Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-Country Office (ETMCO) exciting career opportunity UNOPS-ETMCO is recruiting for this position: Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) Specialist, based in Juba, South Sudan Qualified women (female) candidates are encouraged to apply. The Health ,Social, Safety and Environment (HSSE) Specialist will report directly to the Senior Project Manager to ensure full coordination of environment and social issues for the social protection portfolio, and with the different project teams. In general, the main duties of the HSSE Specialist include ensuring compliance with local regulations and UNOPS rules as it relates to occupational health and safety, social, and environmental management, and to provide advice, training on measures needed to minimize hazards and environmental impacts in sub-project project sites and site offices. The HSSE Specialist needs to establish a safe workplace according to legal standards and foster a culture of attention to health, safety, social and environment management in all work sites throughout the projects’ life cycle.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions/Key Results Expected 1) Implementing Best Practice in HSSE at the SNSOP Project Level

2) Assurance and Technical Support on Health and Safety matters

3) Assurance and Technical Support on Environmental And Social Management

4)Training and Knowledge Management

5) Monitoring and progress control

More specifically, the HSSE Specialist will be responsible for the following substantive tasks: 1) Implementing Best Practice in HSSE at the SNSOP Project Level

•  Ensure that all Health & Safety policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to and are regularly reviewed, updated and communicated;
•  Support the production and review health, safety, social and environmental management plans, on a regular basis and ensure these are up to date at all times;
•  Conduct risk assessment and enforce preventative measures on HSSE;
•  Prepare reports on incidents (including near misses) and compile statistical information to present to management on HSSE matters;
•  Ensure a safe workplace environment is maintained at all times without risk to the health and safety of everyone including workers, UNOPS staff, other stakeholders and the general public;
•  Support the recording and investigate incidents (including near misses) to determine the cause and to propose improvements to processes in the future;
•  Support with all aspects of relevant health, safety & welfare at work legislation and communicate relevant changes to the stakeholders;
•  Assist installations, maintenance and disposal of substances, plant and equipment etc. to ensure they are done in conformity with applicable laws and industry best practice.

2) Assurance and Technical Support on Health and Safety matters

•  Support project staff, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders on various safety, health, social and environmental matters related to project implementation;
•  Support the Programme/Projects’ teams in raising awareness on health and safety issues among project staff, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders and within UNOPS in general, working closely with the UNOPS country team, Regional and Head Quarter HSE Unit.

3) Assurance and Technical Support on Environmental And Social Management

•  Roll out the Environmental and Social Management Framework in consultation with the World Bank and the Government of South Sudan;
•  Provide technical advice to project developers and SPM on what needs to be included in project proposals to embed HSSE management into new projects;
•  Carrying out environmental and social screening process of site specific activities that will be conducted by communities;
•  Ensure that appropriate social instruments and tools are applied across the Project as set out on the ESMF.

4)Training and Knowledge Management

•  Carry out training and capacity building on environmental tools and frameworks, especially for new staff in the UNOPS Offices.
•  Assist and conduct a structured programme of health & safety training (including a well-developed induction program) for project staff, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders.

5) Monitoring and progress control

•  Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the implementation of the ESMF;
•  Support the undertaking of monitoring and evaluation missions, as defined in the ESMF, to ensure capturing of all risks and impacts, as well as ensure that mitigation measures are implemented;
•  Handle additional assignments as directed by the Senior Project Manager to Monitor the implementation of instruments, such as the GBV/SEA and Child Protection Action Plan , Labour Management Procedures and Grievance Redress Mechanism;
•  Support the project with documentation of HSSE inspections, audits and checks.

Final Product

•  Requested tasks are delivered in a timely and efficient manner and according to UNOPS procedures to meet project requirements;
•  Accurate, well organized and complete information and records;
•  Client satisfaction based on feedback and performance indicators.

Competencies

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.

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

•  Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Social Science ,Health and Safety Management, Natural Sciences, Environmental Management or related discipline is required or related field;
•  Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Health and Safety Management, Natural Sciences, Environment Management or related, in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of a Masters Degree.

Experience

•  Five (5) years of progressive experience in Health and Safety, Social and Environmental Management, or related experience is required;
•  Work experience or knowledge on environment and social safeguards with International Financial Institution (e.g. World Bank or Africa Development Bank) is an asset;
•  Skills in advisory support and capacity building, are desirable;
•  Experience working in South Sudan is an asset;
•  Experience in a conflict/post-conflict context is an asset.

Language Requirement:

•  Fluency in English (writing, reading and speaking) is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) Contract level: LICA 10- Specialist Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’ For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx This is a local position, and hence is open to South Sudanese nationals only.Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement Contract level: LICA 8- Specialist Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’ For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement Contract level: LICA 8- Specialist Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’ For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

•  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.
•  Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority 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. 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.

Background Information -South Sudan

The UNOPS South Sudan office helps a wide range of local and international partners improve the lives of the South Sudanese people by implementing infrastructure and procurement projects. All UNOPS operations have an increasing emphasis on developing national capacities and considering gender, environmental and community concerns. UNOPS is working in a range of sectors in South Sudan including: transport, education, health, post-conflict stabilization and emergency response.