Consultant for Government Preparedness and Response to the Potential Impacts of El Niño in the State of Rio de Janeiro

The incumbent will work in close collaboration with programme, operations and project teams to support the achievement of project objectives and organizational priorities.

Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil

Two (2) months

Background The main mandate of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. Within this framework, UN-Habitat supports central and state governments, as well as local authorities and other partners for the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, more inclusive, compact, integrated, resilient and connected places with better opportunities where everyone can live with dignity. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development. The Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean – ROLAC – is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Agency puts emphasis on developing and managing activities in the host country. Indeed, for the past years, UN-Habitat has expanded its portfolio in Brazil by working with the three tiers of government to support the formulation and implementation of more effective, sustainable, participative, and socially fairer urban economic, social, and environmental policies. In this context, “Inclusive and Sustainable Rio” is a project between UN-Habitat and the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Governo do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - GERJ), through the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) which aims to strengthen urban resilience in the State of Rio de Janeiro, based on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the principles of the New Urban Agenda. El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with the abnormal warming of surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which can alter rainfall patterns and temperatures across Brazil. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, its potential impacts include higher temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and an increased risk of drought and water scarcity, particularly during periods of reduced rainfall. At the same time, El Niño can influence atmospheric circulation and contribute to episodes of intense rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding, especially in densely populated areas and informal settlements. These impacts may affect public health, water and energy security, agriculture, biodiversity, and infrastructure. The severity and location of these effects depend on the intensity and timing of the phenomenon, regional climate conditions, and interactions with other climate drivers; therefore, climate monitoring, early warning systems, and integrated disaster risk management are essential. To properly implement the above-mentioned project, a Consultant for Government Preparedness and Response to the Potential Impacts of El Niño in the State of Rio de Janeiro is required. Report to UN-Habitat Manager The Consultant for Government Preparedness and Response to the Potential Impacts of El Niño in the State of Rio de Janeiro reports to the Head of Brazil Office, who will evaluate him/her. Responsibilities The Consultant for Government Preparedness and Response to the Potential Impacts of El Niño in the State of Rio de Janeiro will support the implementation of the project, and its activities, with the following responsibilities: a) Review and assess the existing State Contingency Plan, including its proposed measures, response arrangements, institutional responsibilities and operational protocols, verifying their current status and level of implementation. b) Assess the actual availability and readiness of the resources and arrangements required to implement the existing Contingency Plan, including contracts, procurement processes, personnel assignments, equipment, financial resources, institutional agreements and technical capacities. c) Identify gaps between the measures envisaged in the Contingency Plan and the actual institutional, operational and logistical capacity available to ensure an effective response, highlighting pending arrangements, bottlenecks and actions requiring immediate attention. d) Identify and assess the roles and responsibilities of relevant state government agencies, municipalities and institutional partners, including the institutional arrangements required for implementation, interinstitutional engagement, monitoring and communication, as well as opportunities for cooperation with federal agencies, universities, utility providers and civil society organizations. e) Develop a prioritized and actionable roadmap for preparedness and response measures, distinguishing immediate, short-term and structural actions, and identifying measures that can be implemented through existing resources and institutional arrangements, as well as additional requirements in terms of personnel, equipment, financing and technical assistance. f) Prepare an action matrix specifying the risks addressed, proposed measures, responsible agencies, implementation timelines, priority levels, required resources and monitoring indicators, identifying low-cost, high-impact actions that can be initiated immediately. g) Identify institutional capacity gaps and recommend practical adjustments and complementary measures to strengthen government preparedness and response capacities, avoiding duplication of existing initiatives and prioritizing the operationalization of arrangements already envisaged but not yet in place. h) Attend meetings and conferences promoted by UN-Habitat and the project’s partners as requested. i) Have compliance with UN-Habitat quality standards and project requirements, ensuring consistency with institutional guidelines, methodologies and expected outcomes. j) Develop reports following ABNT guidelines, ensuring alignment with UN-Habitat’s quality standards and project requirements. k) Ensure the adoption of ethical principles in the course of the consultancy, particularly regarding active listening, respect for diversity and the promotion of safe, inclusive and participatory learning environment. l) Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor, consistent with the functions of the position. The consultant will be responsible for completing all courses and training activities that are indicated to him/her by his/her supervisor. The security course BSAFE, from UNDSS, is required to be accredited during the first month of employment. The consultant will be responsible for his/her own security, so the person should get familiarized with United Nations security mechanisms and comply with them according to the Framework of Accountability for the United Nations Security Management System. Outputs/Work Assignment The objective of the deliverable below is to Identify and propose practical measures to prepare the State Government for the potential impacts of El Niño, taking into account existing instruments, the mandates of state agencies, municipal actions, and institutional coordination. The consultant shall assist the implementation of the project, according to the stated responsibilities and the delivery of the following products: Product 1 — Review of the Existing Contingency Plan and Preparedness Arrangements Description: Define institutional responsibilities and establish a prioritized, actionable roadmap for preparedness and response measures, including implementation timelines, resource requirements, monitoring indicators, and institutional capacity gaps. Expected delivery date: 20 days after signing the contract. Product 1 must contain:

• Review the existing State Contingency Plan and verify which measures and response arrangements are already established, operational, contracted, funded, or otherwise secured.
• Identify which actions are already being implemented, which are planned but not yet operational, and which have not yet been addressed.
• Verify the status of existing contracts, procurement arrangements, personnel assignments, equipment availability, financial resources, institutional agreements, and operational protocols required to implement the planned measures.
• Identify gaps between the measures envisaged in the Contingency Plan and the actual institutional, operational, and logistical capacity available to ensure an effective response.
• Identify pending arrangements, bottlenecks, and actions requiring immediate attention to ensure that the existing plan can be effectively activated.
• Recommend adjustments and complementary measures, avoiding duplication of existing initiatives and prioritizing the implementation of arrangements already envisaged but not yet in place. Product 2 — Institutional Arrangements and Prioritized Action Plan Description: Define institutional responsibilities and establish a prioritized, actionable roadmap for preparedness and response measures, including implementation timelines, resource requirements, monitoring indicators, and institutional capacity gaps. Expected delivery date: 40 days after signing the contract. Product 2 must contain:
• Identify immediate, short-term, and structural measures.
• Identify actions that can be implemented using existing resources and institutional arrangements.
• Assess additional needs in terms of personnel, equipment, financing, and technical assistance if possible.
• Identify low-cost, high-impact actions that can be initiated immediately.
• Action matrix specifying the risk, proposed measure, responsible agency, implementation timeline, priority level, required resources, and monitoring indicator.
• Institutional capacity gaps that could undermine an effective response.

Education Required:

• Post-Graduation courses (Lato Sensu or Stricto Sensu) in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geology, Meteorology, Hydrology, Public Administration, Political Science, Urban and Regional Planning, or related fields is required, or additional 5 years of relevant technical experience to the post, beyond the requirement. Work experience
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in climate risk management, disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, contingency planning, environmental management, or public policy implementation.
• Previous experience working with state or municipal governments in Brazil, particularly in the areas of civil defense, climate resilience, environmental management, or disaster risk reduction is required.
• Familiarity with the institutional responsibilities of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro and its relevant agencies is desirable.
• Experience using official meteorological, hydrological, and disaster risk information to inform preparedness and response measures is required.
• Experience working with civil defense authorities, emergency management institutions, or public utility providers is desirable.
• Previous experience within the UN System is desirable. Skills
• Good knowledge of climate risk assessment and preparedness planning is required.
• Demonstrated experience in contingency planning and risk management is desirable.
• Good knowledge of action planning, prioritization, and implementation of practical measures is desirable.
• Good understanding of institutional arrangements and public policy implementation is required.
• Strong technical writing skills, including the preparation of technical reports and action plans, are required.
• Good computer skills in Windows and Office packages and Web search engines are required.
• Good handling of technological tools and use of software and online platforms is required.
• Good knowledge of project management methodologies is desirable. Competencies
• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of financial management principles and practices; applies sound judgment; shows persistence in meeting commitments and achieving results; demonstrates integrity and accountability.
• Planning and organization: Develops clear goals and priorities; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work and meeting deadlines.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others and responds appropriately; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping stakeholders informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues and partners to achieve organizational goals; values diversity; contributes to an inclusive and respectful work environment. Knowledge Management
• Contribute to the documentation, organization and dissemination of relevant technical knowledge and lessons learned related to the assignment.
• Support the preparation of tools, templates and reference materials that facilitate that effective project implementation.
• Ensure information, records and documentation produced under the assignment are properly organized and made available to authorized personnel.
• Promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration among project teams while ensuring compliance with applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Travel details: Applicable The incumbent may be required to undertake official travel within Brazil, subject to project requirements and prior authorization of Head of Brazil Office. All official travel will be undertaken in accordance with applicable United Nations travel policies and procedures. Remuneration Remuneration is determined in accordance with the applicable UNOPS Local ICA or UNDP’s salary scale and the level established through the official classification process. The consultant will receive a total amount of BRL 30.778,16 according to the following schedule:

• Payment 1 [50%]: Upon delivery and approval of Product 1 (BRL 15.389,08)
• Payment 2 [50%]: Upon delivery and approval of Product 2 (BRL 15.389,08) Notes Appointment against this post is on local basis and only nationals from Brazil or external candidates who hold a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. The extension of this contract is subject to availability of funds and/or performance. Any contract extension is not automatic. It is required for all the curricular information to be inserted in the system, which may take a few hours. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Due to the volume of applications received, receipt of applications cannot be acknowledged individually. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Applications should be submitted through INSPIRA and must include all documents required at the system, please be ready to include the following information at the “Candidate Profile” (CP) at Inspira:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• Educational Background (incl. dates)
• Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
• Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
• Languages (proficiency level in all languages, including mother tongue)
• Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)* * Please note that Internships and part-time work count as 50%. In addition to it, note experience not relevant to the position will not be considered. All applications should be submitted to: Inspira UN-HABITAT does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning people or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unon.org.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.