The Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer (ESSO) will play a critical role in ensuring that UNOPS projects in Yemen adhere to the highest environmental and social standards, particularly those set by the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and UNOPS’s own HSSE policies. This position is essential for mitigating risks associated with infrastructure rehabilitation and restoration activities in a fragile, conflict-affected environment, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities and the sustainability of project outcomes
Reporting to the Programme Manager, the Environmental and Social Safeguard Officer (ESSO) is responsible for managing and overseeing the implementation and monitoring of all environmental and social (E&S) safeguards, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements, and relevant social standards in line with the World Bank ESF/ESSs, the Project ESMF, and UNOPS procedures. The ESSO will ensure that projects meet the requirements of the ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) of the World Bank, as well as the Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSG) of the World Bank Group. The ESSO will also facilitate compliance with the UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) system, including UNOPS’ Policy on HSSE management, as well as the guidelines, templates and procedures developed under this system for occupational health and safety, environment and social
1. E&S Planning and Documentation (Compliance)
Prepare the Environmental and Social Screening Forms for all proposed sub-projects, Review and clear what has been prepared by Implementing Partners (IPs).
Prepare or advise on, supervise, and review the preparation of site-specific E&S instruments, including: Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plans (ARAPs) or Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs), ensuring adherence to the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) and achieving a goal of zero land conflicts (ESS5), if required, Specific management plans (e.g., Waste Management Plans, Labour Management Procedures (LMP), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Risk Action Plans, and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH) Prevention Plans).
Prepare the required documentation for the World Bank’s No-Objection and prior review for E&S documents (e.g., full ESIAs/ESMPs).
2. Monitoring, Implementation, OHS and Reporting
Conduct regular site visits to sub-project locations to monitor the implementation of ESMPs, LMPs, and OHS procedures by IPs and contractors.
Identify instances of non-compliance and immediately recommend and follow up on corrective actions with IPs and contractors.
Ensure contractors implement and maintain robust OHS procedures, including the provision of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), site safety protocols, and incident reporting. Ensure all labor standards and working conditions are met.
Oversee mitigation measures for community health and safety risks, including traffic management, management of hazardous materials, and minimizing disruption during works.
Prepare accurate and timely E&S monitoring reports, including tracking of key E&S indicators, incidence of non-compliance, status of corrective actions, and GRM performance for inclusion in overall project reporting and update E&S instruments.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Social Accountability
Support and supervise the establishment, functioning, and monitoring of the Project’s GRM at the site level, ensuring grievances are registered, addressed, and resolved in a timely, confidential, and culturally appropriate manner.
Assist in implementing the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, ensuring meaningful consultations and information disclosure.
Proactively monitor and ensure that all sub-project activities consider the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups (e.g., IDPs, female-headed households, disabled persons) to ensure fair and equitable access to project benefits.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management
Develop and deliver targeted training and capacity-building sessions on E&S safeguards, OHS, GBV/SEA/SH prevention, and GRM operation and other ES safeguarding matters for UNOPS project personnel, IPs, and contractors.
Stay updated on emerging HSSE trends, technologies, and best practices, and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Share lessons learned, success stories, and innovative approaches related to HSSE with the project team and stakeholders.
Contribute to the development of HSSE-related guidance documents, tools, and training materials.
5. Personnel management
Provide guidance and support to project staff and contractors on HSSE and Safeguards matters, including training and capacity building initiatives.
Foster a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement within the project team.
Promote teamwork, collaboration, and a positive work environment among project staff.
