Environmental Engineering Specialist (Hazardous Waste Management)
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) in Vienna supports operations across 12 countries in South-East Europe, Türkiye, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. It delivers technical expertise, operational support, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. This role is part of a GEF-funded project focused on strengthening capacities for managing hazardous waste, particularly DDT and POPs, in Central Asia, with UNOPS serving as the technical implementation, tendering, and procurement partner.
Job Purpose
The Environmental Engineering Specialist (Hazardous Waste Management) provides critical technical advice and expertise for a GEF-funded project focused on the demonstration of non-thermal treatment of DDT wastes in Central Asia. The role ensures the effective design, implementation, and oversight of remediation works at contaminated sites, adapting approaches to specific project needs. It involves managing technical aspects of procurement and ensuring compliance with international guidelines for hazardous waste management, thereby significantly strengthening national and regional capacities for handling persistent organic pollutants and other hazardous materials.
Responsibilities
The Environmental Engineering Specialist provides technical advisory and remediation planning, including reviewing and revising Terms of Reference, technical documentation, and infrastructure design for remediation activities. This involves overseeing site-level remediation of hazardous waste, considering national legislation, international best practices, and Best Available Techniques (BAT). The role also involves liaising with contractors, reviewing design deliverables for compliance, and tracking changes in hazardous waste regulations. Additionally, the specialist supports procurement by reviewing tender packages, acting as a technical evaluator for bids, and performing quality assurance on delivered goods, works, and services. Regular reporting on project activities from a technical perspective is also a key duty.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in hazardous waste management, site remediation, or industrial HSE supervision is required. This should include experience in developing, implementing, or overseeing remediation plans, environmental monitoring, or supervising hazardous waste operations. Experience within national environmental authorities or engineering consultancies is also relevant. Desired experience includes knowledge of international contaminated site legislation, ADR regulations for hazardous waste transport, and working with international organizations in Central Asia.
Skills
Environmental Management Systems, Hazard Analysis, Policy Analysis, Procurement, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Technical Analysis