Environmental Engineering Specialist (Hazardous Waste Management)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) was established in 2019 and serves as a hub for operations across 12 countries in South-East Europe, Türkiye, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization focuses on delivering technical expertise, operational support, and sustainable infrastructure solutions for governments, donors, and international financial institutions. AUMCO's flagship initiatives include projects aimed at reducing pollution in the Black Sea, enhancing protective services for women and children in Türkiye post-earthquake, revitalizing cultural heritage in Albania, and supporting higher education in Kosovo. In Georgia, AUMCO facilitates educational partnerships and strengthens rule of law and health access. The office also engages in health system strengthening in Uzbekistan and hazardous waste management in Tajikistan, reinforcing its role as a regional and thematic center of excellence in water, environment, and climate.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Engineering Specialist (Hazardous Waste Management) plays a crucial role in leading technical aspects of hazardous waste management projects in Central Asia, particularly focusing on the remediation of DDT and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This position requires providing authoritative technical advice to enhance project implementation and ensure the integrity and effectiveness of remediation efforts. The specialist will be responsible for adapting approaches to meet specific project needs, managing technical aspects of procurement, and ensuring compliance with international guidelines for hazardous waste management. The role involves frequent travel to remediation sites in Kyrgyzstan, where the specialist will oversee the design and construction of containment works and the procurement of related goods and services. This position is vital for contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development in the region, ensuring that project activities lead to effective remediation works at contaminated sites.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Advisory and Remediation Planning: Review and revise the Terms of Reference (ToR) and technical documentation for all project activities, ensuring compliance with national legislation and international best practices. Oversee project activities related to infrastructure development and remediation, considering site-level activities for hazardous waste remediation. Liaise with national and local environmental authorities regarding HSE requirements and ensure compliance with project needs and national regulations.
• Procurement Support and Quality Assurance: Review tender packages and provide recommendations for improvement. Act as a technical specialist in evaluating bids and proposals, ensuring they meet specification requirements. Conduct inspection visits and ensure technical presence at the site level when required.
• Reporting and Documentation: Produce revised technical specifications for project activities and provide technical guidance for market analysis. Undertake regular narrative reporting of project activities from a technical perspective.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the same fields with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Desired qualifications include certifications in hazardous waste management or environmental remediation and advanced training in chemical engineering or environmental science.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields. A Master’s degree in any of these areas is preferred. Relevant certifications in hazardous waste management or environmental remediation are also desired, along with advanced training in chemical engineering or environmental science.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in hazardous waste management, site remediation, or industrial HSE supervision. Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, or overseeing site remediation plans or hazardous waste management plans is essential. Experience in environmental monitoring or HSE management within the mining, heavy industry, or chemical sectors is also required. Knowledge of international/national contaminated site legislation and management practices is preferred, along with experience in working with national institutions and international organizations in the environmental sector in Central Asia.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at an intermediate level is required, while fluency in Russian and Kyrgyz is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication and collaboration within the project and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level with an ICS level of 10 and is offered under an ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular contract type. The contract is ongoing, and applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with organizational standards.