Senior Advisor – Social and Environmental Safeguards

Contract

This is a IICA-4 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 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-4 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Hub in Amman

The UNOPS Hub in Amman implements projects in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen, in partnership with bilateral donors, national governments, and other UN agencies. With an established presence across the region, the office runs operations including large-scale procurement, project development, and technical management, and provides financial, human resources, and infrastructure-related services. The functional objective of UNOPS Hub in Amman is to deliver its projects in an efficient and effective manner and in line with the principles, rules and regulations of UNOPS, in order to support the response to the current needs and national priorities in the region.

Job-Specific Background

Within its overall Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) Management, UNOPS is committed to managing its activities and facilities in a manner that respects the principles of social and environmental responsibility, with the primary purpose of protection of people and the environment, and mitigating the negative impacts of its activities and facilities. UNOPS strives to promote excellence in HSSE, by aligning with the UN Common Systems Frameworks, international standards, and best practices as appropriate.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the UNOPS Hub in Amman, and the direct reporting line to the Head of Programme, the Senior Advisor will be responsible for providing technical advice to ensure alignment of the Hub’s programming portfolio with UNOPS organizational directives pertaining to HSSE management.

Functional Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and guidance for all aspects of environmental and social risk management for designated UNOPS projects, including health and safety aspects, with special attention to projects funded by multilateral banks (World Bank, KfW);
• In close coordination with the relevant colleagues, lead on and coordinate preparation of environmental and social risk management instruments requested by donors, and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations, included, but not limited to: Environmental and Social Management Framework, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Environmental and Social Management Plan, Environmental and Social Strategic Assessments, Resettlement Policy Framework, and Resettlement Action Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Grievance Redress Mechanisms, Gender Action Plans, Labor Management Plans, Codes of Conduct, Environmental Codes of Practices, Environmental and Social Commitment Plans, Environmental and Social Action Plans;
• Assist and advise UNOPS during the review and clearance of environmental and social risk management instruments requiring prior review by donors;
• Assist and advise UNOPS in their supervision of environmental and social risk management measures during project implementation, including addressing specific implementation challenges;
• Participate in and provide technical inputs during the supervision missions and donor coordination meetings;
• Contribute to preparation of progress reports, handing incidents, accidents, and complaints;
• Provide technical assistance to preparation of corrective action plans;
• Support the development of environmental and social risk management capacity within UNOPS and the implementing partners;
• Participate in meetings with internal and external meetings pertaining to environmental and social risk management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or PhD) in Environmental or Social Science or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree with additional years (2) of experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree

Experience

• At least 10 years of demonstrated expertise and experience in the preparation or supervision of environmental and social risk management instruments for large infrastructure projects that meet the requirements of International Financial Institutions, most particularly the World Bank is required.
• Demonstrated experience with the World Bank’s safeguard policies and the recently approved Environmental and Social Standards is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with safeguard policies of other bilateral and multilateral donors is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience of working on fragile and countries in conflict. Experience working in the Middle East region is required.
• Experience in UN system organizations is required.

Language - Fluency in English 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.

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.
• This position is a home-based contract and is open to all nationalities. The UN Local ICA salary scales in the applicant's resident country will be used to determine the fees and a Local ICA contract will be issued (where applicable).
• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractual Agreement Contract level: I-ICA4 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘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