Social Officer

Background Information – Project

Following devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the WB has allocated up to US$ 75 million to finance the Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Project (ZIRP). The Project addresses both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture). UNOPS has been requested to implement the Project and is currently establishing a Project Implementation Unit (PIU). UNOPS, via the PIU, will engage multiple UN partner organisations to deliver specific components of ZIRP. The PIU will be located in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, and is expected to be operational for 3 years.

Background Information – Job Specific

Under the direct supervision of the Environmental Specialist, the Social Officer is required to implement the Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and ensure that all Project activities are aligned with World Bank Environmental and Social Standards, or other relevant guidance, as outlined in the ESMF. This includes the supervision and monitoring of all implementing partners, as well as activities of the UNOPS community infrastructure component.

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

• Assist in rolling out the Environmental and Social Management Framework in consultation with the World Bank and implementing partners;
• Assist in monitoring and reporting on social screening processes of site-specific activities as conducted by implementing partners and the UNOPS Community Infrastructure Component;
• Monitor and report on social indicators in the ESMF;
• Conduct field supervisory and data collection missions;
• Ensure that appropriate social instruments and tools are applied by all implementing partners and the UNOPS Community Infrastructure Component – as set out on the ESMF;
• Assist in compiling data and monitoring of the Project Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM);
• Monitor the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and keep the plan updated;
•  Ensure that appropriate social mitigation measures are proposed and met;
• Assist in triggering and overseeing the implementation of social correction measures by implementing partners and the UNOPS Community Infrastructure Component;
• Undertake follow-up monitoring to ensure that proposed social mitigation measures are implemented according to the ESMF and site-specific ESMPs;
• Conduct supervision and monitoring field visits to all implementing partners’ sites, as defined in the ESMF;
• Support the development and delivery of a series of spot checks to ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented in line with the guideline;
• Assist in compiling quarterly and annual reports on social risks, impacts, and mitigation measures, as per outline in the ESMF;
• Handle additional assignments as directed by the Environmental Specialist;
• Monitor the implementation of instruments, such as the GBV/SEA and Child Protection Action Plan;

• Bachelor's degree in Social Science or related field with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience is required;
• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in related field will be an added advantage.

• 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.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• The position is based in a family duty station

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.

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 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 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

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

Kenya

The UNOPS Kenya office manages more than 60 projects in around 10 countries of eastern and southern Africa. UNOPS in Kenya helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including: governance, education, health, the environment, grant management and rural development.