Chief Technical Specialist
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises and shocks. UNDP is recognized for its role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is an accredited Implementing Agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund, among other funds. It employs thousands of staff worldwide, contributing to its mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Job Overview:
The Chief Technical Specialist (CTS) will play a pivotal role in leading the implementation of environmental and social safeguards compliance and risk management for the Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Management Project in Iraq. This position requires extensive technical expertise in environmental management, particularly in the context of hazardous chemicals and waste management. The CTS will be responsible for establishing a project-level environmental and social safeguards compliance system, ensuring adherence to international standards and national regulations. The role involves providing technical guidance, conducting assessments, and overseeing the implementation of various project components aimed at addressing the significant environmental and public health risks associated with hazardous chemicals in Iraq. The CTS will work closely with government counterparts, UNDP teams, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of project objectives and outcomes.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Climate Change, or Toxicology. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in environmental management principles and practices, particularly in relation to hazardous chemicals and waste management.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, with a master's degree, or 9 years with a bachelor's degree. Candidates should have substantial experience in providing technical advice, conducting research, and managing complex projects related to environmental management, particularly in the context of hazardous chemicals and waste. Experience in Iraq or the Arab region, with an understanding of the local social, cultural, and political context, is highly desirable.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation.
Additional Notes:
This position is open to both internal and external applicants, and UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a multidisciplinary team environment. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and adheres to strict standards against harassment and discrimination.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises and shocks. UNDP is recognized for its role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is an accredited Implementing Agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund, among other funds. It employs thousands of staff worldwide, contributing to its mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Job Overview:
The Chief Technical Specialist (CTS) will play a pivotal role in leading the implementation of environmental and social safeguards compliance and risk management for the Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Management Project in Iraq. This position requires extensive technical expertise in environmental management, particularly in the context of hazardous chemicals and waste management. The CTS will be responsible for establishing a project-level environmental and social safeguards compliance system, ensuring adherence to international standards and national regulations. The role involves providing technical guidance, conducting assessments, and overseeing the implementation of various project components aimed at addressing the significant environmental and public health risks associated with hazardous chemicals in Iraq. The CTS will work closely with government counterparts, UNDP teams, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of project objectives and outcomes.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the implementation of the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and UNDP Social and Environmental Standards, ensuring compliance with national environmental regulations.
- Establish and maintain a project-level environmental and social safeguards compliance system, covering all project activities, including technical studies, field investigations, and contractor operations.
- Review project activities for environmental and social risks, advising the Project Manager on necessary safeguards instruments and mitigation measures.
- Provide technical clearance on Environmental and Social Management Plans and other safeguards instruments required under the ESCP/ESF.
- Monitor compliance of consultants and contractors with environmental and social safeguards, identifying non-compliance and recommending corrective actions.
- Oversee the handling and disposal of hazardous wastes, ensuring worker and community health and safety.
- Conduct technical assessments of POPs, hazardous chemicals, and contaminated sites, providing quality assurance for national inventories and assessments.
- Establish a technical quality assurance framework for project components, ensuring adherence to defined review gates and technical acceptance criteria.
- Engage with stakeholders to build strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization for project initiatives. 1
- Document lessons learned and provide technical guidance for capacity development initiatives related to hazardous chemicals management.
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Climate Change, Toxicology, or a closely related discipline. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with additional qualifying experience may be considered.
- Minimum 7 years of relevant work experience at the national or international level in providing technical advice, conducting research, and managing complex projects in environmental management or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, preparing plans, and achieving quality results in project implementation.
- Proven expertise in POPs inventories, hazardous waste management, and environmental risk assessment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex environmental challenges.
Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Climate Change, or Toxicology. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in environmental management principles and practices, particularly in relation to hazardous chemicals and waste management.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, with a master's degree, or 9 years with a bachelor's degree. Candidates should have substantial experience in providing technical advice, conducting research, and managing complex projects related to environmental management, particularly in the context of hazardous chemicals and waste. Experience in Iraq or the Arab region, with an understanding of the local social, cultural, and political context, is highly desirable.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation.
Additional Notes:
This position is open to both internal and external applicants, and UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a multidisciplinary team environment. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and adheres to strict standards against harassment and discrimination.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.