SES Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in 170 countries and territories, focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience to sustain progress. Established as the development arm of the United Nations, UNDP supports strategic capacity development initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth and sustainable human development. In Ukraine, UNDP has been active since 1993, collaborating with the government, local authorities, civil society, and communities to address the country's development challenges. The organization emphasizes partnerships with national, regional, and local governments, civil society, and the private sector to support Ukraine's efforts in poverty elimination, capacity development, environmental sustainability, and democratic governance. UNDP's Social and Environmental Standards (SES) guide its programming to ensure risk-informed, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable development results, and the organization is committed to institutionalizing SES compliance across all portfolios and projects in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The SES Analyst will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with UNDP's Social and Environmental Standards (SES) within the Ukraine Country Office. This position involves project-level review and clearance at various milestones throughout the project cycle, including both the design and implementation phases. The SES Analyst will serve as the focal point for ensuring that UNDP Ukraine's portfolios align with SES while adhering to Ukrainian regulatory frameworks, particularly in areas such as environmental impact assessment, labor protection, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires a strong understanding of both International Financial Institutions policies and Ukrainian law to effectively embed sustainability, risk mitigation, and social inclusion into development programming. Additionally, the SES Analyst will work closely with program and project colleagues to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, ensuring that all implementations reflect UNDP's commitment to being a gender-responsive organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SES Analyst will be responsible for a variety of duties, including leading the application of the Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) to ensure compliance with UNDP SES and Ukrainian legislation. This includes advising on the integration of SES requirements with applicable Ukrainian laws, providing technical guidance to project teams throughout the project cycle, and supporting the identification and management of emerging risks. The analyst will also oversee the design and implementation of environmental and social instruments, monitor projects for social and environmental risks, and serve as a technical advisor to the CO SES Committee. Furthermore, the SES Analyst will guide project teams on stakeholder engagement best practices, oversee grievance redress mechanisms, and contribute to capacity building through training sessions and workshops for project staff and partners. The role also involves documenting challenges and lessons learned from SES implementation and contributing to corporate reporting requirements related to SES.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Social Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety, Sustainable Development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned areas, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered. Applicants with a master’s degree are not required to have professional work experience, while those with a bachelor’s degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in applying environmental and social standards, safeguard policies, or risk management systems in development or public sector projects.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Social Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety, Sustainable Development, or a related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in these areas will be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience, demonstrating the importance of both education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the SES Analyst position varies based on educational qualifications. Candidates with a master’s degree are not required to have prior professional experience, while those with a bachelor’s degree must have at least two years of relevant experience in applying environmental and social standards, safeguard policies, or risk management systems in development or public sector contexts. This experience should ideally include working with international safeguard standards and Ukrainian legislation related to environmental and labor safety.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is essential for engaging with stakeholders, project teams, and compliance with UNDP's policies and procedures. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to work in diverse environments and with various partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and international organizations. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. Additionally, the recruitment process does not involve any fees.