Quality Engineering Technician - Associate

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), headquartered in Bangkok, supports UNOPS operations across 24 countries in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific. Established in January 2023, EAPMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, and quality assurance to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of projects across its portfolio. EAPMCO implements initiatives in priority areas such as energy transition, climate change, and sustainable development, drawing on UNOPS' core expertise in human resources, procurement, infrastructure, fund management, and programme management.

UNOPS established its presence in Indonesia in 2005 following the Indian Ocean tsunami and has since invested over $200 million in projects across the country. Its work spans infrastructure development, fund management, procurement, and capacity building, addressing priority areas such as climate resilience, environmental protection, energy transition, health, education, and post-disaster recovery. UNOPS plays a key role in supporting post-COVID-19 economic recovery, including through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and provides advisory and technical assistance to other UN agencies. Projects in Indonesia contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as climate action, life on land and below water, responsible consumption, clean energy, infrastructure and innovation, health and well-being, and partnerships for sustainable development.

UNOPS EAPMCO was requested to support the delivery of a UNEP led Green Climate Fund project titled "Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro-meteorological hazards in Timor-Leste". Within the broader project, UNOPS is requested to provide both HR and procurement services for UNEP.

UNEP in Timor Leste

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

This consultancy is managed by UNEP’s Climate Early Warning and Capacity Building Unit in the   Climate Change Division. The Climate Early Warning and Capacity Building Unit is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information, and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment. In response to requests from the Member States, the Climate Early Warning and Capacity Building Unit builds country capacities in the collection, management, and use of environmental and climate data, information, and knowledge for early warning, planning, policymaking, preparedness, and response actions.

The Local Air Quality Technician will report to the UNEP Project Manager in the Project Management Unit in Dili and be supported by the UNOPS Project Manager for administration matters. 

Programme Information

The Local Air Quality Technician is responsible for establishment and operationalization of the air quality monitoring system in Timor-Leste by providing continuous technical assistance to ensure implementation of sub-activity 2.3.2 “Establishment of an air quality monitoring framework for Timor-Leste” of the GCF funded project titled “Enhancing Early Warning Systems to build greater resilience to hydro meteorological hazards in Timor Leste” (see full project document).

This sub-activity aims to establish a national air quality monitoring framework and enhance the capacity for climate data collection and analysis. The project aims to establish a hybrid ambient air quality monitoring system in Timor Leste, consisting of low-cost sensors for fine particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10), NO2 diffusion tubes, and reference grade particle counters, overlaid with MAIAC/Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) PM2.5 satellite data. The combined use of surface-based and satellite observations will facilitate the collection of high-resolution spatiotemporal air pollution data, providing a robust baseline of gaseous and particulate pollutants for the capital Dili and the nation. The project involves the development of a national air quality monitoring framework, technical training, and capacity building initiatives.

The project also involves development of a mobile application for health-related forecasts and advisories. This application will leverage hyperlocal air pollution data to generate real-time forecasts, warning alerts, and tailored health impact advisories. By integrating advanced data analytics with user-friendly mobile technology, the app will empower individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions that mitigate exposure risks. This initiative will be complemented by local stakeholder engagement workshops aimed at raising awareness about air pollution sources, associated health risks, and sustainable mitigation strategies. Through community-driven advocacy and enhanced accessibility to environmental data, this mobile platform will serve as a critical tool in fostering public health resilience and promoting ecosystem sustainability. 

The Local Air Quality Technician will provide assistance on the technical expertise and support for the establishment and operationalization of an air quality monitoring system in Timor-Leste, ensuring the functionality, reliability, and maintenance of the monitoring infrastructure. The role involves site selection, sensor deployment, data integration, capacity building, and collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders to enhance climate data collection and analysis for early warning and public health resilience.

1. Co-location and Site Selection

2. Technical Implementation and Field Support

3. Capacity Building and Training

1.Co-location and Site Selection

The consultant will identify, prepare, and secure sites for sensor deployment:

• Assist in conducting field assessments and identify co-location sites around critical exposure zones (e.g. schools near diesel power stations, hospitals, and waste burning areas etc.).

• Support the review of short listed locations in Dili, Baucau, Manatuto and the other municipalities based on technical suitability, access, exposure risk, and community relevance.

• Maintain regular coordination with end-users, contractors, consultants and local authorities to ensure smooth project implementation to secure permissions for sensor installation and access, following ANLA's draft decree on environmental monitoring.

• Help maintain the updated records and geospatial maps of sensor locations and assist in preparing site evaluation reports for the PMU and UNEP technical teams, in line with UNEP and GCF environmental and social safeguard policies.

• Assist in preparing technical and progress reports highlighting key achievements, delays, risks updates.

• Assist in maintaining good relationships with project neighbours and communities to promote smooth project execution. 

2. Technical Implementation and Field Support

The consultant will be required to provide hands-on technical assistance to ensure the functionality and reliability of the hybrid air quality monitoring infrastructure: 

• Carry out routine diagnostics and participate in troubleshooting of deployed air quality sensors (low-cost PM2.5/PM10 sensors, NO₂ sensors, and reference-grade instrument).

• Assist in integrating sensor-generated data into UNEP’s Open Data Management System, existing open data sharing platforms and ensure readiness to test APIs for system simulation in absence of live data.

• Help maintain , calibrate , and document routine validation of deployed sensors, including follow-up on co-location protocols with DNMG and Center of Education and Information for Environmental (CEIE) as per framework guidelines.

• Support the lead technical consultant in developing maintenance schedules and feedback loops with DNMG and ANLA on data quality assurance.

• Liaise with the National Designated Authority (NDA), Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Tourism and Environment to support technical alignment with existing national climate-health data systems.

• Assist in designing sensor dashboards and coordinate ground-truthing with satellite-based aerosol optical depth imagery (AOD) for hotspot mapping.

• Act as the local technical focal point liaising with the Project Management Unit and relevant stakeholders.

3. Capacity Building and Training

The consultant will contribute to national technical knowledge on air quality monitoring:

• Contribute to the delivery of capacity-building activities (with UNEP and RIMES) targeting DNMG, CEAI, ANLA, and MoH staff to strengthen long-term monitoring capacity.

• Participate in on-site mentoring during deployment and operation phases, ensuring local technicians are trained in maintenance, calibration, data handling, and interpretation.

• Liaise with the Climate and Health Working Group.

• Assist in the development and delivery of technical training programs on air quality monitoring, data management, quality assurance, and reporting for relevant stakeholders, including government officials, technicians, and community members.

• Help deliver the on-the-job training and mentoring to local staff involved in the operation and maintenance of air quality monitoring equipment.

• Facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development to enhance the capacity of local counterparts in managing and interpreting air quality data.

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions in Timor-Leste, to build national technical and analytical air quality monitoring capacities for data collection, management, and health.

Impact of Results 

The local air quality technician directly impacts the achievement of project results by supporting the establishment and operation of the first hybrid air quality monitoring network in the country.  This consequently will strengthen the visibility and image of UNEP among stakeholders to foster continued investment and replication of success demonstrated.

Required

• A high school diploma is the minimum academic requirement required for this role, plus 6 years of relevant professional experience OR

• Bachelor’s degree with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience in Engineering, or Environmental Science or other relevant discipline.

Required

• Relevant experience is work in troubleshooting air quality sensors and monitoring equipment, preferably in a similar context or geographic area or equivalent experience of working with other technical observation equipment.

• Experience in conducting site assessments and evaluations.

• Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems are required. 

Desired

• Technical knowledge of air quality monitoring principles, instrumentation, and data analysis techniques is an asset.

• Experience in selecting the location of monitoring stations and coordination with local authorities and stakeholders is preferred.

• Experience in developing and delivering training programs.

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
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