Head of Social and Environmental Standards (SES)

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Position Title: Head of Social and Environmental Standards (SES)
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development within the UN Development System. Established to integrate collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP operates globally, providing deep local knowledge and advocacy through its Global Policy Network (GPN). The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. UNDP has a robust framework for social and environmental standards, aiming to strengthen programming quality and manage risks effectively. The organization is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and encourages applications from marginalized populations.

Job Overview:
The Head of SES will lead the global UNDP SES team, which is responsible for integrating social and environmental standards into UNDP programming. This role involves managing a team based at headquarters and in regional hubs, ensuring that SES considerations are embedded in project design and risk management. The incumbent will be expected to travel frequently and engage with various stakeholders to promote the importance of SES in development programming. The position requires a strategic approach to enhance UNDP's programming quality and impact, aligning with the organization's mission to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and ownership of the SES Policy, ensuring alignment with UN norms and frameworks.
• Lead processes to verify the equivalency of various SES policies and ensure integration into UNDP’s operational frameworks.
• Collect and report data on SES implementation for internal decision-making and external communication.
• Monitor and escalate SES risks to senior management.
• Regularly review and update SES procedures based on lessons learned and stakeholder feedback.
• Coordinate with UNDP’s Accountability Mechanism on relevant policy issues.
• Manage the global SES team, ensuring effective oversight and advisory support for priority programming.
• Support Country Offices in developing SES Implementation Plans and advise on screening and assessments.
• Promote the development of project-level Grievance Redress Mechanisms. 1
• Develop training programs and guidance materials to enhance SES capacity within UNDP and among partners. 1
• Establish an SES Oversight Network to facilitate collaboration across UNDP. 1
• Engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about SES internally and externally.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Policy, or related fields is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) with additional qualifying experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in environment and climate, focusing on social and environmental standards, results management, and risk management is required.
• Direct experience in preparing social and environmental safeguards instruments is essential.
• Experience in developing policies and managing globally dispersed teams is required.
• Previous work experience in the UN or UNDP is an advantage.
• Experience with International Financial Institutions is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Policy, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or 12 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be in the field of environment and climate, with a focus on social and environmental standards, results management, and broader risk management. Direct experience in the preparation and quality assurance of social and environmental safeguards instruments is essential, as is experience in developing policies and managing globally dispersed teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Working knowledge of other UN languages is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of UNDP's operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New York, USA, and may require frequent travel. Continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period. UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The organization promotes diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from marginalized populations.