Technical Project Assistant (CITinova II Project)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. This role supports the GEF-funded CITinova II Project, "Promoting integrated metropolitan planning and innovative urban technology investments in Brazil." UNEP implements this project in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). The Technical Project Assistant will be stationed at MCTI headquarters in Brasilia, working under the supervision of the UNEP Brazil Office Representative.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of the Technical Project Assistant is to provide essential aid in the execution of technical and administrative routines for the "Promoting integrated metropolitan planning and innovative urban technology investments in Brazil" (CITinova II) project. This GEF-funded initiative, implemented by UNEP in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), aims to foster sustainable urban development. The project focuses on integrated urban planning, low-carbon infrastructure, sustainable waste management, and nature-based solutions in three pilot metropolitan regions: Belém, Florianópolis, and Teresina. The role contributes significantly to the project's overall success by ensuring efficient coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of activities. This support is crucial for achieving the project's objectives of creating a new relationship between people and nature, and between economic growth and environmental sustainability, aligning with the broader UrbanShift program's goals for sustainable cities.

Responsibilities

The Technical Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the comprehensive lifecycle of the CITinova II project. This involves close collaboration with the Project Management Unit and the National Directorate across all phases, including project implementation, coordination, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation. A significant aspect of the role is to aid in the coordination of all planning and governance activities, ensuring smooth operational flow. The assistant will be responsible for contributing to the organization, accountability, and reporting of various project events, such as meetings, seminars, and workshops, and will manage official travel arrangements. Furthermore, the incumbent will participate actively in procurement processes and recruitment-related project activities. Key contributions include drafting, translating, and reviewing essential project documents and presentations, as well as systematically documenting lessons learned and best practices to inform future initiatives. The assistant will also organize and maintain all project information, encompassing terms of reference, deliverables, products, and comprehensive documentation through images, videos, and meeting reports. Additional duties involve aiding in the drafting and revision of technical products, documents, and reports, conducting research and developing technical content pertinent to the project, and supporting stakeholder engagement activities. The role also requires attending capacity building activities and contributing to communication operational tasks as needed, ensuring effective project execution.

Work Experience

Two years of professional experience in project management or project assistance is required, preferably in integrated urban planning, urban public policies, climate, biodiversity, or territorial management. Desirable experience includes working or training in urban sustainability, climate change, or biodiversity conservation, supporting project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, working with national governments or international organizations, and experience with gender issues in Brazilian cities.

Skills

Required skills include fluency in Portuguese and English. Key competencies encompass: Professionalism: Ability to identify and resolve issues, apply judgment, plan work, manage priorities, demonstrate mastery, meet commitments, and remain calm under pressure. Teamwork: Collaborative work, valuing others' input, learning from colleagues, supporting group decisions, and sharing credit. Planning and Organizing: Developing clear goals, identifying priorities, allocating resources, foreseeing risks, monitoring plans, and using time efficiently.

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