General Information
Job Highlight
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
UNOPS has been active in Iraq since 2004, supporting national recovery and development efforts through infrastructure, procurement, and capacity-building services. UNOPS has implemented a wide range of projects aimed at improving living conditions, enhancing safety, and promoting resilience, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Our projects support in renewable energy, solid waste management, demining, and rehabilitation of war-damaged infrastructure. UNOPS projects in Iraq also support national systems by equipping institutions, delivering technical training, and empowering civil society organizations through targeted grants. Operating in close partnership with the Government of Iraq, international donors, local stakeholders, and UN partners, the office contributes to stability, recovery, and sustainable development across the country
Job Specific Context
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
Role Purpose
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:
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. HSSE Management System Implementation and Monitoring |
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2. Stakeholder Engagement and Social Safeguards |
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3. Capacity Building and Training |
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4. Emergency Preparedness and Response |
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Skills
Competencies
Education Requirements
Required
- Master's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or a related field
- Bachelors degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or a related field with additional 2 years
Desired
Additional certifications or specialized training in HSSE management, risk assessment, incident investigation, or related areas are desirable
Experience Requirements
Required
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in HSSE management, preferably in construction, agriculture, or infrastructure projects 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 working in Iraq or other conflict-affected environments. Experience with international HSSE standards and best practices.
- In-depth understanding of international environmental and social standards (e.g., UNOPS, IFAD, Adaptation Fund etc.)
- 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.
- PRINCE2® Foundation is an asset; PMP Certification is an asse
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.