Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental Associate
Organizational Context
UNOPS operates in Latin America and the Caribbean, delivering high-impact solutions for sustainable development, focusing on resilient infrastructure and public health. The organization strengthens institutional capacities for transparent and efficient public management. This role supports national infrastructure projects within a broader program aimed at enhancing national infrastructure resilience, aligning interventions with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this role is to ensure that project execution within the program adheres to Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) excellence standards. This involves guaranteeing a safe and healthy work environment, fostering transparent and harmonious stakeholder relations, and strictly complying with UNOPS' Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMS) and all applicable regulatory requirements. The Associate will be instrumental in upholding these standards throughout the project lifecycle, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the infrastructure initiatives.
Responsibilities
The Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental Associate is responsible for comprehensive HSSE management in the field. This includes conducting regular site inspections to ensure safe working conditions, anticipating and responding to hazardous situations, and overseeing the quality of occupational health and safety actions. The role involves verifying the implementation of worker training, proper signage, emergency equipment, and waste management according to national regulations and UNOPS guidelines. Additionally, the Associate will ensure occupational and environmental risk assessments are performed and that social and environmental safeguards are met. This includes investigating and reporting safety incidents, coordinating compliance with governmental and UNOPS environmental and safety directives, and providing technical guidance on HSSE matters. The Associate will also generate field management reports, communicate emerging issues to the Project Manager, assist in risk management and mitigation planning, and maintain HSSE performance indicators.
Work Experience
A minimum of six years of field experience in Environment, Health, and Safety (HSSE) is required, with academic credentials potentially reducing this requirement. Desirable experience includes knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 39001 standards, experience with public infrastructure projects for governmental or international organizations, and complementary experience in social management of infrastructure projects.
Skills
Environment, Health, and Safety (HSSE), Occupational Health and Safety, Quality Assurance, Report Writing, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Social Responsibility, Environmental Safeguards, Social Safeguards.