Lead Environmental Engineer

The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR), based in Geneva, is responsible for the effective management, coordination and oversight of UNOPS operations across the region. The ECR region spans the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Türkiye, where UNOPS works with partners to achieve sustainable impact in health, education, environmental management, housing, rule of law, good governance, economic development, and social inclusion. With a wealth of experience in procurement, infrastructure, project and grant management, UNOPS in the region directly implements projects, provides technical advisory services and capacity building to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in support of national governments.

The UNOPS South East Europe Multi-Country Office (SEEMCO) supports sustainable development in Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Based in Belgrade with strong field teams, SEEMCO delivers project management, procurement, infrastructure, HR, and technical assistance to governments, donors, and international financial institutions. Partnering with national institutions, local authorities, civil society, and media, it contributes to sectors such as infrastructure, socio-economic development, social cohesion, rule of law, environment, healthcare, education, digitalisation, energy transition, and governance. Since 2000, SEEMCO has advanced the EU integration agenda, national priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also provides emergency response, recovery support, and capacity building for institutions. Funders include the EU, European Investment Bank, governments of Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, as well as UN agencies such as UNHCR and UNEP.

The UNOPS Skopje Project Office operates under the South East Europe Multi-Country Office (SEEMCO), based in Belgrade, and supports the implementation of projects in North Macedonia focused on a variety of thematic areas. Its work focuses on addressing some of the country’s key environmental challenges, including air and soil pollution, while also supporting progress on the EU accession path vis-a-vis environment. 

The project “National Environmental Fund - Clean-up of OHIS Site” aims to contribute to improvement  of the  environmental standards in North Macedonia through the remediation of a major industrial pollution hotspot and the reduction of pollution-related risks to the environment and public health. The  Fund is a blended financing mechanism supported by the Government of North Macedonia, Kingdom of Norway and EU established to support the clean-up of the small δ-HCH dump site. 

In December 2025, UNOPS and the Government of North Macedonia signed a new 36-month Agreement to complete the remediation of the δ-HCH dump site, with implementation launched in  January 2026.  

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Lead Environmental Engineer will provide technical support to the implementation activities at the Delta-HCH small dumpsite. The role supports specific environmental assessment, implementation planning, technical supervision of remediation works, ensuring alignment with national environmental legislation, permitting requirements and approved technical design. The incumbent will contribute to the review of contractor documentation, support on the site monitoring and facilitate coordination with technical bodies to enable timely approvals and smooth implementation of the project activities.

The Lead Environmental Engineer will provide technical expertise and guidance to support the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of environmental cleanup activities, in compliance with national legislation and applicable standards. The incumbent will contribute to technical review of environmental impact assessments, remediation plans, contractor submissions, and monitoring data, permitting processes and quality assurance of site level remediation works.

1. Technical Expertise and Guidance

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on environmental remediation activities, including site specific assessment, risk assessment, and implementation  planning.
• Ensure all site activities maintain strict compliance with national and international environmental legislation, permitting requirements and institutional procedures.  
• Review and assess environmental impact assessments, remediation plans, and other contractor’s technical documentation if aligned with the national regulatory framework..
• Provide technical expertise and guidance specifically related to environmental engineering aspects of the Small Pond of OHIS Industrial Site Clean-Up project. 
• Participates in technical bodies to facilitate approvals and smooth implementation of the project activities. 
• Support supervision of on-site remediation activities and verify technical compliance with the approved designs and national standards.

2.  Project Management Support 

• Contribute to the development of detailed project work plans and implementation schedules, aligned with the national procedures.
• Develop site-specific technical specifications and Terms of Reference (ToRs) for   remediation activities, including verification of waste categorization and quantities based on field data available. 
• Provide technical assessments and support for the Small Pond of OHIS Industrial Site Clean-Up project, and other designated environmental hot spots.
• Review and assess environmental impact assessments, remediation plans, contractor submissions, and other technical documents for their compliance with the national legislation. 
• Support the monitoring of the remediation activities and report on technical implementation issues. 

3. Stakeholder Engagement 

• Support the Project Manager in the planning, coordination and monitoring of environmental remediation activities, ensuring alignment with the national procedures and operational requirements.
• Engage with national authorities and contractors, and be part of technical groups to facilitate smooth implementation and address site specific-concerns.  
• Collect, verify and analyze environmental data, and prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate findings to national stakeholders. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Environmental Management Programmes, including site-closure and rehabilitation plans in accordance with the national regulations. 
• Provide technical support on permitting procedures, regulatory compliance, environmental impact assessment, and site-level remediation challenges. 
• Review air monitoring plans and monitoring results, when needed, to ensure compliance with national standards and requirements. 
• Oversee and provide technical advice on soil sampling methodologies and laboratory testing processes. 
• Provide interpretation and guidance on relevant national environmental legislation and international standards, as needed. 
• Support the drafting and/or technical review of Terms of Reference in the field of hazardous waste management.

4. Quality Assurance and Reporting 

• Share technical knowledge and practical expertise with project team members and local counterparts. 
• Support the preparation of technical guiding materials and participate in workshops on environmental remediation practices. 
• Promote the application of best established practices in environmental management.
• Contribute to technical reports by documenting implementation progress, status, risks and corrective measures proposed.  

Required

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field with 5 years of relevant experience is required
  
  

Desired

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Required

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in environmental remediation, site assessment, and risk management.

Desired

• Experience working on international environmental projects in the field of hazardous waste management.

• Practical experience in navigating national environmental permitting and regulatory processes.

• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills, with a track record in producing quality technical reports and documentation.

• Experience in air pollution assessment, emissions monitoring, and environmental compliance within industrial and hazardous waste management projects. 

  
  

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