Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Senior Analyst - Analysis and Reporting

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

Established in 2004, the UNOPS Amman Multi-Country Office (MCO) provides strategic and operational support to partners across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Gulf countries. The MCO delivers solutions that address development, peace, and humanitarian challenges through infrastructure, procurement, project management, and human resources services. Working in close collaboration with national governments, UN agencies, and donors, the office supports efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Its portfolio includes large-scale operations focused on improving essential services, strengthening national systems, and enhancing resilience in complex and fragile settings.

The Project’s overall objective is to contribute to the revitalization of agriculture while building resilience to climate change in the Southern Governorates in Iraq.

The Project has the three following specific objectives:

Water Management - Increase water availability and irrigation efficiency to sustain water supply for agricultural production in the selected governorates

Climate Change - Mitigate the impact of climate change namely the reduction in precipitation and increasing water scarcity by supporting irrigated agricultural production

Agriculture - Enhance the profitability of the supported small farms/agri-businesses in order to contribute to the improvement of the income of the rural vulnerable farmers

UNOPS will be responsible for the design and rehabilitation works of the irrigation infrastructure schemes such as the lining of dried up water canals, supply and layout of closed irrigation systems and rehabilitation of pumping stations.

The project team is planned to be around 5 personnel and the budget is planned to be around $12 million dollars. 

This position operates within a dynamic project environment focused on revitalizing agriculture and building climate resilience in Southern Iraq. The role is crucial for ensuring the health, safety, social, and environmental aspects of the project are managed effectively, contributing to the well-being of workers and the sustainability of the project's impact. Regular travel to project sites in Muthanna, Qadisiya, Missan, and Thi Qar is required to monitor and support HSSE implementation.

The Health Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) Analyst will report directly to the Project Manager  and will ensure full coordination with the Regional Infrastructure Advisor, the Hub HSSE  Specialist, Lead Civil Engineer , Programme team and Projects’ teams members.  Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the main duties of the HSSE Analyst are to facilitate compliance with UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) systems, Social and Environmental Safeguards Framework, IFAD SECAP guidelines and AF procedures and monitor the implementation of ESMPs to mitigate risks which are a consequence of the project. The incumbent needs to foster a health and safety culture in accordance with UNOPS health and safety management systems throughout all phases of the project. The incumbent will need to implement and monitor the grievance redress mechanism and ensure effective stakeholder consultation and engagement. Specifically, He/she will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Project implementation:

• Support the development and implementation of HSSE plans, policies, and procedures for the assigned project(s) in alignment with UNOPS and donor requirements.

• Conduct regular inspections and audits to assess compliance with HSSE standards and identify areas for improvement.

• Provide technical guidance and support to project staff and contractors on HSSE-related matters.

• Ensure effective implementation of risk management strategies to minimize occupational hazards and environmental impacts.

• Monitor and report on the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures to ensure adherence to the site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).

2. Technical Assistance:

• Provide technical assistance to project teams on HSSE aspects of project design, procurement, and construction activities.

• Conduct assessments and evaluations of contractors' HSSE performance and provide recommendations for improvement.

• Advise on the selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safety measures.

• Support the integration of HSSE considerations into project monitoring and evaluation activities.

3. Project monitoring and reporting:

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of HSSE measures on the project(s) and prepare regular reports on compliance, incidents, and corrective actions.

• Maintain records and documentation related to HSSE activities, including incident reports, safety statistics, and training records.

• Analyze data and trends to identify potential risks and areas for improvement.

• Contribute to the development of project progress reports and participate in project review meetings.

4. Stakeholder management, coordination, and liaison:

• Collaborate with project stakeholders, including government authorities, contractors, and local communities, to promote awareness and compliance with HSSE requirements.

• Coordinate with relevant authorities and agencies to ensure adherence to applicable HSSE regulations and standards.

• Participate in meetings, workshops, and training sessions to share HSSE knowledge.

• Receive, acknowledge, and log grievances and complaints on time in accordance with the GRM.

• Collaborate with the PM and the rest of the project team to identify and propose potential solutions or corrective actions to resolve grievances effectively.

5. Knowledge management and innovation:

• Develop training material and deliver trainings on OHS, Grievance Mechanism and other ES safeguarding matters. 

• Stay updated on emerging HSSE trends, technologies, and best practices, and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

• Share lessons learned, success stories, and innovative approaches related to HSSE with the project team and stakeholders.

• Contribute to the development of HSSE-related guidance documents, tools, and training materials.

6. Personnel management:

• Provide guidance and support to project staff and contractors on HSSE and Safeguards matters, including training and capacity building initiatives.

• Foster a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement within the project team.

• Promote teamwork, collaboration, and a positive work environment among project staff.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.
• Additional certifications or specialized training in HSSE management, risk assessment, incident investigation, or related areas are desirable

Required

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in HSSE management, preferably in the context of construction, infrastructure, or development projects in combination with a relevant advanced university degree is required.

• Demonstrated experience in implementing HSSE measures, conducting risk assessments, and developing HSSE plans and procedures is required

Desired

• Experience in providing technical assistance and guidance on HSSE issues to project teams and stakeholders is an asset.

• Knowledge of international HSSE standards, regulations, and best practices is preferred.

• Familiarity with environmental management systems and sustainable practices is preferred.

• Experience in monitoring and reporting on HSSE performance and incidents is an asset.

• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders at various levels, including government agencies, contractors, and local communities is desired..

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate HSSE concepts and promote a culture of safety is preferred.

• Experience in personnel management, including training and capacity building initiatives, is desirable.

• Proficiency in computers and Google Office Suite and other relevant software tools is desirable.

Professional Certifications:

• PRINCE2® Foundation is an asset; 

• PMP Certification is an asset

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
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• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
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• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.