Organization: UNOPS – United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Addis Ababa
Grade: Junior level – LICA-9, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
Public Health and Health Service
Environment
Security and Safety
Closing Date: 2025-01-15
Job categories Engineering, Health, Safety and Environment
Vacancy code VA/2025/B5333/29495
Department/office AFR, ETMCO, Ethiopia MCO
Duty station Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract type Local ICA Specialist
Contract level LICA Specialist-9
Duration Ongoing Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’
Application period 02-Jan-2025 to 15-Jan-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Responsibilities
- Project Implementation
- Technical Assistance
- Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Stakeholder Management, Coordination, and Liaison
- Knowledge Management and Innovation
- Personnel Management
1. Project Implementation
- Support the development and implementation of HSSE plans, policies, and procedures for the assigned project(s) in accordance with UNOPS and donor requirements.
- Plan and conduct regular construction site inspections and support the project team in follow-up with responsible personnel to ensure findings are timeously closed.
- Provide technical guidance and support to project staff and contractors on HSSE-related matters.
- Ensure effective implementation of risk management strategies to minimize occupational hazards and environmental impacts.
- Act as HSSE Coordinator for the MCO, when assigned
2. Technical Assistance
- Provide technical assistance to project teams on the implementation of HSSE aspects of project design, procurement, and construction activities.
- Monitor the implementation of Environmental and Social Monitoring and Management Plans (ESMPs) by contractors around project sites.
- Evaluate practices and procedures including risk assessments at construction sites to assess risks and adherence to UNOPS HSSE requirements.
- Advise on the selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safety measures.
- Support the integration of HSSE considerations into project monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Support the recording and investigation of incidents (including near misses) to determine the cause and to propose improvements to processes in the future.
- Coordination & Support HSSE Offices Inspection/Plans
- Support & Assure Project HSSE Planning
3. Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation of HSSE measures on the project(s) and prepare regular reports on compliance, incidents, and corrective actions.
- Ensure adherence and compliance to the UNOPS HSSE reporting requirements of project HSSE activities to ensure effective monitoring of project performance.
- Analyze data and trends to identify potential risks and areas for improvement.
- Contribute to the development of project progress reports and participate in project review meetings.
4. Stakeholder Management, Coordination, and Liaison
- Collaborate with project stakeholders, including government authorities, contractors, and local communities to promote awareness and compliance with HSSE requirements.
- Coordinate with relevant authorities and agencies to ensure adherence to applicable HSSE regulations and standards.
- Participate in meetings, workshops, and training sessions to share knowledge and best practices on HSSE.
- Support and implement Corporate HSSE initiatives to support the improvement of HSSE culture at both Country Office and project sites.
- Coordination with Regional HSSE Specialists.
5. Knowledge Management and Innovation
- Promote & Mainstream HSSE Culture across the MCO
- Stay updated on emerging HSSE trends, technologies, and best practices and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
- Share lessons learned, success stories, and innovative approaches related to HSSE with the project team and stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of HSSE-related guidance documents, tools, and training materials.
- Facilitate HSSE and PSEAH Trainings
- Facilitate Training & Oversight of PSEAH as requested
6. Personnel Management
- Provide guidance and support to project staff on HSSE matters, including training and capacity building initiatives.
- Foster a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement within the project team.
- Promote teamwork, collaboration, and a positive work environment among project staff.
- Facilitate Capacity building and training program on HSSE
- Support the HSSE Coordinator with the Management of the established HSSE Resource Pool
Note: The above summary of functions provides a general overview of the responsibilities and tasks associated with the HSSE Senior Officer position. Additional duties may be assigned based on the HAMCO specific requirements and the organization’s needs.
Impact of Results
The Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Senior Officer (HSSE Senior Officer) directly impacts on achievement of the MCO Programme and Infrastructure unit specifically. Notably, The HSSE Senior Officer will contribute to implementing best practices in HSSE and overall organizational maturity in the related products.
This consequently reinforces the image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in Infrastructure project management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and Project Services.
Requirements
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Science, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field is required.
- A combination of a Bachelor’s degree in the above subjects, along with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
- Additional certifications or specialized training in HSSE management, risk assessment, incident investigation or related areas are desirable.
Experience:
- A minimum of at least two (2) years of experience in Construction, infrastructure, or development projects is required.
- At least one (1) year demonstrated experience in implementing HSSE measures, conducting risk assessments, and developing HSSE plans and procedures is required.
- Experience in providing technical assistance and guidance on HSSE issues to project teams and stakeholders is an asset.
- Experience providing training on HSSE related topics is highly desirable;
- Experience developing and implementing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) is an advantage;
- Knowledge of international HSSE standards, regulations, and best practices is preferred.
- Familiarity with environmental management systems and sustainable practices is highly desirable.
- Experience in monitoring and reporting on HSSE performance (leading and lagging indicators) is an asset.
- Proven ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders at various levels, including government agencies, contractors, and local communities is desired.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate HSSE concepts and promote a culture of safety is preferred.
- Experience in personnel management, including training and capacity building initiatives, is desirable.
- Familiar with planning tools such as MS Projects (or similar) and web-based applications and Google-Suite products, especially google docs, sheets, slides and form and other relevant software tools is desirable.
- Strong problem-solving skills are an asset.
Language:
- Fluency in spoken, written and reading English is required
- Fluency in spoken, written and reading local language (Amharic) is required
- Knowledge of other UN languages will be considered an asset.
How to apply
Simply click on the apply button, fill out of the form, upload your documents