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Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist

Juba

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Juba
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Social Affairs
    • Environment
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist (ESSS) is required to assist in the development process of an Environmental and Social Safeguards guideline, social screening and staff capacity building in consultation with the World Bank and PIU.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

 

Functional Responsibilities

  1. Function / Expected Results: Analytical and Technical support;
  • Assist in the review and development process of the current Environmental and Social Safeguards guideline in consultation with the World Bank and PIU to be used in the coming phase;
  • Participate in social screening activities as well as review of grievance readdress mechanisms;
  • Undertake an environmental and social risk categorization;
  • Closely follow up the integration of safeguard assessment information and completion of safeguards self-screening Checklist during the project/program development process;
  • Provide technical support during proposal development, project design, appraisal process and resource mobilization plan for the sub projects in all locations;
  • Closely provide assistance and deliver capacity building training to the field teams to close knowledge/skill gaps and minimize the likelihood of risks to happen to sub projects;
  • Assist in the development process of an Environmental and Social Safeguards guideline in consultation with the World Bank Country Office to be used by line ministries in the plan and implementation process of financed projects and programmes;
  • Undertake an environmental and social risk categorization of proposals submitted to the office and project under implementation;
  • Ensure that appropriate environmental and social mitigation measures are proposed and met;
  • Undertake follow up monitoring to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to an agreed upon environmental and social mitigation implementation plan;
  • Closely follow up the integration of safeguard assessment information and completion of safeguards self-screening Checklist during the project/program development process;
  • Prepare Environmental and Social safeguard Plans and ensure that such plans are approved by relevant authorities 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 guideline;
  • Prepare report (monthly, quarterly, field monitoring) on the safeguard risks with appropriate actions to be taken for all sub projects and ensure that timely actions are taken;
  • Closely provide assistance and deliver capacity building training to the sectors to close knowledge/skill gaps and minimize the likelihood of risks to happen to projects;
  • Compile quarterly, biannual and annual reports on safeguards related issues and deliver to the programme as part of the M&E report;
  • Handle additional assignments as directed by the Project Manager.
  1. Function / Expected Results: Representation, Operations, Management and Implementation;
  • Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the development and implementation of the project’s safeguard Plan and implementation at all levels;
  • In collaboration with the programme team, make sure that the terms and conditions set for programme development in line with safeguard principles  are adhered to;
  • Supervise consultancy works and review and assess products/services provided by consultants and experts counterparts and notify/advise the Project Manager on quality, and recommend appropriate actions to be taken for improvement as per the safeguard principles and guidelines;
  • 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 client and other stakeholders 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.
  1. Function / Expected Results: 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 programme and result based monitoring and evaluation;
  • Carry out training on integrating safeguard principles in climate change programme.
Impact of result
  • Final environmental and social safeguards management plan in place;
  • Social screening document reviewed and in place;
  • Redress document reviewed and in place;
  • Technically sound, winning proposal with relevant ESMP sections of the proposal done;
  • Staff capacity improved;
  • Participation of UNOPS in all environmental and social safeguards meetings;
  • All field teams well versed in safeguards issues;
  • Implementation of sub projects based on the ESMP;
  • Reporting of all safeguards issues on the ground.

Education

  • Masters degree or advanced degree in Environmental Studies or Environmental Economics or Natural Resource Management or relevant field is required.
  • Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies or Environmental Economics or Natural Resource Management or relevant field with additional 2 years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Masters degree.

Experience

  • A minimum of 5 years experience in public works projects and/or development projects and/or emergency assistance and/or social development is required. 
  • Skills in Project Management is required.

Languages

  • Fluency in written and oral English is essential.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: I-ICA 2
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’



For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information -South Sudan

The UNOPS South Sudan office helps a wide range of local and international partners improve the lives of the South Sudanese people by implementing infrastructure and procurement projects. All UNOPS operations have an increasing emphasis on developing national capacities and considering gender, environmental and community concerns. UNOPS is working in a range of sectors in South Sudan including: transport, education, health, post-conflict stabilization and emergency response.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
This vacancy is now closed.
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