Programme Assistant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable development and adequate housing, supporting governments and partners in implementing global urban agendas. It transforms cities for the urban poor. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This role, reporting to the Head of Brazil Office, supports the "Periferia Viva Maré Project" in Rio, where UN-Habitat acts as a Technical Assistance partner.

Job Purpose

The Programme Assistant's primary purpose is to facilitate the effective implementation of the "Periferia Viva Maré Project" in Rio de Janeiro. This critical initiative, part of the Periferia Viva Program, aims to articulate public policies and strengthen community-based efforts in peripheral territories. The project seeks to significantly improve living conditions, specifically targeting urban infrastructure, social facilities, community empowerment, innovation, technology, and expanding opportunities for residents. UN-Habitat, as the Technical Assistance partner, relies on this role to ensure seamless coordination, administrative support, and timely execution of project activities. This role is vital for advancing UN-Habitat's mandate to promote sustainable human settlements and adequate housing for all, directly supporting the transformation of cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, aligning with the Habitat Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsibilities

The Programme Assistant will provide comprehensive support for the "Periferia Viva Maré Project," focusing on administrative, logistical, and documentation tasks to ensure its smooth operation and successful delivery. Key responsibilities include offering administrative and logistical support for the planning, execution, and follow-up of all project activities, such as organizing meetings, missions, and events. The role involves assisting in the preparation, organization, and consolidation of technical reports, presentations, and essential documentation for both internal use and external partners, ensuring clarity and accuracy. The Assistant will also be crucial in supporting effective coordination and communication among various project stakeholders and involved counterparts, fostering collaborative relationships. Maintaining updated records and filing systems is a core duty, ensuring timely and accurate documentation of achieved results and facilitating knowledge management. Furthermore, the Programme Assistant will undertake other related tasks as required to ensure the project's effective implementation and monitoring, including completing mandatory training like the BSAFE security course and adhering to United Nations security management system guidelines. This role is pivotal for operational efficiency and project success, contributing directly to the project's objectives.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of experience is required in fields such as International Relations, Geography, Social Work, or Social Sciences, with a particular focus on research in favelas, community mobilization, and teamwork. Desirable experience includes work in the social area, supporting fieldwork, preferably within the public sector and in vulnerable communities. Previous experience working with the United Nations is also considered desirable.

Skills

Required skills include good computer proficiency in Windows, Office packages, and web search engines. Familiarity with online event and conference tools is desirable. Core competencies encompass professionalism, project management, and knowledge of urban governance. Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills are essential, including clear and effective writing for diverse audiences. Demonstrated teamwork, leadership, conflict management, and multicultural sensitivity are also required. Knowledge management skills, including understanding UN-Habitat processes, efficient file management, and data handling, are important. Fluency in Portuguese is required, and a working knowledge of English is desirable.

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