Senior Urban Solid Waste Management Consultant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable urban development and adequate housing for all. Its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) in Rio de Janeiro supports governments and partners in implementing global agendas. This role supports a project strengthening urban resilience in Rio de Janeiro State through civil society engagement and climate action.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to strengthen urban resilience in Rio de Janeiro State by supporting the revision of the State Solid Waste Plan (PERS-RJ). The Senior Urban Solid Waste Management Consultant will contribute to the analysis, systematization, and qualification of urban solid waste management systems and urban cleaning services. The role involves developing a technical work plan, conducting diagnostic analyses, identifying environmental liabilities, and providing technical support to participatory processes. The consultant will work collaboratively with UN-Habitat teams and other stakeholders to ensure the plan aligns with national guidelines and international sustainable development agendas, ultimately contributing to more effective, sustainable, and socially fairer urban policies.

Responsibilities

The Senior Urban Solid Waste Management Consultant will develop and implement a Technical Work Plan for the consultancy, aligned with the project timeline. Responsibilities include contributing to the Technical Diagnostic of the PERS-RJ, analyzing urban solid waste systems (generation, collection, transport, treatment, disposal), and identifying environmental liabilities and service gaps. The consultant will produce technical inputs on the sustainability of waste management systems, provide technical support to social participation processes, and ensure integrated work with other project streams. Key duties also involve developing strategic diagnostic analyses on the interface between urban solid waste and marine litter, and reverse logistics. The role requires participation in technical activities, liaison with data analysis teams, ensuring technical quality, maintaining organized files, and presenting results to project coordination.

Work Experience

A minimum of eight years of professional experience in municipal solid waste management, urban cleaning system diagnosis, sectoral planning, or related technical consultancies in Brazil is required. Proven experience in preparing or reviewing waste management plans or territorial diagnostics is essential. Experience in institutional coordination and supporting participatory processes is also required. Desirable experience includes work with international organizations, UN agencies, or international cooperation projects, as well as publications in the field.

Skills

Strong analytical and technical writing skills are required. Essential competencies include organization, time management, and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Familiarity with databases, territorial evidence, and GIS/georeferenced inputs is desirable. Professionalism, planning and organization, effective communication, and teamwork skills are also important.

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