Environmental Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 of 29 April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted on 30 August 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el- Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO).

The settlement plan, as approved by the Security Council, provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco.

While the organization of the referendum has not been possible, other requirements of the mandate have been pursued successfully. MINURSO today performs the following tasks:

Monitor the ceasefire between the parties that became effective on 6 September 1991
Support the political process and report to the Secretariat and the Security Council on developments in and affecting Western Sahara
Reduce the threat of mines and UXOs
Support the UNHCR confidence building programme.



Support the implementation of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support (DPKO/DFS) Environmental Policy and draft Guidelines, as well as the DPKO/DFS Waste Management Policy in the mission.





Review and assess host country environmental regulations against the DPKO/DFS policy requirements to ascertain the scope of legal responsibilities





Assess environmental conditions through a mission gap analysis, as well as baseline studies for new construction.





Prepare an environmental action plan, guidance materials and instructions aimed at achieving environmental objectives identified through the gap analysis in areas such as energy (oil spills prevention, energy efficiency, use of solar power), water/wastewater (water conservation and wastewater treatment) and waste (including hazardous waste) management and emergency response plan.





Support in issuing an Annual Mission Environmental Statement by senior management.





Support the preparations for budget submissions vis-À-vis environment.





Conduct site visits for all mission locations to monitor environmental performance and advise on corrective actions as necessary.





Develop and implement training activities (induction and on-site during site visits), liaising with the mission training section, as well as DFS Headquarters, aimed at building mission capacity to meet mission environmental objectives.





Keep a record (‘environmental log’) of environmental issues and actions at the mission and identify problem areas to be addressed by the relevant Sections (engineering, transport, supply, medical, property disposal, etc.) within the mission.





Coordinate and overview all activities related to environmental compliance in all mission military, police and civilian components.





Review statements of work, contracts and services for the disposal of waste, in accordance with international and local environmental standards.





Prepare consolidated reports on environm




At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management, environmental engineering or related fields
Climate change mitigation and mechanisms for technology transfer.
Experience in the environmental management or environmental engineering field with a national government/administration, a large firm or international organization is required, with a proven ability in analytical work. Previous experience in peacekeeping, military or other field operations is an advantage.
Knowledge of methodologies for project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of environmental compliance is essential.

Western Sahara is a territory on the North-west Coast of Africa boarded by Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria. The city of Laayoune has full infrastructure systems, including running water, electricity and sanitation. Sometimes there will be water shortages.

Each UN Volunteer lives in his/her own private accommodation, preferably in the security-cleared and designated areas. Generally, apartments are furnished but the settling-in-Grant will cover the cost of modest house furniture. The UNV support Officer will provide help with finding accommodation.

Some entertainment is available in the city, including restaurants, cafes, gym, tennis fields and parks. The local currency id the Moroccan Dirham and many banks and exchange bureaus are available. ATM machines are also available to withdraw money in the local currency.

The weather in western Sahara is mainly hot and windy. Nights are generally colder than days, which is typical desert weather. Winters can get much colder, up to lows 10 degrees. Very windy days, as well can occur, so it is recommended to have warm protective clothing as well as light smart wear for Summer.

Mobile phone service is provided in Western Sahara by a few Moroccan phone companies. The most popular is Maroc Telecom and it offers good rates. Wireless internet is available through the service provider.