Programme Specialist

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, WASH, the Programme Specialist (Environment and Social Safeguard) will ensure that UNICEF Environmental and Social Safeguarding standards (ESS) are complied with and monitored throughout UNICEF programme cycle. These tasks will be performed in line with the contractual requirements included in the respective Environmental and Social Commitments Plan (ESCP) agreed with the World Bank, KFW Germany and other donors across various UNICEF projects. The incumbent will be responsible for the adequate implementation and monitoring of the relevant instruments related to the Risks and ESS Management component. 

Key Accountabilities includes:

Environment and Social Safeguard Risk management for the projects 

• Elaborate all relevant Risks and Environmental and Social Safeguarding (ESS) management tools, including by ensuring compliance with the Environmental and Social Commitments Plans (ESCPs)
• Lead the development of ESS plan and instruments that includes Environment and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and the environment and social management plans (ESMP)
• Project Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting and Accountability
• Capacity Building and Training of UNICEF staff and partners on ESS

 Institutionalization of ESS policy in UNICEF South Sudan country office 

• Apply ESS policy throughout the country programme
• Finalize country specific ESS roll out plan for South Sudan country office
• Lead implementation of the country specific ESS roll out plan

Environment and Social Safeguard Risk management for the projects 

• Support the elaboration of all relevant Risks and Environmental and Social Safeguarding (ESS) management tools, including by ensuring compliance with the existing Environmental and Social Commitments Plans (ESCPs)
• In coordination with the Programme, Operations, and PME sections, prepare the needed Risks and Environmental and Social Safeguarding (ESS) site-specific management tools, in line with the project-level one, by relying as much as possible on the existing instruments (e.g., technical assessments, screening checklists, community planning tools, etc.).
• In coordination with the Programme, Operations, and PME sections and IPM/HACT and supply colleagues, ensure that the relevant mitigation measures are embedded in the PCA/PD and Cover Letters with the Implementing Partners and in the contracts with the service providers, and that they receive relevant capacity building.
• In coordination with the Programme, Operations, and PME sections, ensure that the reporting and monitoring of the relevant ESS standards and mitigation measures is embedded in the existing monitoring mechanisms (e.g., TPM, FMM, etc.).
• In coordination with the AAP and Complaints and Feedback Mechanism Officer, support the management of the Complaints and Feedbacks Mechanism: revise the protocols (categorization, timeframe, etc.), follow up on open grievances, provide quality assurance on the closure of the complaints, train the Call Center agents and UNICEF colleagues, work with SBC on the dissemination of the CFM information at community level, etc.
• Participate in all relevant programmes’ and operations’ meetings to ensure compliance with ESS.
• Draft any other additional necessary risk management instruments, guidance notes, monitoring tools, reporting templates, as per the office’s needs.
• Provide ESS technical support, guidance, advice to UNICEF’s team.
• Contribute to the revision, finalization and roll out of UNICEF global ESS Policy and Procedures at country level.
• Share best practices and lessons learnt with UNICEF ESS Community of Practice.

Project Implementation, Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability 

• Provide technical support during project implementation to ensure its compliance with ESS standards.
• Ensure that the identified mitigation measures are implemented by UNICEF and their partners – both IPs and service providers.
• Include formulating a roll-out plan, developing supporting guidance and tools, when applicable to support environmental and social safeguarding implementation.
• Take stock of lessons learned from previous projects, global regional and national best practices, and current UNICEF and WB principles guidelines and procedures to ensure environmental and social safeguarding tools for the project remain up to date.
• Conduct reporting/verification and monitoring activities to ensure that proposed mitigation measures are implemented according to ESS and to constantly reassess the relevant risks.
• Report and address all safeguarding issues on the ground through the appropriate channels.
• Monitor UNICEF, partners’ (both IPs and service providers), and donors’ compliance with ESS.
• Ensure complaints and feedbacks received through the available mechanism are adequately addressed (especially when related to harm to the community or the environment).
• Ensure a prompt incident reporting and management according to the donors’ contractual requirement (for WB, ref. to ESCP).

Capacity Building and Training  

• Provide support and direct technical assistance to develop environmental and social safeguarding strategies and plans.
• Support to develop and implement ESS capacity building activities for UNICEF staff and partners (MoH, IPs and Contractors) where applicable, including TPMs and CFM staffs, in coordination with respective leaders.
• Provide technical support to the project and result-based monitoring and evaluation.

Institutionalization of ESS in South Sudan country office 

• Apply ESS throughout the country programme inline to UNICEF ESS policy and procedures and technical guidance.
• Finalize ESS roll out plan for South Sudan country office
• Lead implementation and monitoring of ESS roll out plan

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• An advanced university degree is required in one of the following fields: risk/project management, strategic planning, social studies, environmental/civil engineering or public health (with proven knowledge on social standards), or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in risk informed programming and management, or programme management that include:
• Experience in social and environmental sustainability and design, implementation and preferably monitoring of social and environmental impact assessments and management plans.
• Experience in occupational health and safety, social behavioral change, community engagement, gender.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Experience in training and development of training materials is required.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing is required.
• Experience in report writing in English for UN and donor audiences is required.
• Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is required, and in South Sudan an asset.
• Experience in working with UNICEF, or another UN agency is an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/573675