HEALTH, SAFETY, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST- ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (RETAINER)

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific.
EAPMCO was established in January following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across  North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines.
EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific.
With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units.
EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia,  EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Mekong, and EAPMCO Philippines.
In , the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.
The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations.
It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.
UNOPS in Papua New Guinea The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was established in early to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.
As an established office since , EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time.
Working with an increasing number of development partners, in EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people.
There are a number of projects currently in the pipeline which will expand the portfolio of existing projects for the office.
Project Information  Electronic waste (e-waste) is rapidly increasing in Papua New Guinea due to rising imports of consumer electronics and limited product life cycles.
Without a formal management system in place, most e-waste is disposed of through unsafe and informal methods such as open burning and unregulated dumping.
This not only pollutes the environment but also exposes communities to hazardous substances like mercury, lead, and other toxic materials commonly found in electronic devices.
Recognizing the growing urgency of this issue,  the project is being implemented  by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and implemented by UNOPS to provide technical assistance and operational support across the project's various phases.
Building on previous assessments, the project focuses on reviewing and updating the initial feasibility study, supporting CEPA in implementing regulatory frameworks, conducting awareness campaigns, and developing a concept design for a national e-waste facility.
The project also sets the groundwork for subsequent phases involving detailed engineering design and eventual construction, subject to funding confirmation and development of a sound financial and economic model to ensure sustainability.
Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Specialist Role Home-based, the Environmental Specialist reports to the Project Manager who provides broad supervision and guidance.
The role provides ongoing technical assistance to ensure that all project activities align with relevant national environmental laws, UNOPS Environmental Management System (EMS), and DFAT’s safeguards and compliance standards.
The specialist will play a key role in ensuring that the environmental impacts of project interventions are identified, managed, and monitored throughout the project cycle.
Functional Responsibilities Programmatic responsibilities Reporting Communicatio...
Programmatic responsibilities Reporting Communication 1.
Programmatic responsibilities  Review and provide input to the updated feasibility study, focusing on environmental risks, regulatory gaps, and site suitability.
Advise on the environmental implications of the proposed concept design for the e-waste facility.
Support the Project Manager  in integrating environmental safeguards into implementation of e-waste policy and regulation, including EPR mechanisms.
Identify environmental permitting requirements and provide guidance on necessary documentation and timelines.
Review environmental aspects of the financial and economic modality (when conducted) to assess sustainability.
Provide technical input during detailed engineering design to ensure environmental considerations are incorporated, including climate resilience, waste minimization, and pollution control measures.
Participate in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes if required by PNG regulations and international standards.
Support training and awareness sessions for stakeholders on environmental risks related to e-waste.
Support monitoring of compliance with environmental standards and reporting requirements.
Advise on mitigation of any environmental issues during civil works and facility commissioning.
Lead the design and development of an environmental monitoring platform to track and report on environmental compliance across project activities.
Define environmental indicators, data collection methodology, and reporting frequency.
Work with UNOPS Project Manager and M&E  to ensure the platform integrates with the broader project monitoring framework.
Provide training and tools to capacity building of stakeholders.
2.
Reporting Provide technical reports and written inputs on environmental aspects of all deliverables across the project.
Develop and maintain a set of environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each project phase, aligned with national regulations and UNOPS standards.
Prepare the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project, including updates based on project progress and feedback from regulatory bodies.
Ensure documentation of permit requirements, approvals, and compliance tracking mechanisms.
Support the integration of environmental indicators and safeguards into the project’s overall Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework and monitoring platform.
Deliver periodic progress reports on environmental compliance and risk mitigation.
Document lessons learned and recommendations for continuous improvement of environmental safeguards throughout the lifecycle of the project.
3.
Communication Draft deliverables will be submitted for UNOPS Project Manager review and feedback within agreed timelines.
Feedback will be consolidated by the Project Manager, and the Environmental Specialist  will revise and resubmit as required.
Supporting the Project Manager on the design and implementation of targeted environmental awareness materials or sessions  to raise understanding of e-waste risks, mitigation strategies, and safeguards.
Contributing to project updates, donor reports, and presentations by providing verified environmental data and key messages.
Ensuring that all communications and public materials involving environmental content align with national regulations and UNOPS and DFAT branding and disclosure guidelines.
Documenting and addressing environmental-related grievances or concerns raised through the project’s feedback and grievance mechanism, in coordination with the M&E team.
Ad hoc calls may be scheduled as needed to review specific deliverables, reports, or indicators.
All deliverables, data requests, and updates will be shared via email, MS Teams, or the designated project file-sharing platform Preparing concise, accessible briefs or environmental summaries for both technical and non-technical audiences, including community stakeholders where appropriate.
Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Environmental Specialist directly impacts the environmental integrity, regulatory compliance, and overall sustainability of the e-waste management project in Papua New Guinea.
By ensuring that all project activities meet national environmental laws, UNOPS standards, and donor safeguards, the Specialist contributes to reducing environmental and health risks associated with e-waste while enhancing the resilience and long-term viability of project outcomes.
The quality and timeliness of technical guidance, monitoring frameworks, and environmental safeguards provided by the Specialist directly influence the credibility and effectiveness of UNOPS as a trusted partner in sustainable infrastructure and waste management solutions.
Successful performance strengthens the organization’s reputation for delivering environmentally responsible projects, increases the visibility of UNOPS in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region, and consolidates its competitive position as a partner of choice for governments and donors in advancing sustainable development initiatives.
Competencies Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization.
Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same.
Upholds organizational and ethical norms.
Maintains high standards of trustworthiness.
Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.
Collaborates and supports the development of others.
For people managers only.
Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first.
Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal.
Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas.
Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them.
Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment.
Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements.
Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior.
Performance is consistent, even under pressure.
Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions.
Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks.
Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.
Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others.
Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge.
Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education/Experience/Language requirements Education.
Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equi...
Education.
Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience.
Five (5) years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree (or 7 years’ of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree) in the environmental impact assessment, environmental management, or regulatory advisory in e-waste management.
Experience working in the Pacific Region is an advantage.
Language.
Fluency and proficiency in English is required.
Proficiency in another UN language is desirable.
Contract type, level and duration Contract type.
International Individual Contractual Agreement (IICA) Contrac...
Contract type.
International Individual Contractual Agreement (IICA) Contract level.
ICS 10 / IICA 2 / LICA 10 Contract duration.
12 months For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link.
https://www.
nops.
rg/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.
spx   Disclaimer.
When the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) has established the National Professional Officer (NPO) category in a duty station, a home-based Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) will be issued instead of an International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)   This is a Retainer position, not a full-time position.
Retainers may be requested to carry out tasks on an intermittent and need basis.
There are no minimum hours or days guaranteed.
For home-based position, it will be the responsibility of the selected candidate to make arrangements, to a standard deemed acceptable by UNOPS, for a secure internet connections, laptop and/or equipment necessary for work (as defined by UNOPS).
For home-based positions, candidates must have the necessary permissions to work in their home base location without sponsorship from UNOPS.
Additional Information Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applic...
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity.
Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement.
We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.
If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions  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 (they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract.
Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers.
For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks.
In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel.
Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.