Technical Officer - Environmental (Hydrology)

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-8 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Water, Environment and Climate (WEC)

UNOPS Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) supports the design and management of multi-stakeholder initiatives by providing services in financial and grant management, procurement, human resources, and project management. The cluster has supported projects in the areas of water resource management, climate change adaptation, mitigation and transparency, energy access and distribution and environmental conservation under the Paris Agreement. The WEC has also supported operations and financial management services, in Vienna, the rest of the ECR region and beyond. The main partners include UN agencies such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme, bilateral donors (Nordic countries, Germany and Italy), the Green Climate Fund and several NGOs.

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is the ninth largest body of water in the world and the largest semi-enclosed coastal sea in the Western Atlantic. Its eastern, northern, and north-western shores span 2,700 km and touch on five U.S. states (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas); south-western and southern shores span 2,243 km and lie along five Mexican states (Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan, and the northernmost tip of Quintana Roo). On its southeast quadrant the Gulf is bordered by Cuba. The distinctive geographic and biophysical characteristics of the Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem (GoM-LME) makes it an important global reservoir of biodiversity and one of the most productive of the 66 LMEs in the world. The GoM-LME provides economic wealth, products, food, services, cultural heritage, and energy directly to the countries that share it and contributes to oceanic biodiversity as a whole. The GoM currently supports approximately 55 million people, 40 million in U.S. coastal states and 15 million in the Mexican ones. Of the numerous rivers draining into the GoM, the Mississippi and Rio Grande rivers in the northern GoM, the Grijalva and Usumacinta rivers in the southern Gulf are the most notable. The GoM-LME is a major asset to its coastal countries in terms of fisheries and seafood processing, tourism, agriculture, oil infrastructure, trade, and shipping.

The UNEP/GEF Project “Implementation of the Strategic Action Program of the Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem” (GEF ID 6952; 2020-2024 – GoM SAP Implementation Project) is a 4-year project specifically aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Mexico/U.S. endorsed Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA – 2011) and Strategic Action Plan (SAP – 2013) for the integrated management of the GoM-LME.

Goal: The goal of the project is to address the three main challenges identified by the SAP, i.e., controlling and reducing pollution; recovering living marine resources; and rehabilitating marine and coastal ecosystems. This will result in improved water quality, rehabilitation of the coastal and marine ecosystems, and avoid depletion of marine resources in the GoM-LME.

Objective: The project is specifically aimed at facilitating the implementation of the Mexico/U.S. endorsed Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA – 2011) and Strategic Action Plan (SAP – 2013) for the integrated management of the GoM-LME. The Project will achieve this by prioritizing the implementation of coordinated and integrated sustainable ecosystem-based management approaches (EBM) to address the transboundary concerns of countries bordering the GoM. It involves actions around the following four components:

• Component 1: Improve Water Quality
• Component 2: Avoid depletion and recover living marine resources (LMR - Fish and shellfish)
• Component 3: Conserve and restore the quality of coastal and marine ecosystems through community involvement and enhanced bilateral cooperation
• Component 4: Monitoring, Evaluation and, Knowledge Management

The GoM-LME project is seeking to hire a Technical Officer, Hydrology for its Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to be based in Mexico (Mexico City or Merida, Yucatan, TBC). The Technical Officer will work together with the GoM-LME Project Coordinator and other PCU Staff to support the overall coordination and day-to-day management of the Project. Close collaboration with other PCU staff members is expected to ensure coherence in the execution of project activities under the different components.

The Technical Officer, Hydrology will support the technical delivery of the Project’s Component 1: “Improve Water Quality”, in close coordination with the selected Implementation Partners (IPs) and other project partners, and in line with UNOPS project management standards and UNEP’s technical requirements. The Technical Officer will work within a team to support the smooth running of the GoM-LME Project for the timely delivery of high quality technical outputs and ensure that the project’s targets under Component 1 are met and fully compliant with applicable donor/client/UNOPS rules and regulations. Component 1 considers the following outputs:

• Assess water pollution indicators and reinforce quality monitoring mechanisms
• Strengthen the dialogue between government and industry
• Implementation of the UNIDO TEST methodology in priority hot spots identified in the SAP
• Implementation of the Environmental Monitoring Programme

Several IPs will be engaged as co-executing agencies to carry-out the planned activities under each output. The Technical Officer, Hydrology, will act as the main liaison with the IPs for the successful delivery of the outputs under Component 1.

The position is a full-time assignment for the full duration of the GoM-LME Project, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the GoM-LME Project Coordinator, the Technical Officer, Hydrology, will have the following main functions:

Technical Support for Project Implementation - Support the delivery of technical activities directly implemented by the PCU, IPs, consultants and/or other contractors under Component 1. The planned activities under Component 1 will support the development and/or improvement of ​​water quality monitoring stations and wastewater treatment plants, building capacities for implementing and strengthening mechanisms for water quality control and monitoring, identifying priorities for the reduction of industrial pollution and piloting pollution reduction strategies in selected industries, and implementing an environmental monitoring programme. - Prepare and contribute to the preparation, translation and quality control of project outputs under Component 1, including technical and progress reports, technical content for meetings, experience notes and advocacy materials.

Collaboration with Key Project Partners - Liaise regularly with IPs, including the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as government counterparts, to ensure the effective implementation of the project, in line with the project agreement between UNOPS and UNEP, and as per UNOPS project management standards. - Develop and support communications and dialogue with other project partners and institutions involved in the implementation of project activities. - Represent the project at relevant meetings and present technical materials related to the Project at these events. - Support collaboration with other relevant projects in the region and globally with a view to further support the implementation of the GoM-LME Project. - Identify opportunities and secure additional stakeholder buy-in and support for the GoM-LME Project.

Project Management Support - Provide technical input for the recruitment and/or procurement of goods and services to the project team and in coordination with relevant UNOPS units. - Oversee, provide technical advice and support, exercise technical quality control and compliance checks for project activities executed by IPs, consultants and other contractors. - Assist with the dissemination of results achieved by IPs, consultants and other contractors through the Project’s established communication channels. - Support the development and management of a GoM Project communication strategy, providing the technical elements for Component 1. - Support the convening of meetings for the Project; including the preparation and distribution of the relevant background documents; and preparation and dissemination of official meeting reports. - Provide technical inputs in the development and periodic revisions of the project budgets, work plans and project reports. - Assist the PCU in ensuring project compliance with mandatory GEF, UNEP and UNOPS requirements (including requirements under the UNOPS Project Management Manual) - Solicit inputs for and review project monitoring documents such as annual work plans, progress reports, reports on risks and challenges in line with UNOPS, UNEP and Global Environment Facility (GEF) requirements. Ensure quality control and conduct final editorial work on the submitted reports. - Other related duties, as requested by the Project Coordinator

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Hydrobiology, Hydrology, Oceanography, Oceanology, Marine Science, Marine Ecology, Biology, Ecology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field(s) relevant to the assignment is required. - Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned areas of specialization is an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of progressive working experience in an international project setting is required. Project implementation experience in Mexico is a strong asset.
• At least 1 years of this experience must involve work on environmental projects of relevance to the thematic issues to be addressed under Component 1.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following technical fields: hydrobiology, hydrology, oceanography, oceanology, marine and coastal ecology, aquatic ecosystems, fisheries, marine protected areas management, climate change, environmental education, watershed management and water quality enhancement, is required.
• Experience with the monitoring and evaluation of relevant projects/programs is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated competence in the coordination of complex, multi-faceted projects. Knowledge of GEF funded projects is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in managing relations with governmental institutions. Knowledge of and experience with environmental authorities in Mexico is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated professional experience in Mexico and familiarity with its geopolitical, cultural, social and economic setting, including international treaties and environmental agreements is highly preferred.
• Expertise in engaging with multiple and high-level stakeholders and government partners, including production and dissemination of public awareness materials would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the United Nations system and/or the GEF, including their administrative processes, is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required;
• Working knowledge of other United Nations languages and/or regional languages is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: L-ICA-8 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

Competencies

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• 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 – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

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

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.