Environmental Specialist

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 manage the WB funds and is 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.

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

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 the roll out of the Environmental and Social Management Framework in consultation with the World Bank and implementing partners;
• Oversee, monitor and report on environmental and social screening processes of site-specific activities as conducted by implementing partners and the UNOPS Mutare Office;
• Oversee, monitor and report on indicators in the ESMF;
• Ensure that appropriate follow-on instruments and tools are applied – as laid out on the ESMF;
• Trigger and oversee the implementation of environmental correction measures by implementing partners and the UNOPS Office in Mutare;
• Ensure that appropriate environmental and social mitigation measures are proposed and met;
• Undertake follow-up monitoring to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to the ESMF and site-specific ESMPs;
• Conduct supervision and monitor field visits to all implementing partners’ sites, as defined in the ESMF;
• Lead on developing and delivering a series of spot checks to ensure mitigation measures are properly implemented in line with the guideline;
• Compile quarterly and annual reports on environmental impacts, and mitigation measures, as per outline in the ESMF;
• Handle additional assignments as directed by the Project Manager

• Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the implementation of the ESMF
• Supervise consultancy works, review and assess products/services provided by consultants and experts counterparts and notify/advise the Project Manager on quality and recommend appropriate actions to be taken for improvement as per the safeguard principles and guidelines;
• Advice on administrative measures and actions required for ensuring compliance with requirements set in the ESMF prior to the validation and implementation of any site-specific activities;
• Analyze environmental developments and provide technical and substantive support in setting targets for the realization of the goal of building a climate resilient green economy;
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports to be submitted to the World Bank and other stakeholders with a special view to capturing lessons learned and best practices for improving the performance of the Project and maintaining safeguard standards as outlined in the ESMF

• Provide technical support to the ZIRP and results-based monitoring and evaluation;
• Carry out training and capacity building on environmental tools and frameworks, especially for new staff in the UNOPS Offices and for implementing partners

• All project activities are successfully supervised and monitored against the ESMF, 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 ESMF
• Improved staff capacity and that of implementing partners 

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Resource/Environmental Economics, Natural Resources Management or relevant scientific discipline is required;
• A Bachelor's degree other field, in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.

• Fluency in written and oral English language is required

• 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.
• This is a local post and it is only open to Zimbabwe Nationals or persons with valid residence permits
• 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.  
• 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.