Environmental Specialist- Home based (multiple retainer contracts)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management unit falls under the UNOPS SSC Group. It is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of environmental and social management good practices in UNOPS projects and operations. The HSSE unit also helps to set the environmental and social management policy and strategic direction of UNOPS in line with the UN common system standards and international best practices.

A key component of the work of the HSSE unit is to provide tools and advice to make UNOPS projects more environmentally and socially sustainable throughout their project life cycle. This support includes carrying out or coordinating the carrying out of environmental and social due diligence and developing appropriate environmental and social frameworks for managing the projects. The environmental and social management for UNOPS projects also involves monitoring performance and addressing deviations from expectations.

UNOPS is embarking on a process of adopting safeguards, based on international best practice, tailored to UNOPS and the range of projects it delivers. On environmental matters, UNOPS is looking for technical expertise for preparing and/or implementing projects that may have impacts relating to i) pollution prevention, waste and hazardous materials management, water conservation, resource efficiency; ii) biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable natural resources management, fisheries/forestry; iii) climate change and GHG emissions. The assignments may require short or long term travel to field locations in UNOPS operational sites depending on operational needs.

Therefore, UNOPS requires the services of environment specialists that shall be on retainer contracts to carry out short term work packages when required.

Please note that the selected candidates who will successfully undergo the assessments will be offered a contract for 1 year (renewable) but proposed a work package only when a specific opportunity arises.

Functional Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities May Include (but are not limited to):

• Identify project environmental impacts and risks
• Review the local regulatory requirements as well requirements emerging from compliance with UNOPS and/or donor agency safeguards frameworks and policies
• Support project implementation, including carrying out due diligence, environmental screening or monitoring as required
• Provide technical advice to project developers on what needs to be included in project proposals to ensure alignment with UNOPS environmental standards (currently under development) and/or donor standards
• Carry out training on environmental standards in line with UNOPS and/or donor standards and best practices
• Assist Project and field offices to establish monitoring of environmental performance through inspections, meetings, reporting and internal auditing
• Assist field offices to embed environmental issues into the processes of design and construction of infrastructure
• Developing and/or implementing plans and frameworks such as Environmental Management Frameworks, Environment Management Plans or Environment Impact Assessments, among others
• Carrying out environmental due diligence of partners, contractors and suppliers prior to commencement of project work to ensure that the ones with unsatisfactory performance are not engaged.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant subject, preferably such as Environmental Science, Natural Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability or Environmental Management is required
• An additional 2 years of relevant work experience in combination with a relevant first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) may substitute for the requirement for a Master’s degree

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in environmental management and environmental monitoring (environmental assessments, risk-based assessments, implementation) is required, specifically in one (or more) of the following areas: i) pollution prevention, waste and hazardous materials management, water conservation, resource efficiency; ii) biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable natural resources management, fisheries/forestry; iii) climate change and GHG emissions
• Knowledge and working experience with the World Bank ESF and/or UN Model Approach is an asset
• Experience with drafting of impact assessments and plans such as ESIAs, ESMPs and ESMF, etc. is an asset
• Relevant experience working in developing countries is an asset

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English
• Knowledge of either French or Spanish is an asset

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: ICA
• Contract level: I-ICA 2
• Contract duration: 1 year, renewable upon satisfactory performance and budget availability

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.