Technical Senior Officer - Environmental

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-9 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-9 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

UNOPS in Sri Lanka

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability and accountability of Projects. Key projects in Sri Lanka include the Technical Project Management support for the Maternal and Newborn Health Care Strengthening Project in Matara District, Sri Lanka funded by KOICA.

UNOPS Sri Lanka also facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund

Project Information: UNOPS has signed an MOU with an intergovernmental organization called SACEP ( South Asia Cooperative Environment Program). SACEP is implementing the WB-funded PLEASE Project in South Asia. In accordance with the Agreement, UNOPS should provide implementation support and advice to SACEP in implementing the Plastic free Rivers & Seas for South Asia Project (PLEASE). In Particular, UNOPS is expected to assist the PIU in implementing RBG (Regional Competitive Block Grant) under Component 1 of PLEASE.

Under the overall Supervision of the UNOPS International Project Manager. The Incumbent will support the SACEP PIU and provide Technical Assistance in Implementation of the Component 1 of PLEASE Project, especially in activities listed below.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Technical Advice during Project implementation

• Work closely with SACEP and PIU and provide technical inputs to ensure quality of call for proposals;
• Provide substantive support and technical inputs to SACEP and PIU during shortlisting (including: technical evaluation, feasibility evaluation, assessment of ToC, underlying assumptions, extended outcomes, capacity of Grantees to deliver);
• Provide quality technical inputs to necessary documentation related to shortlisted proposals for SACEPS PIU/’s submission to respective RBG Selection Committees;
• Provide technical advice and inputs to SACEP and PIU during elaboration of full proposals;
• Provide support and make recommendations to SACEP and PIU in evaluating proposals and making recommendations to internal Governance structures of SACEP;
• Support SACEP and PIU in reviewing Grantees narrative reports;
• Provide technical inputs to other narrative reports and submitting to SACEP and PIU periodically;
• Provide support make recommendations to SACEP and PIU during the entire process of grant implementation;
• Provide support during Project periodic evaluations and assessment;
• Support SACEP and PIU in periodic field visits.

1. Knowledge Management

• Review the local regulatory requirements as well requirements emerging from and/or donor agency safeguards frameworks and policies

• Support SACEP and PIU in harnessing latest available knowledge on addressing plastic pollution

• Provide support to PIU and SACEP on periodic review and update of the Project Operational Manual and to reflect best practices;
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

• Identify project environmental impacts and risks

  3. General

• Working in close collaboration with PIU/ SACEP teams and build collaborative team spirit;

• Support the International Project Manager and SACEP/ PIU to respond to relevant queries; extract and analyze information accordingly;
• Prepare inputs such as talking points, slide decks, blog entries and other type of informational/operational demands in coordination with other team members;
• Contribute to identifying Risk, Lessons Learned and Issues;
• Perform other responsibilities as may from time to time be requested by the International Project Manager.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Technical Senior Officer - Environmental directly impacts on achievement of the projects and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Functional competencies:

• Demonstrates strong technical knowledge and commitment to continuous learning.
• Demonstrates results orientation and focus on solutions.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with clients, donors and other stakeholders.
• Ability to plan work in a collaborative manner and to manage priorities
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the goals of the project and in accordance with UNOPS shared goals
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Technical competencies:

The Technical Senior Officer - Environmental is responsible for keeping abreast of new developments in plastic pollution and marine environment.

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 2 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.

• Knowledge and working experience with the World Bank ESF and/or UN Model Approach is an asset.

• Experience with drafting impact assessments and plans is an asset.

Language - Fluency in English is required. - Full working knowledge of one or more of the local languages is desirable.

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.
• 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. This is a local position, as such it is open only to nationals of Sri Lanka or candidates with a valid work permit.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement.

Contract level: Local ICA Specialist 9

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

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 peace and 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 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 labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

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