JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Position Title

Environmental Safeguards Advisor

Job Category

Project

Duty Station(s)

Home based

Seniority Level

Senior Level

ICS Level

ICS 11

Contract Type

ICA – IICA – Retainer

Contract Level

IICA 3

Posting Start Date

27-Nov-2025

Posting End Date

28-Nov-2025

Duration

Seven months with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and necessity of services.

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to sustainable development in Mozambique while advancing your career in a leading UN organization. The position offers exposure to diverse projects, cross-cultural collaboration, and professional development opportunities in environmental and social safeguards management within the UN system.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

About the Project Office

UNOPS Mozambique is a trusted partner in advancing the country’s development priorities and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Working closely with the Government and development partners, UNOPS delivers a range of services—including project management, procurement, and capacity building—to support peacebuilding, expand access to essential services, and strengthen livelihoods. The office plays a vital role in implementing projects that foster resilience and sustainable development, particularly in communities affected by conflict and climate-related challenges. With a strong track record of delivering high-impact, results-driven initiatives, UNOPS continues to contribute to long-term, positive change for the people of Mozambique.

Job Specific Context

This position operates within a dynamic project implementation environment in Mozambique, providing essential environmental and social safeguards expertise to ensure projects are implemented sustainably and in compliance with international standards. The role requires close collaboration with project teams, government counterparts, and local communities to identify and mitigate potential environmental and social risks associated with project activities.

Role Purpose

Under the overall guidance of the Senior Project Manager (IICA 3), the Environmental Safeguards Advisor provides technical expertise and support to ensure that all projects implemented in Mozambique adhere to the highest environmental standards.

This role involves conducting environmental and social impact assessments, developing mitigation plans, and monitoring project activities to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

The Environmental Safeguards Advisor also plays a key role in building the capacity of project teams and local partners to effectively manage environmental and social risks.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) for proposed projects in Mozambique, identifying potential risks and impacts associated with project activities.

• Develop detailed mitigation plans to address identified environmental and social risks, ensuring compliance with international standards and local regulations.

• Provide technical guidance to project teams on the implementation of mitigation measures, monitoring their effectiveness and recommending adjustments as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement and Community Consultation

• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement plans to ensure meaningful consultation with affected communities and other relevant stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

• Facilitate community consultations to gather feedback on project activities and address any concerns or grievances raised by local communities.

• Build strong relationships with government counterparts, local communities, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and ensure project sustainability.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Develop and implement monitoring plans to track the environmental and social performance of projects, identifying any deviations from established standards and recommending corrective actions.

• Prepare regular progress reports on environmental and social safeguards implementation, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

• Conduct site visits to project locations to assess compliance with environmental and social safeguards requirements and provide on-the-ground support to project teams.

Capacity Building and Training

• Develop and deliver training programs to build the capacity of project teams and local partners to effectively manage environmental and social risks.

• Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to project staff, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to implement environmental and social safeguards measures.

• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices in environmental and social safeguards management across the UNOPS Mozambique portfolio.

Skills

Environmental Compliance, Environmental Impact Assessment, Report Writing, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

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.

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).

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.

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 behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

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.

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.

Education Requirements

Required

• Master”s Degree or equivalent in environmental science, social science, engineering, or related field with 7 years of experience; OR

• Bachelor”s Degree in environmental science, social science, engineering, or related field with 9 years of experience.

Desired

• Professional certifications in environmental and social impact assessment.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental and social safeguards management, preferably in the context of international development projects.

Desired

• Experience working in Mozambique or other similar developing country contexts.

• Experience working with Environmental & Social safeguards, and the World Bank.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredPortugueseIntermediateDesirable

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.