Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Specialist - Environmental Management/ Part-time

Sanaa

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Sanaa
Grade: LICA 10
Occupational Groups:
- Public Health and Health Service
- Environment
- Security and Safety
- Natural Resource Management
Closing Date: 2025-12-14

General Information

Position Title

Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Specialist - Environmental Management/ Part-time

Job Category

Health, Safety, Social and Environmental

Duty Station(s)

Sana'a

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular

Contract Level

LICA 10

Posting Start Date

07-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

14-Dec-2025

Duration

Part-time till end of March 2026

Job Highlight

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-impact project aimed at improving rural access and livelihoods in Yemen. The role provides exposure to complex environmental and social challenges in a fragile state, offering professional growth in safeguard management, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building within the UN system

About the Region

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

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

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.

About the Project Office

The UNOPS Yemen Country Office supports partners in restoring essential infrastructure and public services amid a protracted, multifaceted crisis.. Operating since 2013, the office delivers integraged interventions in urban services, energy access, health, water and sanitation, transport, and solid waste management sectors.The office also facilitates operational support for UN partners. With strong coordination across the different stakeholders, UNOPS Yemen supports the strengthening of local capacities and contributes to peacebuilding, recovery, and sustainable developmemt efforts.

Job Specific Context

Environmental Management position is crucial for the Yemen Projects. This role ensures that all projects’ activities comply with World Bank safeguard frameworks and UNOPS requirements, focusing on environmental and social risk management in a challenging conflict context. The specialist will provide technical support, monitor implementation, and build capacity among local partners to promote sustainable and climate-resilient practices.

Role Purpose

Environmental Management independently manages environmental and social safeguard aspects of the Yemen Emergency Electricity Access Project - Phase II (YEEAP II) , adapting existing policies to meet emerging needs and ensuring compliance with international standards and project objectives. This role involves providing authoritative advice, supervising support staff, and solving complex problems related to environmental and social impacts.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Analytical and Technical support

Undertake an environmental and social risk categorization of proposals submitted to the project under implementation.

Ensure that appropriate environmental and social mitigation measures are proposed and met.

Develop, update and report on the implementation and progress of the Environmental and Social Framework *ESF) adopted by the World Bank, including but not limited to, the Project Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Labor Management Plan (LMP), Gender GBV Action Plan (GAP), Security Management Plan (SMP), and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).

Develop, report and undertake follow up monitoring to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs).

Closely follow up the integration of safeguard assessment information and completion of safeguards self-screening Checklist during the project development process.

Prepare Environmental and Social Management Plans based on the project Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and ESCP and ensure that such plans are cleared by the World Bank team before implementation.

Lead on developing and delivering a series of spot checks to ensure safeguards policies are properly implemented at grassroots level in line with the Project safeguard framework and plans.

Prepare reports on the safeguard risks with appropriate actions to be taken for all project activities and ensure that timely actions are taken.

Provide technical support during Project Design, Appraisal process and resource mobilization plan for new projects.

Provide substantive advice on safeguard issues in order to promote enhanced investment on building a climate resilient green economy.

Closely provide assistance and deliver capacity building trainings to local implementing partners and contractors/suppliers to close knowledge/skill gaps and minimize the likelihood of risks to happen to during project implementation.

Compile quarterly, biannual and annual reports on safeguards related issues and deliver to the Project Manager as part of the M&E report.

Handle additional assignments as directed by the Project Manager.

2. Operations, Management and Implementation

Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the development and implementation of the project’s safeguard plans and implementation at all levels.

In collaboration with the project team, make sure that the terms and conditions set for project development in line with safeguard principles are adhered to.

Advice on administrative measures and actions required for ensuring the compliance with requirements set regarding environmental and social safeguard measures prior to the validation and implementation of the project activities.

Analyze environmental and social developments and provide technical and substantive support in setting targets for the realization of the goal of building a climate resilient green economy.

Prepare quarterly and annual reports to be submitted to the Project Manager on the implementation and progress of all safeguard plans with a special view to capturing lessons learned and best practices for improving the performance of the project and maintaining safeguard standards.

Undertake quarterly monitoring and evaluation of project activities against standards of the safeguard guideline.

3. Capacity Building

Provide support and direct technical assistance to develop environment and social safeguard responsive climate smart strategies and plans.

Provide technical support to the project and result based monitoring and evaluation.

Carry out training on integrating safeguard principles in climate change programme.

Perform other related duties as required and advised by the Project Manager.

Skills

Capacity Building, Environmental Impact Assessment, Report Writing, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Training Delivery

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Resource/Environmental Economics, Natural Resources Management or relevant scientific discipline with 5 years of relevant experience
Bachelor´s Degree in Environmental Science, Resource/Environmental Economics, Natural Resources Management or relevant scientific discipline with 7 years of relevant experience

Desired

Certification in Environmental Management Systems (e.g, ISO 14001)

Experience Requirements

Required

5 years of progressive relevant operational experience and proven track record in working on projects covering a broad range of humanitarian and development issues
Experience working with The World Bank funded project with similar work experience

Desired

Previous experience with UN/ international organizations

Language Requirements

Language	Proficiency Level	Requirement
English	Fluent	Required
Arabic	Fluent	Required

Additional Information

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.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
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.

Terms and Conditions

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.
For more details about the contract types, please click here.
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.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Apply