HSSE Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a workforce of over 7,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides essential project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions and has been involved in approximately 1,000 projects at any given time, often in challenging environments. The UNOPS Ethiopia Office, established in 2009, has been instrumental in providing services to partners including the Government of Ethiopia and various UN agencies. The Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) manages UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Djibouti, employing around 100 staff members who offer a wide range of services including infrastructure and project management.

Job Overview:
The HSSE Officer will play a critical role in providing technical expertise and support for the implementation of Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) measures in South Sudan and related projects. This position involves coordinating HSSE practices on construction sites, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations, and fostering a culture of safety and environmental sustainability. The HSSE Officer will be responsible for providing technical support to projects, conducting training and capacity building for UNOPS and contractor personnel, and managing knowledge and innovation in HSSE practices. The role requires extensive travel to project sites to oversee and promote best HSSE practices, working under the supervision of the Project Manager and reporting to the MCO HSSE Coordinator. The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of organizational standards and best practices in HSSE planning and delivery, while also taking on construction management responsibilities on selected sites.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Implementation: Implement and monitor HSSE plans and civil engineering construction procedures in alignment with UNOPS and donor requirements. Supervise construction activities to ensure HSSE and quality compliance, conduct regular site inspections, and provide technical assistance on HSSE and construction methodologies. Implement risk management strategies to address occupational hazards and environmental impacts.
• Technical Assistance: Support project design and procurement through technical assistance on HSSE and civil engineering disciplines. Oversee the integration of Environmental and Social Management Plans into site activities, evaluate construction practices, and review design documents to ensure compliance with HSSE policies. Assist contractors in planning construction activities and support incident investigations.
• Project Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor and report on HSSE performance and construction quality, analyze performance data to identify risks, and prepare detailed progress reports.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with government agencies and contractors to ensure compliance with HSSE regulations, facilitate communication between contractors and project management teams, and participate in workshops to disseminate best practices.
• Knowledge Management: Promote a culture of safety and sustainability, maintain documentation of HSSE deliverables, contribute to lessons learned, and facilitate training programs on HSSE and construction techniques.

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Natural Science, or a related field is required. A Diploma Certificate in Health and Safety Management or related disciplines, combined with four years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor's degree. An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) is an added advantage, along with additional certifications in HSSE management or related areas.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or Civil Engineering. A Diploma in Health and Safety Management or related fields, along with substantial work experience, may substitute for a Bachelor's degree. Advanced degrees and specialized training in HSSE management are desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience in Health Safety Social and/or Environmental management is required. Candidates should have experience in planning, supervising, and managing construction activities, conducting risk assessments, and developing HSSE procedures. Experience with Environmental and Social Management Plans and providing technical support on HSSE topics is highly desirable. Familiarity with project management software and the ability to work in challenging environments are essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both spoken and written. Basic knowledge of Juba Arabic is an advantage, and knowledge of other UN languages will be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) at level 8, with a contract duration of 12 months. This role is open to South Sudanese nationals in various duty stations including Juba, Yambio, Maban, Malakal, Leer, Rumbek Center, and Pariang. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates should be prepared for background checks and may need to arrange their own secure internet connection and equipment for work.