Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist 2024 in USA

The Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist (SES Specialist) position will coordinate and lead the global SES Team to improve knowledge and learning gained from the application of the UNDP Social and Environment Standards (SES).  The SES Specialist will lead the development and continuous improvement of the quality assurance process provided to environmental vertical fund projects, lead the development and improvement of safeguards-related standard operating procedures, and lead the consolidation of lessons learned through technical quality assurance for wider outreach to the SES team and Country Offices heavily invested in environmental vertical funds programming.

Position Purpose

The SES Specialist is responsible for overseeing policy alignment of the UNDP SES policy with that of the Vertical Funds (VF), supporting SES compliance of VF programming, and the development of guidance and tools to support this.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide effective coordination and technical support to the SES Team 
   • Develop and maintain SES specific information sharing platform(s)
   • Undertake SES-related data aggregation, analysis to improve targeting of SES support, capacity building, learning, and knowledge management.
   • Work with PIMS+ teams to upgrade VF SES workflows as needed, ensuring linkages with corporate platforms.
   • Support region-based and global thematic SES Technical Advisors as needed.
2. Generate learning and knowledge on safeguards and VF programming 
   • Consolidate and disseminate knowledge and learning from the application of the SES across VF and other UNDP programming.
   • Prepare lessons learned and facilitate uptake of lessons learned across UNDP.
   • Develop guidance and provide training in close coordination with relevant UNDP teams and Units as needed.
   • Compile good example SESPs and other SES instruments.
   • Develop and support the development of technical guidance, FAQs, and other materials to support the application of the SES.
   • Lead and coordinate a calendar of learning events to build a UNDP SES community of practice.
3.  Manage development of SES SOPs for VF programming systems and guidance 
   • Manage and track priority VF projects that need enhanced SES oversight support.
   • Lead on the management of the systems, guidance (SOPs), and tools for SES compliance for VF programming.
   • Develop new approaches and systems to enhance evidence-based decision-making, and to streamline portfolio management.
4. Knowledge Management and Self Development 
   • Advise on the latest development in social and environmental safeguards.
   • Develop initiatives to enhance safeguards knowledge and skills across the entire team.
   • Develop personal learning plan to continuously improve skills and knowledge to support the team most effectively.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Check: UNDP Project Management Specialist Internship in Libya

Required Skills and Experience for Social and Environmental Safeguards Specialist

Education:

• Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Economics or a closely related field; or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in above-mentioned fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience (with a master’s degree), or 7 years’ experience (with a bachelor’s degree), in the environment or business management.
• Direct experience in data analysis, project management, and results-based management is required.
• Expert Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint skills, familiarity with e-presentation techniques and ability to operate with on-line web-based applications is required.
• Work experience in an international organization is an advantage, as is knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures.
• Previous experience with climate and environment vertical funds (e.g., GEF and GCF) will be a distinct asset.

Language:

• Fluency in English language is required, with exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in other UN languages is an asset.

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