Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Specialist - Environmental Management

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 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.

The Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer (ESSO) will play a critical role in ensuring that UNOPS projects in Yemen adhere to the highest environmental and social standards, particularly those set by the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and UNOPS's own HSSE policies. This position is essential for mitigating risks associated with infrastructure rehabilitation and restoration activities in a fragile, conflict-affected environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities and the sustainability of project outcomes

Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer (ESSO) is responsible for managing and overseeing the implementation and monitoring of all environmental and social (E&S) safeguards, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements, and relevant social standards in line with the World Bank ESF/ESSs, the Project ESMF, and UNOPS procedures. The ESSO will ensure that projects meet the requirements of the ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) of the World Bank, as well as the Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSG) of the World Bank Group. The ESSO will also facilitate compliance with the UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) system, including UNOPS’ Policy on HSSE management, as well as the guidelines, templates and procedures developed under this system for occupational health and safety, environment and social

• An advanced university degree is required, preferably in health and safety management, natural science, engineering, Environmental Science/ Environmental Economics, Natural Resources Management or relevant scientific disciplines is required. 

• Bachelor's degree in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience (7 in total) can be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, social development, or E&S safeguards, preferably in infrastructure or humanitarian/emergency contexts, is required.

• Experience in HSSE risk assessments, inspections, incident investigation and/or training facilitation is required.

Desired

• Direct, proven experience working on World Bank-funded projects and a strong understanding of the ESF and ESSs, and experience in FCV settings (Yemen or similar context) is highly desirable.

• 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

• High proficiency with software/ platforms related to the position’s field of expertise is highly desired

• Experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides 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. 
• 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. 
• 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.