Lead Environmental Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to support the implementation of projects and programs in various sectors, UNOPS operates globally with a focus on sustainable development. The organization has a significant presence in Europe and Central Asia, managing operations across multiple countries including the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Türkiye. UNOPS aims to achieve sustainable impact in areas such as health, education, environmental management, housing, rule of law, good governance, economic development, and social inclusion. With a wealth of experience in procurement, infrastructure, project management, and grant management, UNOPS directly implements projects and provides technical advisory services to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in support of national governments. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships with national institutions, local authorities, civil society, and international financial institutions to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Lead Environmental Engineer position is designed to support the implementation of nationally significant remediation projects within an international organization. This role provides practical exposure to site-level remediation challenges and the application of environmental engineering solutions in accordance with national regulatory requirements. The Lead Environmental Engineer will collaborate with national institutions, contractors, and technical stakeholders involved in the remediation projects. The position requires a strong understanding of environmental engineering principles and practices, as well as the ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support to the implementation activities at the Delta-HCH small dumpsite, ensuring that all activities align with national environmental legislation and approved technical designs. This role also involves contributing to the review of contractor documentation, supporting site monitoring, and facilitating coordination with technical bodies to enable timely approvals and smooth implementation of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Expertise and Guidance: Provide technical expertise on environmental remediation activities, including site-specific assessments and risk assessments. Ensure compliance with national and international environmental legislation and permitting requirements. Review environmental impact assessments and remediation plans to ensure alignment with national regulatory frameworks. Support supervision of on-site remediation activities and verify technical compliance with approved designs and national standards.
• Project Management Support: Contribute to the development of detailed project work plans and implementation schedules. Develop site-specific technical specifications and Terms of Reference (ToRs) for remediation activities. Review and assess environmental impact assessments and contractor submissions for compliance with national legislation. Support monitoring of remediation activities and report on technical implementation issues.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assist the Project Manager in planning and coordinating environmental remediation activities. Engage with national authorities and contractors to facilitate smooth implementation. Collect, verify, and analyze environmental data, preparing technical reports and presentations for national stakeholders.
• Quality Assurance and Reporting: Share technical knowledge with project team members and local counterparts. Support the preparation of technical guiding materials and participate in workshops on environmental remediation practices. Document implementation progress, status, risks, and corrective measures in technical reports.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the same fields with 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable. A PhD in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field is desired but not mandatory. Candidates should possess strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, with a proven track record in producing quality technical reports and documentation. Relevant experience in environmental remediation, site assessment, and risk management is essential, along with practical experience in navigating national environmental permitting and regulatory processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree in the same or related fields with significant relevant experience. A PhD is preferred but not required. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in environmental principles, engineering practices, and regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental remediation and management.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in environmental remediation, site assessment, and risk management. Candidates should have experience working on international environmental projects, particularly in hazardous waste management. Practical experience in navigating national environmental permitting and regulatory processes is crucial. Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are necessary, with a history of producing quality technical reports and documentation. Experience in air pollution assessment and environmental compliance within industrial and hazardous waste management projects is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Macedonian and English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer, with a contract level of LICA 1

• The position is classified as mid-level (ICS 10) and is expected to last up to 50 workdays until December 2028, with the possibility of extension depending on project needs, budget availability, and individual performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on all final candidates to ensure a safe and respectful workplace.