Field Agent

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 manages activities in Brazil. This role supports the "Inclusive and Sustainable Rio" project, aimed at strengthening urban resilience in Rio de Janeiro State through sustainable development goals and disaster risk reduction.

Job Purpose

The Field Agent will support the "Inclusive and Sustainable Rio" project by mobilizing and raising public awareness about urban and climate resilience, focusing on non-structural actions for disaster risk reduction. This role is crucial for implementing the project's objectives, which include strengthening urban resilience, promoting sustainable development, and engaging local youth in disaster prevention and mitigation policies. The Field Agent will work closely with UN-Habitat's operational and technical teams, contributing to the overall goal of transforming cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places. The position requires active participation in field operations, community engagement, and reporting on activities and challenges encountered during the six-month project duration.

Responsibilities

The Field Agent will actively participate in field operations, performing specific roles in areas such as communications, reception, and geological risk monitoring. Responsibilities include supporting community organization during emergency evacuations, providing basic first aid guidance, and facilitating communication during emergencies. The role involves monitoring warning signs and threats in risky areas to contribute to disaster prevention, supporting shelter operations, and working closely with the Local Manager and team members to complete assigned tasks efficiently. The Field Agent will report difficulties and results, engage directly with the local community to provide support and information, and promote awareness of risks and safe practices. Additional duties include assisting in organizing operational resources, ensuring equipment preservation, following safety guidelines, identifying and mitigating risky situations, and contributing to data collection and report preparation.

Work Experience

Experience in social mobilization activities is required. Experience in social work within slums and urban communities is also necessary. Desirable experience includes community organization in emergency contexts and/or disaster prevention. The role requires working in an inter-institutional environment and potentially in difficult field conditions.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning and Organization, Communication (clear and effective writing, active listening, information sharing), Teamwork, Leadership, Conflict Management, Consensus Facilitation, Inter-cultural Sensitivity, Knowledge Management (UN-Habitat processes, procedures, norms), Database Management, Portuguese Fluency.

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