Afghanistan: Environmental and Social Management Officer

Apr 2, 2019 | UN Office of Project Services
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The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to implementing projects for the United Nations System, international financial institutions, governments and other partners around the world. The organization's global headquarters is located on the UN City campus in Copenhagen, Denmark. UNOPS implements more than $1 billion worth of peace and security, humanitarian and development projects for its partners every year, operating in more than 80 countries. Its activities have ranged from managing the construction of schools in Afghanistan, to building shelters in Haiti, to procuring ambulances to support the Ebola response in Liberia.

Qualification and Experience

A. Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or Social Science is required.
  • ESM WB training is an advantage.

B. Experience

  • At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in Environmental Engineering Management.
  • Previous experience in ESM in any one of the following: Government Offices, Banks, NGOs, UN Agencies or an International Organization.
  • Previous experience working in a UN project is advantageous.
  • Previous experience in mentoring and training counterparts an asset.
  • Previous experience working in post conflict countries will be an advantage.
  • Excellent English skills, both written and verbal.

C. Languages

  • Fluency in English both written and verbal is required.

D. Key Competencies

  • Excellent computer skills and advanced knowledge of MS Office is required.
  • Ability to operate other ESM data base software/programs would be advantages.
  • Able to communicate fluently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen, respect for colleagues and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to speak, read and write Dari and/or Pashto would be advantages.
  • Able to work under pressure.
  • Demonstrated ability to train and build capacity of counterparts
  • Proven organisational, negotiation and problem-solving skills
  • Able and willing to travel to all provinces within Afghanistan, including insecure and volatile areas.
  • Able to demonstrate attention to detail and patience.
  • Ability to overcome challenges and work in difficult work environments/conditions.The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and UNOPS.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Government of Afghanistan, with the support of the World Bank (WB), aims to construct the Trans-Hindukush Road Connectivity Project (THRCP). This includes improving and upgrading the 156km Baghlan to Bamyan Highway, rehabilitation of the 86km Salang Pass and developing new modalities to ensure sustainable future maintenance of this critical infrastructure. This road has a significant role to play, not only for the current traffic movement, including strategic movement of goods and freight between Northern provinces and Capital of the Country; but also as part of a wider regional resource corridor, which is already targeted as a priority to construct.

The overall objectives are to improve the Trans-Hindukush road connectivity in order to provide all year-round access and enhance local as well as international trade and regional integration. Furthermore, the improved roads will increase security by reducing the time to respond to local, regional, or national incidents, facilitate access to social services and provide new regional trade opportunities including agriculture and mining.

UNOPS has been selected as the Implementation Consultant (IC) to support the government Project Management Team (PMT) who are tasked with the design, implementation and overall management of the THRCP. This UNOPS IC remit includes technical assistance, capacity building and institutional strengthening of the PMT, along with supporting overarching strategic development needs of the Ministry of Public Works as appropriate.

Functional Responsibilities

The ESM Officer will work under the direct supervision of the UNOPS IC International Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist, along with the leadership of the IC Team Leader. They will be the focal point to coordinate between PMT, CSU, IC, MoPW, Contractors and other relevant agencies all ESM management procedures, activities and monitoring requirements, both in Kabul and on-site during implementation of THRCP contracts, along with supporting electronic systems for donor requirements. Duties include, but not limited to:

  • Providing support, assistance and coordination of daily ESM activities under the PMT, CSU, IC, Contractors and wider government agencies and stakeholders engaged in the process.
  • Assisting with collection of required ESM data and information from external parties and organizations.
  • Contributing to the ESM management and reporting processes, including the elaboration, monitoring and implementation of ESM activities for monthly operations, coordination to resolve issues, training workshops and other related activities.

Specific responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintenance of all records and files related to ESM activities
  • Assist in preparation of ESM requests and processing through PMT, CSU, IC, MoPW and other agencies/stakeholders as required.
  • Coordinate all ESM reports and findings between CSU and PMT for ensuring implementation of ESIA provisions especially social development issues during RAP and ESMP implementation.
  • Coordinate and ensure that all project activities and their implementation are in compliance with approved ESIA, ESMP and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)
  • Carry out consultation with ESM section and CSU for the unification of the reports and findings.
  • Support and facilitate the ESM section of PMT and CSU ESM Officers in implementing completion audits upon completion of the projects and facilitate women’s participation in completion audits.
  • Support the ESM Unit and provide input related to gender issues and mainstreaming within project activities into any ad hoc progress reports, briefs, periodical reports and statistical data as required by the PMT, Donor and MPW.
  • Identify training needs of the key counterparts and support the ESMU in the development and delivery of identified trainings.
  • Provide input on gender-specific activities into Regional monthly reports on project progress highlighting relevant implementation challenges and measures to address such challenges as they arise and ensure timely reporting to the ESMU at all times.
  • Assistance to PMT ESM Team on preparation of reports.
  • Assist with maintaining all documentation related ESM for World Bank and regional office of UNOPS. Coordinate closely with the PMT/CSU to ensure timely, effective and efficient reporting
  • Arrange ESM meetings with THRCP stakeholders, including the World Bank, MoF, MPW and other agencies as needed to support development, implementation and monitoring of ESM activities.
  • Assist PMT/CSU for the timely and regular submission of reports to the management and donors as per the agreed reporting schedules.
  • Research and assess best practice and knowledge from other ministry offices, donors and international sources that could be utilized by MPW to improve its performance.Any other duties commensurate with role as may be required.