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Environmental Safeguards Advisor

Pemba

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Pemba
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Social Affairs
    • Environment
    • Nuclear Technology
    • Environment
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS KEMC helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including: governance, education, health, the environment, grant management and rural development. UNOPS KEMC has over twenty years of experience working in Africa, including on large scale infrastructure projects. With a flexible and responsive presence throughout the region, UNOPS is able to scale up rapidly, through various mechanisms into high risk areas which have proven to be beneficial to partners.

As part of the IDP crisis response, the Republic of Mozambique is preparing the Mozambique Northern Crisis Recovery Project (P176157) to be financed by the International Development Association (IDA) in the amount of US$100 million. The Project Development Objective is to improve access to basic services and economic opportunities for internally displaced persons and host communities in targeted areas of Northern Mozambique. The Project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) through the National Sustainable Development Fund (FNDS). The Project will retain and make use of existing Financial Management (FM) capacities and project oversight systems at FNDS. 

The Government has contracted UNOPS to provide overall technical support to Project implementation, including through the preparation of Environmental and Social Safeguards instruments, based on the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Frameworks (ESF); as well as support in M&E. UNOPS is further tasked with the implementation of distinct project components.

The proposed Project has four components: Component 1 – Building social cohesion and resilience to conflict; Component 2 – Provision of livelihoods and economic opportunities for IDPs and host communities; Component 3 –Rehabilitation of public infrastructure and Component 4 – Project management and oversight.

UNOPS is looking for an Environmental Safeguards Advisor that will support the PIU in implementing and monitoring all environmental safeguards related issues.

Functional Responsibilities

UNOPS is currently preparing a series of Environmental & Social safeguards instruments to ensure that the Project is in compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). Instruments include an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF); Labor Management Procedures (LMP); a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF); a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); and a GBV/SEA Action Plan, among others. Once the instruments are prepared, UNOPS will require an Environmental Safeguards Specialist to work as part of the PIU Team in ensuring compliance with all safeguards instruments.

The Environmental Safeguards Advisor will report directly to Senior Project Manager and will work jointly with a Social Safeguards Specialist in ensuring monitoring and supervision of safeguards compliance of all project components; and ensuring reporting on safeguards risk mitigation measures. The team will further be supported through a Community Development Specialist and a GBV/SEA Specialist.

Analytical and technical tasks

  • Participate in the development of environmental and social safeguards tools, where necessary. 

  • Roll out  the implementation of Environmental and Social (E&S) safeguards tools in close consultation with the government, donor and implementing partners and as part of the project management team;

  • Monitor and report on environmental screening processes of site-specific activities;

  • Oversee, monitor and report on environmental indicators in the E&S safeguards instruments;

  • Ensure that appropriate E&S instruments and tools are applied by all implementing partners;

  • Trigger and oversee the implementation of environmental correction measures by implementing partners;

  • Ensure that appropriate environmental mitigation measures are proposed and met;

  • Undertake follow-up monitoring to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to the E&S safeguards instruments;

  • Conduct supervision and monitor field visits to sites, where applicable; 

  • Assist on developing and delivering a series of spot checks to ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented in line with the guideline;

  • Compile regular reports on E&S impacts and mitigation measures, as per E&S safeguards instruments;

  • Contribute to general project reporting requirements;

  • Handle additional assignments as directed by Project Managers;

Capacity Building;

  • Advice government partners on E&S safeguards implementation;

  • Provide technical support to sub-projects as required;

  • Carry out training and capacity building on E&S tools and frameworks, especially for new staff in the UNOPS Office, government partners and other implementing partners.

Impact of Results 

  • All project activities are successfully supervised and monitored against the respective E&S framework, including understanding of the risks and impacts and implementation of mitigation measures

  • Successful correction measures are undertaken by UNOPS and all partners where mitigation measures have failed

  • High quality reporting as defined in the project tools

  • Improved staff capacity

Education

  • Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Resource/Environmental Economic, Natural Resource Management or other relevant discipline is required. OR

  • A first level university degree in Environmental Science, Resource/Environmental Economic, Natural Resource Management or other relevant discipline with an additional two (2) years of relevant working experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

  • Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in environmental management work is required

  • Experience with the design or implementation of environmental safeguards tools is desired

  • Experience with environmental risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies is required

  • Research, report writing, evidence based data and information and analytical skills will be an added advantage

  • Candidates with experience working on rural development/infrastructure projects will be preferred.

Languages

Excellent written and spoken English language is required

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
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: ICS 11/IICA 3
  • Contract duration:  ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’
This position is based in a family duty station.

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.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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
  • 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • 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 - 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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