Social Safeguards Advisor

UNOPS is currently preparing a series of Environmental & Social safeguards instruments to ensure that the Project is in compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). Instruments include an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF); Labor Management Procedures (LMP); a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF); a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); and a GBV/SEA Action Plan, among others. Once the instruments are prepared, UNOPS will require a Social Safeguards Specialist to work as part of the PIU Team in ensuring compliance with all safeguards instruments.

The Social Safeguards Advisor will  report directly to the Senior Project Manager and work jointly with an Environmental Safeguards Specialist in ensuring monitoring and supervision of safeguards compliance of all project components; and ensuring reporting on safeguards risk mitigation measures. The team will further be supported through a Community Development Specialist and a GBV/SEA Specialist.

Analytical and technical tasks

• Participate in the development of environmental and social safeguards tools, where necessary. 

• Roll out  the implementation of Environmental and Social (E&S) safeguards tools in close consultation with the government, donor and implementing partners and as part of the project management team;

• Monitor and report on social screening processes of site-specific activities;

• Oversee, monitor and report on social indicators in the E&S safeguards instruments;

• Ensure that appropriate E&S instruments and tools are applied by all implementing partners;

• Trigger and oversee the implementation of social correction measures by implementing partners;

• Ensure that appropriate social mitigation measures are proposed and met;

• Undertake follow-up monitoring to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to the E&S safeguards instruments;

• Conduct supervision and monitor field visits to sites, where applicable; 

• Assist on developing and delivering a series of spot checks to ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented in line with the guideline;

• Compile regular reports on E&S impacts and mitigation measures, as per E&S safeguards instruments;

• Contribute to general project reporting requirements;

• Handle additional assignments as directed by Project Managers;

Capacity Building;

• Advice government partners on E&S safeguards implementation;

• Provide technical support to sub-projects as required;

• Carry out training and capacity building on E&S tools and frameworks, especially for new staff in the UNOPS Office, government partners and other implementing partners.

Impact of Results 

• All project activities are successfully supervised and monitored against the respective E&S framework, including understanding of the risks and impacts and implementation of mitigation measures

• Successful correction measures are undertaken by UNOPS and all partners where mitigation measures have failed

• High quality reporting as defined in the project tools

• Improved staff capacity

• A Masters Degree in Social Science, Social Work or other relevant discipline is required

• A first level university degree in Social Science, Social Work or other relevant discipline with an additional two (2) years of relevant working experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in social development and/or gender analysis is required;

• Experience with the design or implementation of social safeguards tools is desired

• Experience with social risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies is required

• Experience with land and resettlement issues are an asset

• Experience with stakeholder consultations and grievance redress systems are an asset

• Research, report writing, evidence based data and information and analytical skills will be an added advantage

• Candidates with experience working on rural infrastructure projects will be preferred.

1. Contract type; International Individual Contractor Agreement
2. Contract level ICS 11/IICA 3
3. Contract duration - Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

• 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.

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.