Project Manager (Environmental Engineering)
Organizational Context
UNOPS operates in the Asia Pacific region, with a Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) covering 24 countries in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific. EAPMCO, headquartered in Bangkok, supports project delivery in areas like energy transition and climate change. In Papua New Guinea, UNOPS has a dedicated office established in 2020, focusing on infrastructure, procurement, and project management, partnering with the government and international bodies.
Job Purpose
The Project Manager (Environmental Engineering) will lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of a project focused on the environmentally sound disposal of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Papua New Guinea. This involves managing the project lifecycle to ensure delivery within scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards, while adhering to ESHSS requirements. The role demands significant technical expertise in hazardous waste management, project and contract management, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. A key objective is to ensure compliance with international conventions like the Stockholm and Basel Conventions, effectively manage project risks, and strengthen national capacity for hazardous waste management, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea.
Responsibilities
The Project Manager will lead the implementation of the GEF funded DDT and PCB Disposal Project, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, budget, quality, and HSSE requirements. This includes developing and updating comprehensive project implementation plans, managing detailed work plans, procurement, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and quality assurance. The role involves overseeing all project outputs, from site assessments and contractor procurement to hazardous waste packaging, transportation, international shipment, and final disposal, ensuring compliance with international conventions (Basel, Stockholm, Waigani) and national legislation. Contractor performance will be closely monitored against contractual obligations and technical specifications. The Project Manager will also promote sustainable hazardous waste management practices, strengthen institutional capacity through stakeholder engagement, and support the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA). Compliance with UNOPS policies, financial regulations, and reporting obligations is essential, as is maintaining project documentation and supporting audits. Effective stakeholder engagement, quality assurance of deliverables, and fostering a knowledge-sharing environment within the project team are also key duties.
Work Experience
Required experience includes project management in environmental management, hazardous waste management, or environmental infrastructure projects, with demonstrated success across the full project lifecycle. Experience managing multidisciplinary projects, including planning, implementation, procurement, contract management, and closure, is essential. Desired experience includes knowledge of international hazardous waste conventions, managing hazardous waste logistics, working in multicultural or developing country environments, and leading high-risk environmental projects. Professional project management or safety certifications are advantageous.
Skills
Project Planning, Project Implementation, Project Coordination, Quality Assurance, Reporting, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Hazardous Waste Management, Contract Management, Procurement, Regulatory Compliance.