Project background
The Project “Small Pond of OHIS Industrial Site Clean-up” is designed to support remediation of the most critical environmental hotspot in the Republic of North Macedonia – the industrial pollution at the site of the former Organic Chemical Industry of Skopje. The European Union (EU) provides 2.5 million Euros through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) III to fund the Project.
The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the improvement of the environmental standards in North Macedonia through enhanced application of environmental policies in remediation of industrial hot-spots, and by decreasing the pollution-related risks to the environment and human health. The main environmental benefit from the project is the mitigation of risks associated with the release of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) into the environment and their subsequent distribution with resultant ecological and human health impacts from exposure to these chemicals.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme, Senior Environmental Engineer will provide technical advice related to OHIS clean up remediation activities. She/he will be responsible for:
- Provision of expert opinion regarding the existing strategies, feasibility studies and plans related to the remediation of OHIS small basin
- Support operations with contextual analysis and assessments
- Provide the technical angle, inputs and requirements in the definition, fine-tuning and periodic revisions of the project work plans, project risks and issues assessments
- Exchange of technical opinions with the technical experts from the environmental field regarding proper treatment of the HCH and ability to treat a wider spectrum of waste fractions
- Provide advice on the relevance of the action as compared to the country strategy, technical, environmental and economic criteria
- Prepare technical specifications/ToRs related to OHIS remediation activities, including for conduct of assessments about type and quantity of waste
- Participate in evaluation of tenders related to OHIS remediation
- Provide subject-matter advice regarding cost estimates of remediation activities
- Provide subject-matter advice on the appropriateness of the technology/methods implemented during remediation activities
- Contribute to Environmental Management Programmes, closure and rehabilitation plans for OHIS sites; permitting, compliance, assessment, and remediation problems; air monitoring plans and problems; soil sampling and testing; national and international environmental regulations interpretation and advice as needed
- Identifying opportunities, and actively advocate for funds for completion of remediation of OHIS small basin
- Provide advice and technical support related to remediation of environmental hotspots
- Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Master Degree preferably in Chemical Science/Engineering/Environmental Management or other relevant discipline is required.
- Bachelor’s degree with nine additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree.
Work Experience
- At least seven years of professional experience in the dealing with industrial hot spots related to contaminated sites and/or solid waste management and/or air pollution control is required;
- Knowledge in classification of different wastes in accordance with European Waste Catalog (EWC) is required;
- Knowledge of international and/or national contaminated site legislation and management practices is an advantage;
- Experience in preparation of Environmental Assessment /Management Plans is an asset
Language Requirements
- Fluent knowledge of English language (speaking, writing and reading) is required
Competencies
Strategic Perspective – Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Integrity & Inclusion – Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and Others – Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only:** Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnering – Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation – Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility – Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused – Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication – Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Retainer*
Contract level: I-ICA 3 (ICS11)
Contract duration: Up to 50 work days in period of two years
*If the selected candidate is based in a duty station where there is a national scale, s/he may be offered the local equivalent position.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Background Information
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
In North Macedonia, where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in conduct of demanding socio-economic reforms and provides support to the country’s accession to the European Union. The projects are implemented with the funding from Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Government of North Macedonia, and European Union. Office in North Macedonia is part of UNOPS Serbia Multi Country Office (RSMCO), which also covers operations in Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.