Field Agent
Organizational Context
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable urban development and adequate housing for all. The 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 disaster risk reduction and youth engagement.
Job Purpose
The Field Agent will support the "Inclusive and Sustainable Rio" project by mobilizing and raising public awareness about urban and climate resilience. This involves community engagement, disaster risk reduction awareness, and promoting sustainable urban development principles aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. The role contributes to strengthening urban resilience in Rio de Janeiro State by fostering a culture of sustainability and engaging local youth in disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. The Field Agent will work collaboratively with UN-Habitat's operational and technical teams, reporting to the Head of the Brazil Office, and will be instrumental in implementing project activities at the community level.
Responsibilities
The Field Agent will actively participate in field operations, performing specific roles in areas such as communications, reception, and geological risk monitoring. Key duties include guiding communities 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, handling shelter operations, and working closely with the Technical Manager and team members. The Field Agent will report difficulties and results to the Local Manager, engage directly with the local community to provide support and information, and promote awareness of risks and safe practices. Responsibilities also include assisting with operational materials and equipment, ensuring safety guidelines are followed, identifying and mitigating risky situations, collecting field data, and contributing to report preparation. The role involves sharing operational feedback, evaluating field action execution, managing conflicts, and adapting strategies to specific territorial needs or unforeseen circumstances.
Work Experience
Experience in social mobilization activities is required. Experience in social work within slums and urban communities is also necessary. Community organization experience in emergency contexts and/or disaster prevention is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and organization, Communication, Teamwork, Knowledge Management, Experience in inter-institutional environments, project management, monitoring-evaluation, good urban governance, local and regional development, strong sense of responsibility, ability to manage workload efficiently, ability to write clearly and effectively, ability to listen and interpret messages, openness in information sharing, solid abstract reasoning, ability to work in multicultural environments, sensitivity to vulnerability, willingness to work in difficult environments, knowledge of UN-Habitat processes and procedures, database preparation, information sharing, and fluency in Portuguese.