Early Childhood Urban Design Consultant

About the role

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN‑Habitat) is seeking an Early Childhood Urban Design Consultant to support a project improving public spaces for children and caregivers in São Paulo and Curitiba. The consultant will work remotely with occasional in‑person activities, collaborating closely with UN‑Habitat’s operational and technical teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and apply participatory design tools that incorporate the perspectives of children (0‑6 years) and their caregivers.
• Support the design and scaling of child‑friendly public‑space policies at the urban level.
• Produce design recommendations, guidelines, and documentation for implementation.
• Coordinate with the FEMSA Foundation, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Provide regular progress reports and ensure timely delivery of deliverables over the 11‑month contract.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field.
• Proven experience in designing inclusive public spaces, preferably with a focus on early childhood environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural, multi‑stakeholder settings.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with fluency in English; Portuguese is an advantage.

Required skills

• Knowledge of participatory design methodologies.
• Familiarity with child‑friendly urban design standards and guidelines.
• Experience in producing design documentation and policy briefs.