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 infrastructure in Kosovo. In Georgia, AUMCO facilitates educational partnerships, while in Central Asia, it engages in health system strengthening and hazardous waste management projects, reinforcing its role as a regional and thematic center of excellence.

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 is based in Dushanbe, with frequent travel to remediation sites in Tajikistan, and involves collaboration with various stakeholders to strengthen national and regional capacities for managing hazardous waste.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Advisory and Remediation Planning: Review and revise the Terms of Reference (ToR) and technical documentation for all project activities, including procurement processes, infrastructure design, and construction. Oversee project activities related to infrastructure development and remediation, ensuring compliance with national legislation and international best practices. Liaise with environmental authorities regarding HSE requirements and track changes in national legislation on hazardous waste.
• Procurement Support and Quality Assurance: Review tender packages and provide recommendations for improvement. Act as a technical specialist in evaluating bids and proposals, ensuring compliance with specifications. Conduct inspection visits and ensure technical presence at project sites.
• 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. Alternatively, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the same fields with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is acceptable. 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 a relevant field such as Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Science. A Master’s degree in these fields is preferred. The educational background should be complemented by relevant certifications and advanced training in hazardous waste management or environmental remediation.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in hazardous waste management, site remediation, or industrial HSE supervision. Experience should include the development, implementation, or oversight of site remediation plans, environmental monitoring, and HSE management within relevant sectors. Knowledge of international/national contaminated site legislation and management practices is also required, 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 Tajik is also mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

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.