Environmental and Social Risk Management Advisor - (Homebased Retainer) at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Analytical and Technical Tasks:

• Participate and provide advice in the rolling out of TSU Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management as a service to UNOPS projects, including the design of E&S instruments and systems, and their implementation in line with donor requirements.
• Advise business development and project teams strategically on integrating E&S considerations into proposals and pipeline development, ensuring that safeguards enhance competitiveness and donor confidence.
• Prepare, review, and oversee project- and site-specific E&S instruments, including Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), and Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP).
• Advise project teams on screening, risk categorisation, and stakeholder consultations, framing these not only as compliance requirements but also as opportunities to strengthen partnerships with governments, donors, and communities.
• Advise on and verify the implementation of mitigation and corrective measures, including spot checks and reporting, and guide project teams strategically on balancing compliance, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Provide strategic oversight and input into the monitoring and reporting of E&S performance for assigned projects, ensuring that indicators and impacts are captured in ways that inform donor dialogue, portfolio learning, and decision-making.
• Communicate TSU services regionally and provide guidance to project leads on how E&S integration can strengthen portfolio growth and positioning.

Capacity Building:

• Deliver training and capacity-building on E&S tools and frameworks for project teams, as well as for new TSU and UNOPS personnel.
• Impact of Results:
• Relevant project activities related to E&S risk management are successfully implemented.
• UNOPS personnel capacity in E&S risk management is strengthened.
• UNOPS remains compliant with E&S obligations.

 Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Education: 

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental or Social Science, or a related field, is required. 
• A bachelor’s degree in Environmental or Social Science or a related discipline with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience: 

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in environmental and/or social risk management analysis or implementation is required, with at least 4 of those years involving the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework.
• A proven track record in conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), preparing Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), and developing Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) is required.
• Experience in preparing other E&S instruments such as Labour Management Procedures, and Resettlement Policy Frameworks (RPF) is desirable.
• Candidates with experience in rural infrastructure projects will be given preference.
• Experience with other E&S policy frameworks is also desirable.