Environmental And Social Safeguards Associate

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) assists nations in combating poverty, inequality, and climate change, building integrated and sustainable solutions. The Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) operates under a specific mandate to improve Palestinian economic and social conditions. This role is within the Crisis Resilience unit, supporting the Gaza Sub-Office's emergency response and early recovery efforts.

Job Purpose

The Environmental and Social Safeguards Associate supports the UNDP/PAPP's Adaptive Management and Risk Mitigation strategy, ensuring programmatic delivery adheres to high standards of fiduciary accountability, conflict sensitivity, human rights, gender equality, security, and environmental and social standards. The role is crucial for informed decision-making to maximize impact and effective programme management. The Associate will directly assist the Head of Gaza Sub-Office by identifying, assessing, and managing environmental and social risks throughout the programme cycle, contributing to the overall resilience and capacity-building objectives of UNDP/PAPP in a challenging context.

Responsibilities

The role involves comprehensive support for compliance and risk management, including screening projects for social and environmental due diligence according to UNDP SES, and reviewing safeguard documents like ESPMs and ESMFs. Responsibilities include supporting the integration of risk management measures (climate, gender, human rights) into analyses, monitoring risk registers, and developing mitigation strategies. The Associate will assist in managing grievance redress mechanisms and stakeholder response mechanisms, ensuring information security. Oversight includes providing technical support to project teams and partners on SES implementation, participating in quality assurance processes, and supporting the management of SES-related incidents and grievances. The role also entails preparing compliance reports, compiling lessons learned, contributing to knowledge management platforms, and developing communication materials on safeguards efforts. Capacity building involves supporting SES action plans, delivering training, and raising awareness on safeguard issues.

Work Experience

A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 3 years with a Bachelor's degree, is required in programme/project management or occupational health and safety, focusing on environmental and social safeguards. Practical field experience in applying safeguards, including stakeholder engagement and grievance redress mechanisms, is essential. Experience with UN assignments or NGOs is desirable.

Skills

Proficiency in computer use and office software packages (MS Word, Excel), database management, and web-based systems. Solid knowledge of results-based management and project implementation. Experience in stakeholder engagement, working in conflict/transition contexts, and integrating cross-cutting issues (gender, human rights, social inclusion, climate risk) into safeguards assessments are desirable. Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills are necessary.

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