Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) Associate- 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 and the Hub HSSE Specialist. The HSSE Associate will provide technical expertise to support the implementation and monitoring of effective health, safety, social, and environmental measures for projects, ensuring compliance with UNOPS HSSE systems and international best practices.

The incumbent will play a vital role in establishing safe workplaces, managing environmental risks, and fostering a culture of HSSE excellence throughout the project lifecycle.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in preparing all HSSE documentation as per UNOPS requirements for review and approval by the Supervisor.

• Support in review and update HSSE management plans to ensure they remain current and aligned with project needs.

• Support the project team in conducting risk assessments and implementing effective preventative and corrective measures for identified HSSE hazards.

• Contribute to planning and conducting workplace inspections, ensuring timely closure of findings in coordination with responsible personnel.

• Facilitate awareness-raising sessions on HSSE and Protection against Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment- PSEAH matters for project staff, contractors, and stakeholders.

• Assist in preparing incident reports, investigations, and follow-ups, ensuring closure of all HSSE incidents and action items.

• Assist in preparing reports related to PSEAH matters.

• Assist in developing monthly HSSE reports and analyze leading indicators to inform decision-making processes.

2. HSSE Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct regular and ad hoc field inspections and monitoring visits to project sites, identifying non-conformities (e.g., unsafe work practices, hazards in excavations, or work at heights) and ensuring their resolution.

• Assist in organizing and participate in regular HSSE meetings with contractors and UNOPS project team, documenting action items and ensuring follow-ups.

3. HSSE Compliance and Risk Mitigation

• Support in ensuring full compliance with UNOPS HSSE requirements across all project phases.

• Assist in implementing measures to minimize hazards and environmental impacts, promoting adherence to local environmental regulations and international standards.

• Assist in monitoring and evaluating contractor compliance with approved HSSE plans and provide recommendations for improvement as needed.

• 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 as per the required cost and quality parameters. Ensure that projects design and construction are prepared and performed with high quality, while observing the applicable local, international and UN standards and ensure adherence to relevant Health, Safety, Security and Environmental procedures and PSEAH measures are implemented throughout the project implementation, as per the country PSEAH action plan.

Education

• A Technical Diploma in related fields is required.

• A Bachelor degree and a masters degree may substitute for some of the years of experience

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) management is required with a technical diploma, including at least 1 year dedicated to managing and implementing health and safety aspects of projects.

• With a Bachelor’s degree, the required experience is reduced to 3 years, with at least 1 year focused on managing and implementing health and safety aspects of projects.

• With a Master’s degree, the required experience is further reduced to 1 year, at least 1 year focused on managing and implementing health and safety aspects of projects.

• Proven experience in conducting health and safety risk assessments, inspections, incident investigations, and facilitating related training sessions is required.

• Familiarity with third-party certification audits for Health and Safety or Environmental Management is highly desirable.

• Previous experience working with UN agencies or other international humanitarian and development organizations is highly desirable.

• High proficiency in computer usage and specialized software or platforms relevant to HSSE management is highly desirable.

• Experience with the G-Suite platform, including Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Google Slides, is highly desirable.

Certification

• Certification in Occupational Health and Safety, such as NEBOSH IGC1, IGC2, GC3, or OHSAS 18001, is highly desirable.

Languages

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

• Working knowledge of the French Language is an asset.