Job Description

Background information – East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office (ESAMCO):

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, ESAMCO manages a growing portfolio across East and Southern Africa. Its operations centre in Nairobi oversees transactional projects in partnership with agencies such as UN-Habitat and UNEP, and operational projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Background information – Technical Services Unit (TSU):

The TSU, based in Nairobi under the Director of ESAMCO, provides multidisciplinary design, design review, and advisory services. The team includes permanent staff and more than 80 retainer consultants, such as architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, GIS specialists, CAD technicians, and other infrastructure practitioners.

Current and recent projects span Africa, Asia, and Europe. They include design, assessment, and advisory assignments for horizontal and vertical infrastructure, as well as initiatives promoting environmental protection and community-driven development.

Role of the Social Risk Management Specialist:

The TSU has seen growing demand for environmental and social risk management support, particularly in projects funded by the World Bank and other multilateral or bilateral partners. To meet these requirements, the TSU is recruiting additional E&S(Environmental & Social) consultants. The consultants are expected to work independently and undertake travel as required, with associated costs covered by UNOPS in accordance with its policies.

 Functional Responsibilities

1. Analytical and Technical Tasks:

• Support 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.
• Support the business development and project teams in integrating E&S considerations into proposals and pipeline development, ensuring that safeguards enhance competitiveness and donor confidence.
• Contribute to the preparation and quality assurance of project- and site-specific E&S instruments such as Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs), including stakeholder consultations and coordination with specialist retainers where required.
• Support project teams with screening and social risk categorisation, ensuring appropriate instruments and tools are applied by all project implementers.
• Support project teams in the implementation of social risk mitigation and corrective measures, including triggering actions where needed and conducting spot checks to confirm compliance.
• Support monitoring and reporting on E&S performance, including tracking indicators, compiling inputs on impacts and mitigation measures, and contributing to project and donor reports.
• Support the design and implementation of project Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM) to strengthen accountability and stakeholder engagement.

2. Capacity Building:

Contribute to capacity-building efforts by helping deliver training on E&S tools and frameworks for project teams, new TSU staff, 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.

Experiences and Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in social development work is required, with at least 3 of those years focused on social risk management tasks.
• Experience with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework is required.
• Proven track record in stakeholder consultations and grievance redress mechanisms 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.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English is required. 
• Proficiency in French is desirable.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

 Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Skills Required

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