Environmental Expert - Retainer, Multiple positions

The functions/duties/key results of the assignment 

The incumbent will operate under the direct supervision of Project Managers, Head of Programmes, Programme Management Advisor or their assignees, and in close coordination with the Programme and Partnerships teams, providing specialized expertise in construction and debris waste management. The role focuses on sustainable solid waste management practices, including damage assessments, debris handling, recycling, and disposal, ensuring compliance with local environmental regulations, as well as environmental and social (E&S) safeguards and best practices prescribed by the World Bank, European Union (EU), UNOPS Guidelines and practices including those concerned with HSSE. The incumbent will utilize advanced tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery for assessments, planning, and monitoring, ensuring effective project implementation and compliance with all regulations. Coordination with relevant local authorities regarding disposal sites will also be integral to the role.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Participate in reviewing development of sustainable solid waste management plans, including the reuse, recycling, and safe disposal of debris and construction waste.

• Review of solid waste management strategies/plans prepared by consultants to ensure their alignment with international E&S safeguards, local environmental regulations, and best practices prescribed by the World Bank and EU, and UNOPS HSSE guidelines and practices. Additionally, oversee contractors' implementation to ensure compliance with the same.

• Develop Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, scopes of work, bills of quantities, cost estimates, and detailed solid waste management plans, including for debris removal, recycling, and disposal.

• Assist in preparing tender documents for consultancy, supply, and works, ensuring they reflect sustainable solid waste management practices and E&S requirements.

• Participate in meetings and ensure effective coordination with other UN agencies and international organizations, joint UN task forces and other pertinent fora.

• Participate in utilizing and analyzing GIS tools and satellite imagery to conduct damage assessments, evaluate debris distribution, and map affected areas to inform waste management strategies.

• Participate in analyzing geospatial data to identify priority sites for debris collection, processing, and disposal, ensuring minimal environmental impact and adherence to E&S and local environmental standards.

• Integrate findings from damage assessments and spatial data into the overall waste management strategy to guide timely and effective debris handling.

• Coordinate with local  pertinent authorities and stakeholders to identify suitable, compliant waste disposal sites.

• Contribute to ensuring that selected disposal sites adhere to local environmental regulations, as well as international E&S safeguards and standards.

• Advise with respect to the necessary approvals and documentation required for the use of disposal sites, ensuring compliance with local regulations and environmental impact assessments (EIAs) where applicable.

• Regularly liaise with pertinent authorities to ensure that disposal activities are conducted in accordance with legal, environmental, and safety standards.

• Participate in overseeing the execution of solid waste management activities on-site, ensuring compliance with signed contracts, ensuring all activities are completed within the set timelines, budget, and quality standards.

• Participate in monitoring debris collection, recycling, and disposal processes, ensuring they align with the established pertinent waste management strategies, local regulations, and international E&S safeguards.

• Support in conducting site inspections and preparing detailed site visit reports, documenting work progress, challenges, and photographic evidence (before, during, and after).

• Monitor contractors’ compliance with the Quality Management Plan (QMP) and Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) standards, ensuring adherence to World Bank and EU E&S safeguards and local environmental regulations.

• Track and report on progress, challenges, and deviations using software (e.g. GIS, etc..) and other tools, etc..

• Coordinate and document meetings with consultants, contractors, technical teams, and other stakeholders, preparing minutes focused on waste management and compliance with local and international E&S requirements.

• Prepare regular progress reports, including photographic evidence (Before, during, and after), status updates, and lessons learned to ensure effective communication with stakeholders.

• Review and provide technical input on waste management designs, plans, and reports, ensuring they are compliant with local environmental regulations, UNOPS requirements, and international standards.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of waste management systems, recommending improvements based on field inspections, damage assessments, local regulations, and E&S guidelines.

• Ensure that all activities comply with applicable QA/QC standards, local regulatory requirements, and World Bank/EU E&S safeguards as well as UNOPS requirements.

• Archive and maintain comprehensive records related to debris and waste management, including GIS maps, site inspection reports, local environmental permits, E&S assessments, and project documentation.

• Assist in organizing, scheduling, and tracking waste management tasks, ensuring that all records and documentation are updated regularly and in compliance with reporting standards.

• The incumbent may be assigned additional relevant tasks as necessary to support project objectives and organizational goals.

Final Product

Deliver delegated tasks by the supervisor on time and in accordance with the required cost and quality parameters. Ensure that debris waste management projects are designed and executed with high quality, while adhering to applicable local, international, and UNOPS guidelines, . Participate in meetings and effectively coordinate with other UN agencies and international organizations meetings and fora. Ensure compliance with relevant Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental procedures, and ensure that Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) measures are implemented throughout the project, in line with the country’s PSEAH action plan.

Education 

• Master degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental specialities and other related disciplines from a recognized University is required. A Bachelor's degree with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree. 

• Possession of Project Management Certificates is an asset.

Work Experience 

• 2 years of experience in two or more of the following fields: Environment, Solid Waste Management, Waste Water Management, or Medical Waste Management, is required.

• Specific professional experience: minimum one (1) year of professional experience in preparing feasibility studies, management, implementation and evaluation of solid waste management projects is required.

• Experience in selecting and assessing dump sites and sanitary landfills is highly desirable.

• Experience in developing and implementing sustainable waste management plans that integrate recycling, reuse, and safe disposal practices is highly desirable.

• Experience in Environmental and Social (E&S) safeguards and best practices, specifically from the World Bank, EU, and other international organizations is required.

• Expertise in local environmental regulations related to waste disposal and debris management, with experience coordinating with local authorities for compliance is highly desirable.

• A strong background in GIS, satellite imagery, and damage assessment tools is desirable.

• Experience in computer design software, particularly “AutoCAD” is an asset.

• Demonstrated computer ability in using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.) is hihgly desirable.

• Experience in computer scheduling software, particularly Primavera and/or MS Projects is highly desirable.

• Work Experience with an international organization and/or UN Agencies will be well regarded.

Certifications (Desirable)

The below certificates are highly desirable:

• Certified Waste Manager (CWM).

• Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Certifications – Such as NEBOSH or OSHA.

• Certified Recycling Professional (CRP).

Languages

• Fluency and communication skills in English and Arabic are required.

• Working knowledge of the French Language is an asset