Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Associate– Social Development (Retainer)

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. The organization aims to help people build better lives and assist countries in achieving sustainable development. In Nepal, UNOPS has been actively involved in reconstruction efforts following the 2015 earthquake, working closely with the government and various development partners. Their projects include assessing damaged buildings, enrolling beneficiaries in housing grant schemes, and supporting essential services such as policing and COVID-19 response efforts. UNOPS Nepal focuses on aligning its projects with government priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing gender, diversity, and inclusion in all initiatives. The organization is committed to enhancing the capacity of national and sub-national governments and fostering sustainable urban development through evidence-based planning and model projects.

Job Overview:
The Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Associate will play a crucial role in the policing component of the FCDO’s security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Justice Programme (SJP), which aims to improve security and justice services in Nepal. This position involves ensuring that all field-level health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) procedures promote equal rights and social inclusion. The incumbent will work closely with team leads to adapt risk assessments and emergency plans, focusing on the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly women. The role also includes leading training sessions for field staff and contractors on inclusion and safeguarding policies, monitoring compliance with these standards, and conducting regular audits to ensure adherence to HSSE, GESI, and PSEAH requirements. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying hazards and recommending safeguards to protect vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of operational functions, including:

• Ensuring that all HSSE procedures and policies at the field level promote equal rights and social inclusion.
• Collaborating with team leads to adapt risk assessments and emergency plans that prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups.
• Leading or coordinating training and awareness sessions for field staff and contractors on inclusion and safeguarding, ensuring understanding of relevant policies and reporting mechanisms.
• Monitoring and reporting on compliance with inclusion and safeguarding standards at project sites, conducting regular audits or checklists to track adherence to HSSE, GESI, and PSEAH requirements, and reporting progress monthly.
• Engaging with diverse audiences to explain and teach inclusion and safeguarding issues clearly.
• Analyzing site conditions and incident data by gender to assess compliance gaps and prepare recommendations or reports.
• Building trust with staff and community members to ensure a safe environment for raising concerns.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years of work experience in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) roles, ideally within development or humanitarian settings. A background in promoting diversity and protection, particularly in community programs that prioritize women's access or protect vulnerable groups, is desirable. Knowledge of GESI and PSEAH concepts is essential, along with training and communication skills to effectively convey inclusion and safeguarding issues. Candidates should possess analytical and report-writing abilities, demonstrating competence in assessing compliance gaps and preparing clear recommendations. Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity are crucial for engaging with diverse communities and building trust. Familiarity with the G-suite platform is an asset, and experience in the national context of Nepal is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Completion of secondary education is required for this position. A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Gender Studies, Social Science, Development Studies, Community Development, or a related discipline is desirable but not mandatory. This educational background may compensate for some of the required years of experience, particularly in roles that emphasize gender equality and social inclusion.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE). Candidates should have a background in health/safety/environment roles, ideally within development or humanitarian contexts. Experience in promoting diversity and protection, particularly through community programs that prioritize women's access or safeguard vulnerable groups, is highly valued. Familiarity with GESI and PSEAH concepts, as well as experience in conducting workshops or briefings on gender and diversity topics, is also beneficial. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with the G-suite platform, including Google Drive, Calendar, Gmail, Sheets, Docs, and Slides.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written Nepalese and English is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the team and with stakeholders, ensuring that all policies and procedures are understood and implemented correctly.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Local ICA Support, with a contract level of LICA-

• The duration of the contract is twelve (12) months, with the possibility of extension. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and will provide reasonable accommodations for shortlisted candidates during the assessment process. UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised position if necessary. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their work.