Technical Specialist – Environmental (Air Quality Control Expert) (Retainer)

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), headquartered in Bangkok, supports UNOPS operations across 24 countries in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific. Established in January 2023, EAPMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, and quality assurance to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of projects across its portfolio. EAPMCO implements initiatives in priority areas such as energy transition, climate change, and sustainable development, drawing on UNOPS' core expertise in human resources, procurement, infrastructure, fund management, and programme management.

UNOPS established its presence in Indonesia in 2005 following the Indian Ocean tsunami and has since invested over $200 million in projects across the country. Its work spans infrastructure development, fund management, procurement, and capacity building, addressing priority areas such as climate resilience, environmental protection, energy transition, health, education, and post-disaster recovery. UNOPS plays a key role in supporting post-COVID-19 economic recovery, including through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and provides advisory and technical assistance to other UN agencies. Projects in Indonesia contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as climate action, life on land and below water, responsible consumption, clean energy, infrastructure and innovation, health and well-being, and partnerships for sustainable development.

The UNEP Timor Leste

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

This consultancy is managed by UNEP’s Climate Early Warning and Capacity Building Unit in the   Climate Change Division. The Climate Early Warning and Capacity Building Unit is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information, and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment. In response to requests from the Member States, the Climate Early Warning and Capacity Building Unit builds country capacities in the collection, management, and use of environmental and climate data, information, and knowledge for early warning, planning, policymaking, preparedness, and response actions.

UNEP’s Global Environment Monitoring System for Air (GEMS Air) supports countries to provide quality assured data to keep the state of the world’s air quality under continuous review; develops capacity of member states; provides information and services across the science-policy-public interface; and fosters transformation by leveraging the collective knowledge of a global network of partners.

The Technical Specialist – Environmental will report to the UNEP Chief Technical Advisor in the Project Management Unit in Dili and be supported by the UNOPS Project Manager for administration matters. 

Programme Information

Technical Specialist – Environmental is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of activities to ensure implementation of sub-activity 2.3.2 “Establishment of an air quality monitoring framework for Timor-Leste” of the GCF funded project titled “Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro meteorological hazards in Timor Leste” (see full project document).

This sub-activity aims to establish a national air quality monitoring framework and enhance the capacity for climate data collection and analysis. The project aims to establish a hybrid ambient air quality monitoring system in Timor Leste, consisting of low-cost sensors for fine particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10), NO2 diffusion tubes, and reference grade particle counters, overlaid with MAIAC/Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 satellite data. The combined use of surface-based and satellite observations will facilitate the collection of high-resolution spatiotemporal air pollution data, providing a robust baseline of gaseous and particulate pollutants for the capital Dili and the nation. The project involves the development of a national air quality monitoring framework, technical training, and capacity building initiatives.

The project also involves development of a mobile application for health-related forecasts and advisories. This application will leverage hyperlocal air pollution data to generate real-time forecasts, warning alerts, and tailored health impact advisories. By integrating advanced data analytics with user-friendly mobile technology, the app will empower individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions that mitigate exposure risks. This initiative will be complemented by local stakeholder engagement workshops aimed at raising awareness about air pollution sources, associated health risks, and sustainable mitigation strategies. Through community-driven advocacy and enhanced accessibility to environmental data, this mobile platform will serve as a critical tool in fostering public health resilience and promoting ecosystem sustainability. 

1. Operations management

2. Project planning and coordination support

3. Procurement and logistics

4. Human Resources Management

5. Administration and Information Technology

6. Knowledge Management

1. Operations management

• Facilitate the finalisation and adoption of a national framework for air quality monitoring in Timor-Leste, integrating clear protocols for data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Provide support in the development of an air quality standard decree law for Timor Leste. 
• Oversee the deployment and operation of a hybrid ambient air quality monitoring network, combining low-cost sensors and reference-grade particle counters (including low-cost sensors for fine particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10) and nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes at multiple sites across Timor Leste.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of air quality monitoring equipment, including development of SoP/manual for operation and maintenance of the AQM sensors and the Air Quality Monitoring Application, ensuring community ownership for the installed air quality sensors
• Implement innovative deployment of technological resources combining meteorological data and MAIAC/Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 satellite data overlaid on quality sensor data to enhance accuracy of air pollution early warning. 
• Oversee design, development and deployment of an accessible real-time air quality public notification and alert system for proactive public actions, the Air Quality Mobile Application integrated with data from the hybrid air quality monitoring network. 
• Facilitate the integration of sensor-generated data from Timor Leste into UNEP’s Open Data Management System, in coordination with UNEP GEMS Air, and other existing open data sharing platforms.
• Integrate use of open-source environmental monitoring solutions into the air quality framework to enhance the closing of data-action gaps by matching pollutants to upstream causes and sources so they can be forestalled.
• Monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of operational support services to ensure seamless delivery of project outcomes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  
  
  

2. Project planning and coordination support

• Facilitate definition and agreement of institutional roles and responsibilities (including ownership and operation and maintenance of the network, data sharing) amongst government departments related to air quality monitoring, such as the National Directorate of Pollution Control (Ministry of Tourism and Environment), National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics (Ministry of Tourism and Environment) and Department of Environmental health (Ministry of Health). 
• Coordinate and manage engagement of partners for optimal delivery of technical outputs, including Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES), which is developing the Air Quality Mobile Application. 
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement workshops with the members of the Climate and Health Working Group and other relevant actors, to align multi-stakeholder efforts with project objectives and timelines and to enhance awareness of air pollution, related health risks and actions to reduce impacts on health and well-being.
• Establish targets and timelines for implementing technical training programs and system deployment, ensuring timely achievement of project deliverables.

3. Procurement and logistics

• Manage logistics for stakeholder engagement workshops and technical training sessions, ensuring smooth delivery of all project components.
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS procurement standards for sourcing equipment and services.
  
  
  

4. Human Resources Development 

• Develop and deliver in-country technical training programs to build the capacity of local stakeholders in air quality monitoring, data management and quality assurance, during installation and post-installation, ensuring they are equipped to manage the air quality monitoring network effectively and implement the air quality monitoring framework. 
• Deliver capacity-building for the National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics and the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders, on use of the Air Quality Mobile Application and managing and maintaining the air quality forecasting system. 
• Delivery capacity building for National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics and other government stakeholders on how to overlay MAIAC/Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 satellite data and other meteorological data on data from low-cost sensors to generate air quality forecasts, warning alerts and health impact advisories and advocacy.
• Deliver stakeholder engagement workshops to enhance awareness of air pollution, related health risks and actions to reduce impacts on health and well-being.
• Provide supervision and guidance to project staff, including a Local Technician, involved in installation of the air quality monitoring network and undertaking data analysis.
  
  

5. Administration and Information Technology (ICT) 

• Implement a centralized system for managing air quality data, integrated to the Climate Data Information System (CDIS), ensuring data integrity and accessibility for reporting purposes.
• Put in place processes for the flow and sharing of air quality monitoring data from the low-cost sensors, to the CDIS, to the Air Quality Monitoring Application. 
• Facilitate the integration of sensor-generated data from Timor Leste into UNEP’s Open Data Management System, in coordination with UNEP GEMS Air, and other existing open data sharing platforms.
• Facilitate the use of ICT tools to enhance the efficiency and reliability of data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.
  
  
  

6. Knowledge Management

• Establish a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in air quality management, encouraging collaboration among stakeholders, to enhance capacity of local stakeholders in managing and interpreting air quality data. 
• Produce detailed reports on the framework's implementation, including insights on air pollution levels and health risk mitigation strategies.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, environmental engineering, meteorology, atmospheric science, electrical engineering or a related field with 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the above mentioned fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required.

Required

• Relevant experience is work in operations management, preferably in a large international organization, with a focus on Environment projects in developing countries. 

• Experience in hands-on management of complex projects related to air quality monitoring is required.

Desired

• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and managing air quality monitoring frameworks, including the deployment and integration of low-cost sensors, reference-grade equipment, and data reporting systems.

• Demonstrated experience of combining satellite observations and meteorological data with air quality sensor data to enhance accuracy of air pollution early warning systems. 

• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly in fostering collaboration with government bodies, local authorities, and international partners to address environmental health risks such as air pollution.

• Experience in capacity building, including technical training programs for local stakeholders on air quality monitoring, data analysis, and reporting.

• Experience of developing environmental laws is desirable. 

• Experience working in the UN system, especially in the context of project management and implementation for environmental monitoring and capacity building, is desirable.

• Being based in, and experience of working in, Timor Leste or the neighboring region, is desirable. 

• 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.

• 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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• 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.