There is a partciular shortage of engineers with expertise in project management, he admitted. 

"Today we have 181 employees involved in organising the event, when the forecast was that we should have 274 by this time," said Gryner.

At its peak, Rio 2016 is expected to employ more than 4,000 people.

At the same time organisers of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil are also looking to recruit high-calibre staff.

"As the Brazilian economy is heated, there is talent shortage in the market," said Gryner.

"But employees who are hired are compensated by a salary greater than originally anticipated."

Gryner expects that there to be plenty of interest among foreign workers who want to work on Rio 2016.

"Traditionally, 20 to 25 per cent of the workforce employed in each edition of the Olympics is foreign," said Gryner.

"In Rio, we can expect that figure to raise to 30 per cent due to lack of manpower.

"Our salaries are competitive abroad because we are paying the dollar, an amount consistent with the international market

It is estimated that by the end of 2016 the Brazilian economy will need an extra 20,000 construction workers to keep up with demand. 

To help fill the gap, the Referral Service construction of the Center for Industrial Learning (SENAI) is planned to open next year, two shools offering vocational training for the construction industry.

From late 2012, it is expected to train 6,000 professionals each year.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]