Early Childhood Participatory Processes Consultant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable urban development and policies for adequate housing. Its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) in Rio de Janeiro supports governments and partners in implementing urban agendas. UN-Habitat Brazil focuses on effective, sustainable, and inclusive urban policies, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including children in precarious urban conditions.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to improve public spaces for children (0-6 years) and their caregivers in São Paulo and Curitiba, Brazil, through participatory design. The role involves developing and implementing innovative tools to integrate children's perspectives into urban design, fostering their social, emotional, and behavioral development. The consultant will contribute to scaling up child-friendly public space policies, ensuring these spaces are accessible, safe, and inclusive, ultimately promoting the well-being and development of children and caregivers across Latin American cities. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with UN-Habitat's operational and technical teams, with a focus on gender-responsive and early childhood-sensitive approaches.

Responsibilities

The consultant will develop and execute a Technical Work Plan aligned with project timelines. Responsibilities include participating in meetings, workshops, and missions; preparing periodic progress reports and supporting materials; maintaining communication with the UN-Habitat technical team; and ensuring all documents adhere to Brazilian technical standards (ABNT). The role involves developing project documents and workshops using the 'Espacios Públicos Desde La Primera Infancia' methodology, ensuring technical quality and consistency with UN-Habitat standards. Coordination of methodological and logistical preparations for activities, including research and stakeholder consultations, is key. The consultant will manage project documentation, present interim outputs, and participate in in-person activities like seminars and workshops. Incorporating feedback and ensuring timely delivery of all agreed-upon outputs and deliverables are critical aspects of this role.

Work Experience

A minimum of four (4) years of experience in urban development, public spaces planning, and urban design within Brazil is required. Experience in designing and implementing projects related to public space, urban planning, or early childhood development is necessary. Experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, managing timelines, and delivering outputs under pressure is also required. Experience with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder coordination is essential.

Skills

Strong presentation and communication skills. Organization and time management abilities. Capacity to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Proficiency in preparing high-quality technical reports and documentation. Ability to coordinate teams and manage multiple stakeholders. Understanding of gender-responsive and inclusive approaches. Knowledge of data analysis, territorial planning, or GIS is desirable.

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