A key component of the work of the HSSE unit is to provide tools and advice to make UNOPS projects more environmentally sustainable throughout their project life cycle. This support includes carrying out or coordinating the carrying out of environmental due diligence and developing appropriate environmental frameworks for managing the projects. The environmental 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 expertise in the areas of 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.

Therefore, UNOPS requires the services of senior environment experts 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

Advising the Director of SSC and the Head of the HSSE unit, in shaping the strategic direction and policies of UNOPS in environmental management matters. This may include issues specific to pollution, emissions reduction, biodiversity, fisheries, forestry, etc.

Developing key guidance, templates and other management tools and instruments as required, to enhance the ability of UNOPS personnel and teams to plan and implement environmental management activities in their projects

Carrying out or coordinating the carrying out of project due diligence including environmental screening and impact assessments as required

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

Carrying out or coordinating the monitoring of environmental performance during project execution. 

Developing and implementing training programmes to develop the capacity of partners and UNOPS personnel in implementing UNOPS environmental requirements

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: 

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as preferably 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: 

A minimum of 7 years of experience in the environmental management sector is required (with an advanced university degree). 

Demonstrable experience in the management of some of the following areas is desirable:  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. 

Experience in drafting of impact assessments and plans such as ESIAs, ESMPs and ESMF, etc. is an asset.

Knowledge and working experience with the World Bank ESF and/or UN Model Approach 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 ex...

 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.

UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request. 

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post 

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.