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

 Background Information - Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Social Safeguards Senior Associate ensures that the project activities are prepared and implemented bin compliance with  addressing the the project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and subproject-specific E&S instruments. The Social Safeguards Senior Associate will be required to travel across all project sites for monitoring and supervision purposes.

 Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions  

• Support compliance with all  project Environmental and Social instruments, including the E&S Management Framework (ESMF), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and any activity-specific E&S instruments  

• Conduct training  on Environmental and Social compliance aspects/issues for the UNOPS Team, Facilitating Partners or contractors.

• Conduct Social Assessments where applicable and integrate findings into the E&S compliance and project components. 

• Assist with the preparation of subproject specific E&S mitigation measures, ensure measures are included in partner Request for Proposals, Bills of Quantities and contractual agreements.

• Ensure that the Facilitating Partners and contractors maintain all proper documentation of E&S safeguards measures to confirm all due processes have been followed

• Receive E&S reporting from Facilitating Partners and contractors and prepare E&S reports for submission to the World Bank.

• Conduct monitoring and supervision field trips to subproject sites

• Monitor ESS-related data in the project’s MIS database and make sure that related data is accurate.

• Respond to Third Party Monitoring Agents’ reports on ESS related issues.

• Set up and implement the Project Grievance Redress Mechanism. 

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Social Safeguards Senior Associate ensures the project’s compliance with Environmental and Social safeguards requirements It confirms UNOPS’ role as a key and trusted partner to the World Bank, and UNOPS’ position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan, raising the profile of UNOPS  in the global humanitarian context. 

Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the Supervisor and incumbent will prepare at the beginning of the assignment.   

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

 Education

• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in Social Science, Development Studies, Community Development or other relevant discipline is required. An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) is preferred.

b. Work Experience 

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in social safeguards or other related fields is required.

• Experience working with the World Bank, UN agencies or other donor agencies, government ministries, and/or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is valued.

• Knowledge of environmental safeguards compliance is desirable.

• Knowledge of UN systems/policies/norms for social safeguards is an asset.

c.  Languages

• Fluency in English is required.

• Fluency in Pashto and/or Dari is desirable.