viva – Jardim Zaíra/Chafick-Macuco project presents a set of interventions to support the Mauá City Hall, through the Municipal Housing Department, in implementing the Periferia Viva Program in Jardim Zaíra/Chafick-Macuco.   To properly implement the Periferia Viva – Jardim Zaíra/Chafick-Macuco project, a Geotechnical Engineer Consultant is required. Report to UN-Habitat Manager The Geotechnical Engineer Consultant reports to the Head of Brazil Office, who will evaluate him/her. Responsibilities The Geotechnical Engineer Consultant will support the implementation of project activities related to socio-environmental risks and technical feasibility of urban planning interventions, with the following responsibilities: a) Conduct geotechnical and slope stability assessments, including erosive processes, mass movements (landslides, rockfalls, creep), soil-water interaction in springs and APPs, and risk zoning to support the Technical-Community Diagnosis of the Periferia Viva Action Plan. b) Perform hydrological and flood risk analyses integrated with slope stability, identifying drainage deficiencies, soil saturation areas, critical flow points, and priority zones for flow attenuation, energy dissipation, and surface/subsurface drainage interventions. c) Develop geotechnical mapping products based on field surveys, primary/secondary data, and available tests, identifying priority areas for risk mitigation and stabilization, and recommending additional investigations or soil testing when needed. d) Prepare preliminary spatial analyses (massing plans, slope typologies, occupancy conditions, instability features, and restriction zones) to support technically feasible urban intervention strategies. e) Analyze, review, and propose adjustments to preliminary designs for comprehensive urbanization, focusing on climate resilience, sustainable drainage, and the geotechnical stability of slopes, cuts, embankments, and retaining systems. f) Prepare technical opinions and reports on geotechnical issues, highlighting concerns requiring risk reduction interventions, and develop geotechnical guidelines for executive designs (stability parameters, retaining solutions, deep drainage, foundation conditions) for the urbanization and land regularization of Chafick-Macuco. g) Establish guidelines for geotechnical-urban intervention typologies (natural/anthropized slopes, fill areas, risk occupations), including distributed stormwater retention, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), and soil bioengineering techniques where feasible. h) Identify suitable areas for stormwater infiltration and groundwater recharge, ensuring proposed solutions avoid geotechnical instability, internal erosion, slope saturation, or secondary hydrological risks. i) Provide technical guidance to designers, planners, and engineers, and support cost estimation and cost-benefit assessments for proposed interventions (geotechnical solutions, drainage systems, retaining structures). j) Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members (civil, sanitary, environmental, urban planners, architects) to prepare required technical documents. k) Systematize the process by delivering organized documentation (meeting minutes, photos, field notes, raw data, investigation reports, analytical notes, georeferenced maps) in accessible, editable formats. l) Present results and deliverables to UN-Habitat and local partners using clear, visual formats (executive reports, risk/stability maps, illustrated presentations, posters, short videos). m) Ensure compliance with UN-Habitat standards for visibility, data protection, ethics, confidentiality, and protocols, respecting community participants' rights, privacy, and representation, especially in vulnerable areas. n) Participate in meetings with UN-Habitat, Municipality of Mauá, Civil Defense, environmental agencies, and other stakeholders to align expectations, validate risk zoning, and refine feasibility analysis scopes. o) Perform other technical support tasks as required by the project team 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 Geotechnical Engineer Consultant shall assist in the implementation of the project, according to the established responsibilities and the delivery of the following products: Product 1 – Geotechnical Risk Diagnosis of the Integral Urbanization Polygon Description: This product must include a geotechnical and slope stability assessment of the Integral Urbanization Polygon, addressing erosive processes, mass movements (landslides, rockfalls, creep), soil-water interaction in springs and Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs), geotechnical risk zoning and feasibility of urban interventions on occupied slopes. It must also present hydrological and flood risk analyses integrated with slope stability, identifying drainage deficiencies, soil saturation areas, critical flow points, priority zones for flow attenuation, energy dissipation, and surface/subsurface drainage interventions, as well as locations unsafe for human settlement due to geotechnical and hydrological hazards. The diagnosis shall include geotechnical mapping products based on field surveys, primary/secondary data, and available tests, identifying priority areas for risk mitigation and stabilization, and recommending additional investigations or soil testing when needed. Additionally, it must present preliminary spatial analyses (massing plans, slope typologies, occupancy conditions, instability features, and restriction zones) to support technically feasible urban intervention strategies. The preparation of this product requires field surveys, primary data collection, and analysis of secondary data sources. Expected delivery date: 30 days after signing the contract. Product 2 – Guidelines for the Integral Urbanization Polygon Description: This product must present clear guidelines for the elaboration or revision of urbanization preliminary designs in Chafick-Macuco, with a focus on population safety, climate resilience, drainage, and the geotechnical stability of slopes, cuts, embankments, and retaining systems. The document shall analyze the preliminary designs already prepared by the municipal government, suggesting necessary adjustments where applicable, including recommendations for additional geotechnical investigations or soil testing when needed. Furthermore, it must indicate geotechnical guidelines for the preparation of executive designs (stability parameters, retaining solutions, deep drainage, foundation conditions). The product shall also establish guidelines for geotechnical-urban intervention typologies (natural/anthropized slopes, fill areas, risk occupations), including distributed stormwater retention, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), and soil bioengineering techniques where feasible. Expected delivery date: 45 days after signing the contract. Product 3 – Geotechnical Risk Diagnosis of the Peripheral Territory Description: This product must provide a geotechnical and slope stability assessment of the Peripheral Territory, encompassing erosive processes, mass movements (landslides, rockfalls, creep), soil-water interaction in springs and Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs), geotechnical risk zoning and feasibility of urban interventions on occupied slopes. The document must also include hydrological and flood risk analyses integrated with slope stability, identifying drainage deficiencies, soil saturation areas, critical flow points and unsafe locations for human settlements due to geotechnical and hydrological hazards. Additionally, the diagnosis must present geotechnical mapping products based on secondary data, identifying priority areas for risk mitigation and stabilization, as well as preliminary spatial analyses (massing plans, slope typologies, occupancy conditions, instability features and restriction zones). This product will be prepared using secondary data only. Expected delivery date: 60 days after signing the contract. Product 4 – Guidelines for the Peripheral Territory Description: This product must present guidelines for the development of preliminary designs focused on population safety, climate resilience, drainage and geotechnical stability. It shall propose geotechnical-urban intervention typologies based on identified conditions (natural/anthropized slopes, fill areas, risk occupations), including recommendations for distributed stormwater retention, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and soil bioengineering techniques, where feasible. The document shall also identify areas suitable for stormwater infiltration and groundwater recharge that do not pose geotechnical instability, internal erosion (piping), slope saturation, or secondary hydrological risks. Expected delivery date: 90 days after contract signing. Product 5 – Revisions and Consolidation Description: This product must contain a report on the implementation of adjustments and corrections to previous products as requested by the Municipality of Mauá, Caixa Econômica Federal and the UN-Habitat Team Coordinator. It shall include technical opinions, updated geotechnical mapping, systematized documentation (meeting minutes, field notes, raw data, investigation reports, analytical notes, georeferenced maps) in accessible, editable formats, and visual presentations of results (executive reports, risk/stability maps, illustrated presentations, posters, short videos). Expected delivery date: 120 days after signing the contract.

Education Required: • Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering or related fields is required. • Postgraduate degree (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Infrastructure, Slope Engineering and Geological Risk Management, Foundation and Retaining Structures Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related fields, or four (4) additional years of relevant experience for the position, beyond the requirement. Work experience: • Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in Structural Engineering analysis in Brazil is required, • Experience in informal settlements is desirable. • Experience in the use of nature-based solutions is desirable. • Previous experience within the UN System is desirable. Skills: • Good handling of technological tools, such as Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Of-fice, is required. • Good command of geographical information systems (GIS) software, such as QGIS, MapInfo and ArcGIS, 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.

• 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.

Travel details: Applicable. The consultant must be available to travel to the places related to the activities in the country, if requested by the Head of Brazil Office. Missions will be coordinated and financed by UN-Habitat, according to the United Nations travel rules and guidelines. Remuneration LICA 4 – BRL 47.868 (Total net amount) UNOPS Brazil Salary Scale The consultant will receive a total amount of BRL 47.868 according to the following schedule: • Payment 1 [30%]: Upon delivery and approval of Product 1 (BRL 14.360,40) • Payment 2 [15%]: Upon delivery and approval of Product 2 (BRL 7.180,20) • Payment 3 [30%]: Upon delivery and approval of Product 3 (BRL 14.360,40) • Payment 4 [15%]: Upon delivery and approval of Product 4 (BRL 7.180,20) • Payment 5 [10%]: Upon delivery and approval of Product 5 (BRL 4.786,80) 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.

THE 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.