A key component of the work of the HSSE unit is to provide tools and advice to make UNOPS projects more environmentally and socially sustainable throughout their project life cycle. This support includes carrying out or coordinating the carrying out of environmental and social due diligence and developing appropriate environmental and social frameworks for managing the projects. The environmental and social 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 social matters, UNOPS  is looking for technical expertise for preparing and/or implementing projects that may have impacts relating to  i) labor and working conditions; ii) community health, safety and security (including dam safety, security personnel and human rights); iii) grievance redress and accountability mechanisms; iv) stakeholder engagement and disclosure of information. The assignments may require short or long term travel to field locations in UNOPS operational sites depending on operational needs. 

Therefore, UNOPS requires the services of social specialists 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

Functional Responsibilities May Include (but are not limited to):

Identify project social impacts and risks

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

Support project implementation, including carrying out due diligence, social screening or monitoring as required

Provide technical advice to project developers on what needs to be included in project proposals to ensure alignment with UNOPS social standards (currently under development) and/or donor standards

Carry out training on social standards in line with UNOPS and/or donor standards and best practices  

Assist Project and field offices to establish monitoring of social performance through inspections, meetings, reporting and internal auditing 

Assist field offices to embed social issues into the processes of design and construction  of infrastructure

Developing and/or implementing plans and frameworks (focused on social aspects) such as Environmental and Social Management Frameworks, Environment and Social Management Plans, Environment and Social Impact Assessments, Resettlement Plans/Frameworks, Stakeholder Engagement Plans, Labor Management Procedures, Grievance Redress Mechanisms, Community and Health and Safety Plans, etc. 

Carrying out social due diligence of partners, contractors and suppliers prior to commencement of project work to ensure that the ones with unsatisfactory performance are not engaged.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: 

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant subject, preferably such as social development, sociology, development studies or anthropology 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 5 years of relevant experience in social impact assessments and the identification and mitigation of social impacts is required, specifically in one (or more) of the following areas: i) labor and working conditions; ii) community health, safety and security (including dam safety, security personnel and human rights); iii) grievance redress and accountability mechanisms; iv) stakeholder engagement and disclosure of information

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

Experience with drafting of impact assessments and plans (social aspects) such as ESIAs, ESMPs/ESMF, RAPs, SEPs, GRM, etc. is an asset

Relevant experience working in developing countries 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...

 Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: I-ICA 2 Contract duration: 1 year, re...

 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